Has anyone else picked up on Farb's comment in the pre-season Supporters Forum, about a batsman (and currently part-time - very p/t - seamer!), who has been rapidly progressing some skills as leg spin bowler this winter? He didn't give a name away, but I see on AH's Twitter page, he talks about looking forward to an, "Eric Hollies return to Edgbaston" this season. Putting 2 and 2 together (perhaps making 5!), all I can think is that Hose himself is the mystery leggie. IF it is him, it is a big move from his old RMF, but I guess a spin bowling addition to his batting, only helps his ambitions in red ball, as well as white ball cricket.

Andy wrote:

He looked OK. Concern is that he gets out like that loads.

Like I said about Henry B, I think the jury is still out on Yates. He clearly has ability, but lacks that bit of concentration needed by an opener. I'd like to see him go down the order - perhaps 5 (if Lamb is 3 and Hain, 4) - though he'd be competing with a few for that - notably Dan Mousley, who (I think) has all the gifts to be a star of the future (and not just as a batsman, as shown in his bowling at the end of the Durham innings).

I thought (Barnt Greenie!) Lamb looked back to his old self. He was just getting in form again last season until he picked up an injury. He really is a talent. I'd love to see him go in regularly at 3, ahead of Hain - he certainly has the skill and application, but the luck hasn't been with him at times.

BristolBear wrote:

I think early in the season I might want to see 1 more batsman, someone like Lamb slotting in at 6.
I think with Rhodes ability to bowl, plus the bowler friendly nature of early season pitches, I’d back that side to get 20 wickets without 1 of Briggs, Brookes or Norwell.

I agree about Lamb coming in, but possibly at 5, ahead of Mousley, at least to start the season

BluenoseBear wrote:

Who's our back up keeper if Burgess ever gets injured? Ambrose now obviously gone too.

Although Vikai is official back up keeper, I think if Burgess is out for a short period of time, we'll see Malan behind the stumps. He has been playing as keeper in recent white ball games in South Africa and has performed well. I reckon that was partly Farb's thinking in bringing him to Edgbaston; a good opener (and proven in English conditions in a few seasons in the Lancs Leagues), a decent part time seamer, I've been told a good slip fielder and some keeping experience.

So glad the Forum is back. It is a shame that we lost all 'our history' on the old Forum though (I think I said some good things, but can't remember what!). And I'm so looking forward to this season, with Mark R and the new lads coming in. For me the best new player (full) contract announcement this Winter, was Jake Lintott. How good it is to have a left arm wrist spinner with us; he was a joy to watch in the T20 last year!