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Willis: Hick and Ramprakash ‘clogging up county cricket’

By Will 3 years ago, mid-September Add your comment below

Bob Willis is never short of opinions. Not all of them are conventional or even particularly thought through, but writing in the latest issue of The Wisden Cricketer he has slammed just about everyone. Ageing players such as Graeme Hick, Mark Ramprakash and Dominic Cork are wasting the money the ECB “create” through their revenue streams, thus impacting on the next generation of England stars.

I don’t have much of an issue with these three, or indeed for any ageing former England player – so long as they perform and contribute to the team. Ramprakash continues to be as prolific a batsman as any – Hick less so, but nevertheless is a reassuring face in a brittle Worcestershire line-up. If their frail frames falter, then goodnight – but so long as they’re producing the goods, their experience is invaluable to younger players.

The Kolpak issue is altogether different, and I suppose I’m contradicting myself if I can allow old English players to play rather than old non-England-qualified Greek/Australian players. But there must be some form of regulation (which, admittedly, comes into force next year) for the selection of third-grade Kolpakians. It’s out of control and impeding the progress of young English talent.

Willis is really off on one, which is always enjoyable to read rather than listen to. Cricinfo has a synopsis and we’ll have the piece up either this weekend or next. Offer your thoughts below.

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4 Responses to “Willis: Hick and Ramprakash ‘clogging up county cricket’”

  • Chris wrote:
    September 21st, 2007 at 4.18 am

    Maybe Willis has nailed what is wrong with English cricket. But unintentionally. I would say you pick your best eleven. If there is a young player good enough, then Hick and Ramprakash will get dropped.

    Too often you hear comments about Australia’s “Dad’s Army”, but ask any of those older players, and they’ll tell you, if there is a younger player who is better, they won’t complain about being dropped.

  • King Cricket wrote:
    September 21st, 2007 at 10.01 am

    I’d say that trying to get Mark Ramprakash out would be a pretty good learning experience for a young bowler.

    County cricket is tougher for his presence.

  • Angus wrote:
    September 21st, 2007 at 3.57 pm

    There is a real problem with old players clogging up the commentary boxes. It is blocking young talent.

  • Reverse Swing wrote:
    September 23rd, 2007 at 11.58 am

    Agree with Chris – there’s an argument to be made like this, but I think he’s picked on the wrong person in Ramps.

    2000 runs two years running – pretty special… even on a batsman’s wicket like the Oval.

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