Bugger.
It did seem a little odd that whilst our one day side spluttered along – and ultimately avoided relegation at the last turn - that Ian Blackwell was not a key component of the side. There have been mutterings for a while about IB leaving but it was hoped that the popular allrounder would stay and sort out whatever backroom problems there were. After all, it can’t have been his ability in question….
The truth is that this is probably the best result for the player but not for the club. Allrounders of IB’s quality do not grow on trees and especially not at a club of Somerset’s size and means. A great shame as those 1,000+ Championship runs a season will be harder to replace than some think. And no, he didn’t get prolific amounts of wickets but he chipped in and 239 first-class wickets is not to be sniffed at.
All of which interestingly leaves Somerset with a number of key issues for 2009…
IB Replacement – if the regional AGMs are to be believed then there is no money to go out and snaffle the next Murali so it’s down to the young spinners at the club to step up. Messrs Banks, Durston, Munday, Suppiah…the trouble being of course that none of those will offer the sort of runs IB did and there’s actually a rather large question mark on how many wickets they’ll take too…my bet is Arul Suppiah but then do you want wickets (is Michael Munday going to bounce back?) or runs? Not easy and Somerset are weaker from this departure no question.
Caddick - While we go about trying to replace a servant of SCCC of nine years, another long-standing squad member is in the winter of his career (well, clearly I think autumn is a little optimistic). A fired-up, fit Andrew Caddick would be in any County side but after back surgery and now 40, it is not unkind to suggest this should be his last year. Quite how you replace 1,170 first-class wickets is anyone’s guess but Somerset do need that frontline grunt to bag early wickets…thoughts anyone?
Langer – Not actually a problem as such given his battling leadership qualities and the fact that he seems happy to continue for a year or two then hand the baton to Marcus Trescothick. Yet, it does mean no room for an overseas acquisition should the money magically re-appear. Say, Murali or Brett Lee!
Willoughby - is 34 tomorrow (many congrats) and has been an inspirational signing for Somerset. However, he is not likely to carry on as long as Caddick, who could, after all….so, that’s two new pacemen then…ok, admittedly I’m stretching the argument given that both should play in 2009, but it is a worry and not sure if management have an ace (or two) up their sleeves.
But for now, let’s wish IB good luck at Durham and hope that Omari Banks or Suppiah is ready to step up to the challenge….
