Aussie Invaders - This Years County Invasion

They’re back! After dominating the English county scene last year the Australian’s have returned more determined than ever and with the Ashes series looming most see it as a final opportunity to show the selectors their wares on English soil. While some like Glenn McGrath, Shane Warne and Simon Katich haven’t returned due to national duties those who have bring both experience and depth, each with a claim in the Australian side either in the past, present or future. So here’s a quick guide of the Aussies to look out for in 2001.

Darren Lehmann (Yorkshire)

Darren Lehmann’s misfortune in missing out on a berth in the Australian one day squad for England will be Yorkshire’s gain as the powerful South Australian captain returns for another stint with the famous county. One of the most talented batsmen around he has won the Pura Cup player of the year for the past two years and topped the county scoring last year with 1447 runs at an impressive 67.13. His excellent year was rewarded when he was named Wisden’s cricketer of the year. Lehmann’s ability to score quickly, knack for scoring centuries and inventive shot making should make him a huge asset to both Yorkshire’s County Championship and National League endeavors. He is sure to have another huge impact on the county scene this year.

Greg Blewett (Nottinghamshire)

Greg Blewett is no stranger to England having played county cricket for Yorkshire in 1999. Blewett has also had considerable experience at the top of the order for the Australian Test team and the desire to get back into the team is surely one reason for his 2001 return. Some impressive late season form for South Australia, including a stunning double century against a powerful Queensland unit, signifies Blewett is once again near his best. Besides his batting Blewett bowls some deceptively quick medium pacers and is an excellent slips catch. His 1999 season with Yorkshire was disappointing, only averaging in the low 30’s, however a new club and renewed enthusiasm should see Blewett shine this year.

Ian Harvey (Gloucesterhsire)

Ian Harvey was one of last season’s revelations with his freakish ability with both bat and ball. An incredible 34 National League wickets backed up with 400 runs went a long way to securing Gloucestershire the National League Trophy. Harvey’s incredible slower ball has seen him fool many domestic and international players and he was an integral part of last summer’s Australian one-day team. His batting ability should not be underestimated, especially in the one-day arena, and although never one to score many centuries the consistency of his contributions, particularly in the latter stages of an innings, are sometimes just as valuable. Although most suited to the one-day game he proved last year that he can achieve at both forms of the game and should be no different this year.

Jamie Cox (Somerset)

Jamie Cox joined Somerset in 1999 and this year takes over as captain. As one of Tasmania’s premier batsmen he has found himself with a reputation of consistency. A good Australian domestic season has seen speculation about a possible Test berth however with such a strong Australian batting line up Somerset fans shouldn’t be to worried just yet. Last year saw Cox score close to 1000 County Championship runs with a high score of 171 against Lancashire and another 153 against Hampshire. These two hundreds, along with another in the National League, underlined his ability to become a match winner and more can be expected this year as captain.

Daniel Marsh (Leicestershire)

Daniel Marsh, the son of Rod, is slowly emerging from his father’s shadow. A move from South Australia to Tasmania a couple of years ago has done wonders for the Cricket Academy graduate who now finds himself batting at number three. While he is now primarily a batsman, his slow left arm orthodox spin has been an effective weapon against many opposition. This is Marsh’s first county season however some previous League cricket experience should help him settle in quickly. Replacing Anil Kumble was always going to be a hard task for Leicestershire however they have found a sound replacement in Marsh who should serve them especially well in the one-day game.

Michael Di Venuto (Derbyshire)

Michael Di Venuto makes his third trip to England and his second at Derbyshire. After a disappointing Australian domestic season the powerful left-hander will be hoping for better with his county side. Inconsistency is one of Di Venuto’s fallbacks however his powerful shot making is a feature of a game that has seen him represent Australia in nine one-day matches. While his favorite pull and hook shots might not be on offer as frequently in England his good eye and impeccable balance should produce some fine innings for Derbyshire. The key for Di Venuto this season will be consistency and if he can get this working then 2001 should be a year to remember.

Stuart Law (Essex)

The one-game Test player in Stuart Law returns to Essex after successfully leading Queensland to another Pura Cup win. A consistent Australian summer was highlighted with a couple of big scores. After an extremely impressive 1999, which saw him accumulate 1833 runs and which he won the player of the year, Law backed up again in 2000, topping the Essex run scoring with another 1000 plus season. While his bowling has diminished somewhat in previous years his ability to score big hundreds remains a strength, plundering five last year. Once again Law should prove a good investment for Essex.

Martin Love (Durham)

Martin Love is one of the new faces to the County scene this year and with a career first-class average of over 44 for Queensland in the four-day game and over 35 in the one-day form he promises to be a good investment for Durham. A very straight and technically sound game allows Love to play some glorious attacking strokes while maintaining a strong defence. His ability to concentrate has been a strength and allowed him to gain a reputation as a big game player. A knee reconstruction several years ago may have hampered any dreams of playing for Australia however his consistency at he top of the order is one of the reasons for Queensland’s recent success. Love should look forward to a successful season in which he will no doubt learn a lot and come home better for the experience.

Jimmy Maher (Glamorgan)

Just like his Queensland counterpart, Martin Love, this is Jimmy Maher’s first season. Another successful product of the Australian Cricket Academy Maher, like Love, has grown into an incredibly consistent top order batsman. While he has been an opener in recent years a strong determination combined with good timing and an ability to play shots to all parts of the ground mean that Maher can play in any position in the batting order. Maher enjoyed a brief stint with the Australian one-day side in 1997/98 however he performed poorly in his two opportunities and has not reached such heights since. A good four day and one-day player should mean Maher’s years of hard work will be rewarded this year at Glamorgan.

Murray Goodwin (Sussex)

Murray Goodwin’s last few years have been interesting to say the least. After a good World Cup in 1999 he decided to leave the Zimbabwe cricket team and return to his original home in Western Australia. After breaking into the vastly talented Western Australian lineup last season Goodwin had a disappointing return. However a post Christmas revival saw him produce the form that many thought would enable him to scale the heights of international cricket. His strong finish to the Australian season included a stunning century of 167, the highest ever in the local one-day competition. His form extended to the four-day game and his return to English soil after his World Cup endeavors and newly found confidence will certainly allow him to have a positive impact for Sussex.

Andy Bichel (Worcestershire)

One of the few bowlers making the trip this year Andy Bichel’s pace and enthusiasm will be a huge bolster for Worcestershire. After gaining the expertise of Tom Moody as coach Bichel, a former Australian teammate of Moody’s, will provide some spark in the Worcestershire lineup. Although his international appearances have normally come about due to injury he has made the most of these limited opportunities. His ability to swing the ball and uncanny knack of beating the bat are his strengths and while bowling is his main expertise he can also be an exceptionally useful lower order batsmen. Bichel’s enthusiasm and commitment to the game can never be questioned and with talent to back his county season debut should be not only exciting but also successful.