After several seasons of underachievement, Middlesex supporters will be hoping that a hectic winter of ins and outs heralds a change in fortunes.
Strengths
Chris Rogers is an excellent acquisition and a proven accumulator of runs in county cricket. There is a sprinkling of other talented batsmen in the squad too with the likes of Dawid Malan, Eoin Morgan, Sam Robson, Scott Newman and captain Neil Dexter. But it is the bowling where Middlesex’s strength lies with Steve Finn (who could be available for more of this summer than last) joined by Corey Collymore, Toby Roland-Jones, Tim Murtagh, Anthony Ireland and loan signing Ollie Rayner.
Weaknesses
It’s a shame for Middlesex fans that Andrew Strauss is being rested until May by the ECB as he and Rogers would form a formidable opening partnership. England calls could also deprive them of Morgan (who is also playing in the IPL until late May) and Finn. The newcomers may take time to settle and the team to gel.
Main man
Chris Rogers – Derbyshire’s loss is Middlesex’s gain. It is almost criminal that Rogers has only played the one Test for Australia.
Look out for…
A serious push for promotion, as well as the continued development of Roland-Jones, who looks a decent prospect.
Prediction
2nd – No more underachievement for this well-balanced squad.
Where next?
County Championship Previews - Division 2: Derbyshire, Essex, Glamorgan, Gloucestershire, Kent
County Championship Previews - Division 1: Yorkshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Sussex, Somerset, Nottinghamshire, Lancashire, Hampshire, Durham
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I'm very happy with all the acquisitions and fingers crossed hopefully Middlesex will drag themselves out of the swamp by their own collars. Malan staying and Newman finally kicking himself in the butt should help. I'm loving the attack, however, the spin department still looks understaffed and Ollie only signed for the first part of the season AFAIK, the other spinners with the exception of Tom Smith are either part timers or allrounders and have not been seen near the first XI very often yet, but perhaps I'm overestimating their role or should stop comparing everyone to Danny Briggs.
Posted by: Wes ~PFCNFS~ | Thursday, April 07, 2011 at 13:07
Youre right there - not many young spinners compare to Briggs. If Dockrell commits to England, which I guess is likely now, then it should be some battle between the two.
As for Middlesex, it would seem that it could be a south-east battle for promotion with Kent, Essex and Surrey all looking good too
Posted by: The Reverse Sweep | Thursday, April 07, 2011 at 15:10