Talking cricket column: Anwar is a great signing (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Talking cricket column: Anwar is a great signing

1:50pm Wednesday 11th August 2010 in Talking Cricket column By Matt Donlan, Sports reporter

SUNDAY’S Worsley Cup final proved just what everyone knows already – the quality of the profes-sionals in the Lancashire League are what make the game special.

I know times are tough for clubs and the days of the very biggest names appearing in the leagues are probably in the past because of the international schedule and the like.

But I am a firm believer that clubs should go out and get the best pros they can. They should stretch the budget to get the star players in.

Anwar Ali proved the importance of good players when it comes to winning matches.

More importantly, the presence of a player like Ali gives the rest a real thrill.

It sets the Lancashire League apart from the rest.

Unfortunately Colne have taken the decision not to re-sign the Pakistani quickie for next season.

They say that is because he could get called up to the national team.

But they again isn’t that true of any player you sign?

There is always an element of risk when signing a pro. They could, of course, turn out to be rubbish...but it doesn’t stop clubs making signings.

Ali wants to stay in the league and I really hope that someone will come in and sign Anwar for next year...he quite simply changes games and his attitude is a credit to him.

Because the sight of him gliding in before delivering a 90-odd mph Exocet is one that thrills any true cricket fan.

So come on, get him signed up for next year.

l IT wasn’t exactly the sort of breaking news to wake you from a slumber coming out of Old Trafford when Lancashire decided to snub the Lancashire League grounds when they go on tour next year.

The Red Rose will not be playing much at Old Trafford as work to switch the square takes place.

So they are going to the outgrounds...and say that upwards of half of the Championship fixtures will take place at Liverpool, while Southport and Blackpool will get a game each.

That is just about as predictable as it comes.

Blackpool’s Stanley Park has seen better days and runs have not exactly flowed there this year.

Yet Lancs will say the wicket at grounds like Ramsbottom, East Lancashire or Nelson would not be good enough.

But they seem to forget that little issue when the Red Rose are pinged out for 181 in fewer than 70 overs on their own Old Trafford midding.

It’s an opportunity missed.