No huge surprise as regards a contract with us, but Michael Booth has signed for 3 years:-
https://edgbaston.com/news/booth-buzzing-to-be-a-bear-after-signing-first-pro-deal/
He has been playing a fair bit this year - for the Seconds and in the 50 over team - and done OK (probably no more than that at the moment).
'The only good banker, is the Lickey Banker!'
I wasn't overly impressed to be honest and he looked like a bit of a comedy fielder. 3 years is a huge show of faith. A full winter of pro training and pre season will do him good though.
I really don’t understand this club sometimes.
We release homegrown prospects like Johal and Garrett. But sign an identical player from South Africa on a 3 year deal.
I mean a 3 year deal?!?!?
I wish him all the best, but seems baffling to me.
Half expecting a bowling version of Benjamin. 1 breakout performance, and to live out the rest of his time based on reputation.
I think that's the bit that stood out for me, 3 years! He must have done incredibly well in the nets. I mean he's 22, talk about going under the radar...
Thr full article and interview here are interesting https://edgbaston.com/news/booth-feels-fortunate-to-get-bears-opportunity/?fbclid=IwAR0dgwTuG2DMxdhtITBGJj_8Zv4hwPcEymO-PqOGTIvY_Qb3Kkh2ZWPULNQ
Just listened to the interview. Seems from what Booth is saying that the club see him as an out and out pace bowler who’s pace is his ultimate weapon.
From what I saw in the couple of 50 over matches and the seconds highlights, he didn’t seem to be bowling that fast.
So I don’t know what they’ve seen, but it’s interesting that’s their approach and what they want him for.
Wonder if they see him as a Norwell replacement (because let’s be honest he’s not getting another deal), bowl a heavy ball and get wickets in less helpful conditions.
Booth has a stress facture of his ankle, according to The Cricketer.
Terrible news
Confirmed on the YouTube commentary that Booth has a stress fracture of the ankle - not good.
Really bad news for a young man who is just starting to get noticed.
Life as a seam bowler can lead to a lot of injuries but we do appear to get more than our fair share. I don't remember Chris Rushworth spending half the time in the treatment room at Durham. It could be age in his case but then there's OHD who seems to just keep going.
So it might be just random. Does anybody have any stats as to whether we do worse than other counties for bowling injuries?
I feel like us and Kent have the most. Kent definitely had the most last season.
Michael Booth out for three months, according to the Club.