Talking Cricket: Squad proves league still rules

8:44am Tuesday 16th November 2010 in Talking Cricket column Photograph of the Author By Matt Donlan, Sports reporter

THE harbingers of doom say the Lancashire League is on its last legs. They say, almost with a joy in their voices, that the most famous cricket league on the planet is struggling and the days of good professionals are gone.

So I really hope those merchants of misery choked on their popular choice of breakfast cereal yesterday morning when FOUR former Lancashire League professionals were picked in the Aussie squad for the first Test.

It is great news for the league; it puts the league back on the map – and more than anything it proves that going out to sign an overseas pro pays dividends.

Michael Clarke, Marcus North, Nathan Hauritz and Ryan Harris were only household names in their own homes when they plied their trade in the league.

Damn fine players the lot of them, but just making their way in the game.

Fans watched top players cutting their teeth – and if clubs continue to sign young players then more huge names in the future will have been in the league.

I know it is costly – but clubs must bring in the overseas men.

Because if they don’t those harbingers of doom may just get their wish.

Comments (3)

11:14am Tue 16 Nov 10

Cabbages says...

Never mind all those damned Aussies, where do you think leading strike bowler James Anderson learned his craft?
Never mind all those damned Aussies, where do you think leading strike bowler James Anderson learned his craft? Cabbages

1:22pm Wed 17 Nov 10

Gaius Grossus says...

Getting big name English players as they come to the end of their careers will be better for the future of the league as a feeder to the bigger game
Getting big name English players as they come to the end of their careers will be better for the future of the league as a feeder to the bigger game Gaius Grossus

9:01pm Sun 21 Nov 10

sir claude says...

Much as I like Matt Donlan;he's a good bloke and very much a " cricket man", I feel his views are slightly blinkered. Moreover I believe he is missing the point.Firstly only people in Lancashire would say the Lancashire League is the most famous on the planet.Secondly and more importantly,does it not prove that when sides don't sign top class pro,s the lack of strength in depth becomes obvious.The Lancashire League ,for me,has always been overated Matt. Take a trip over the border and check out a Bradford League game or further afield, the Birmingham League,two excellent leagues where cricket means 11 against 11 not pro against pro. I am sure I've stirred up a hornets nest here.I look forward to reading peoples comments.
Much as I like Matt Donlan;he's a good bloke and very much a " cricket man", I feel his views are slightly blinkered. Moreover I believe he is missing the point.Firstly only people in Lancashire would say the Lancashire League is the most famous on the planet.Secondly and more importantly,does it not prove that when sides don't sign top class pro,s the lack of strength in depth becomes obvious.The Lancashire League ,for me,has always been overated Matt. Take a trip over the border and check out a Bradford League game or further afield, the Birmingham League,two excellent leagues where cricket means 11 against 11 not pro against pro. I am sure I've stirred up a hornets nest here.I look forward to reading peoples comments. sir claude

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