Whilst scraping the ice off the car this morning, I realised that it is only a little over two weeks before we play our first County Championship match of the season. Time to consider our prospects. I think we will finish much the same as in 2024, safe from relegation but nowhere near the title. Here's my reasoning:
A top order of Yates, Davies, Latham and Hain, with Barnard to come, is very decent for today's first division. (Yes it is, Highveld.) That's our strength. The middle order is questionable: I guess we won't see Bethell or Woakes; how often will we be able to play Webster; can Mousley develop the temperament to play an innings rather than swiping at everything? There won't be many runs from the tail.
The seam bowling is ok - they won't frighten anybody but there is plenty of experience if we can keep them fit. The lack of a wicket-taking spinner remains an issue. The weather would have to improve considerably before Taz Ali comes into consideration. We may need to play Danny Briggs for his batting but without expecting him to bowl sides out.
Will Davies keep wicket now? Keeping, captaining and opening the batting is a big ask. Whilst he doesn't come across as lacking in self-confidence, if one aspect of his game comes unstuck, the rest could follow. He'll need help on-field from the senior pros and off it from the coaches. I assume Latham's contract won't include keeping but perhaps Smith could take the gloves and add some batting in the lower order.
I don't know what availability our various overseas players have or what educational commitments apply to the kids but my suggestion for the start of the season would be: Yates, Davies, Latham, Hain, Sheikh, Barnard, Smith, Briggs, Bamber, Fernando, OHD. Hand-warmers and sweaters at the ready, guys.