'Overseas' Players

[Jimmy Lad]

A couple of years back Leicestershire were heavily criticised (from all quarters) for fielding half a side of non-English players. In my opinion this criticism was probably fair as the long term effect on English cricket could have been damaging had a precedent been set.

Today Leicestershire are playing 10 English players and good luck to them.

However, take a close look at today's opponents Derbyshire.

1. Rogers - Australian
2. Madsen - South African
3. Borrington - English
4. Park - South African
5. Smith - South African
6. Redfern - English
7. Petersen - South African
8. Goddard - English
9. Groenewald - South African
10.Jones - Welsh
11.Footitt - English

That is 6 out of 11 non English.

Do you hear the criticism being levelled at them? I haven't heard a word!

Also look at county champions Durham... 3 Australians and a South African captain! Criticised....No, just congratulated for winning!

 

[Blue Maniac]

However, take a close look at today's opponents Derbyshire.

1. Rogers - Australian
2. Madsen - South African
3. Borrington - English
4. Park - South African
5. Smith - South African
6. Redfern - English
7. Petersen - South African
8. Goddard - English
9. Groenewald - South African
10.Jones - Welsh
11.Footitt - English

That is 6 out of 11 non English.

I don't wish to be pedantic, but that's seven non-English.

 

[Durham Fox]

I don't wish to be pedantic, but that's seven non-English.

Only 6 not eligible to play for England though.

 

[Jeff]

I don't wish to be pedantic, but that's seven non-English.

Welsh players can play for England, so the Welshman counts as English too :icon_wink

 

[glyn]

Do you hear the criticism being levelled at them? I haven't heard a word!

Also look at county champions Durham... 3 Australians and a South African captain! Criticised....No, just congratulated for winning!

you are absolutely right, County have moved away from this in the past couple of years and we still get tarred with that brush despite it being the same in a lot of places

 

[CM]

It would be harsh to criticise Derby after what we've done in recent years. I'd rather look at the positive that we're playing the most English born players in the country, and that half of those are from our academy.

FWIW, heres the amount of foreign born players fielded by sides in their most recent game.
7 - Somerset
6 - Derby
5 - Durham, Middlesex
4 - Kent, Surrey,
3 - Lancs, Warks, Glamorgan, Sussex, Hampshire, Worcs
2 - Gloucs, Northants, Notts,
1 - Essex, Leics, Yorks

I think the biggest problem is that the England team doesn't practice what it preaches. We played 4 SA born players against SA. Why should the counties insist on all English?