Marshall holds the key for Gloucestershire
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Revolving door
After 20 seasons Mark Alleyne,
the circuit's premier multi-tasker,
has finally called it a career to
concentrate on coaching the
Glosters back to something akin to
good health. A couple of gifts from
ex-coach John Bracewell's feisty
New Zealand side - Shane Bond
and Hamish Marshall - could be
hugely restorative; likewise an
early blast of Ian Harvey.
Winter wonderland
Keeper Steve Adshead married his
long-term girlfriend Becky.
Strengths
Fielding, seam-friendly staff and
pitches, plus self-belief (if only
when overs are limited). Will Jon
Lewis and Bond emerge as the
four-day game's most dynamic
new-ball duo? The prayers are
nothing if not fervent.
Weaknesses
None so obvious as leadership.
Chris Taylor's sacking as captain
was confusing: back troubles
meant he hardly played enough to
justify an objective verdict;
he originally claimed he was
not even consulted before the
decision was announced, though
this prompted a swift collective
denial from the club. Cue
stripes for Lewis, who sounds
suitably confident but would
do well to seek out Bob Willis,
another of that rare breed, the
quick-bowling captain, for some
inside information. The batsmen
- Taylor alone among homegrown
specialists hit a Championship
century in 2005 - must find
some spine.
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Best-case scenario
Promotion and a pot, which will
mean Harvey performing a few
miracles; Craig Spearman being
in a healthier mental state; Bond
staying fit for more than 10
seconds; Marshall resisting the
joshing about his resemblance
to Leo Sayer; Alex Gidman
reviving his bowling; Steve
Kirby controlling himself; Carl
Greenidge's winter in Barbados
working wonders for shins and
pace; and Kadeer Ali finally
coming of age.
Worst-case scenario
See above. Lots of 'ifs' ...
Young one to watch Will Rudge, a rising seamer.
Key man Alex Gidman.
What they say
"I think more bowlers should be
captains," says Lewis, presumably
mindful that, bar some notable
allrounders, few have earned
distinction as leaders. "I think
they read batsmen better and
sometimes the game too as they
are in it a bit more than guys who
have never bowled. They have a
lot more knowledge about where a
batsman hits the ball."
Mark Wagh
With Lewis, Bond and Kirby,
Gloucestershire's seam
bowling looks good but injury will
be a worry. The batting was very
disappointing last year and there
will be a lot of pressure on Hamish
Marshall. Unusual for teams to go
from very bad to very good, so
expect a middling season at best.
Predictions County Championship 7th (D2) Pro40 9th (D2)
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