WHENEVER any struggling team finds a breakthrough star, their leading rivals are never slow to take notice and begin circling around.
That must be the fear for many a Leicestershire fan this summer, with the increasingly excellent form of all-rounder Ben Raine attracting glances from the heavyweight opposition – his lightning-fast t20 century last week impossible to ignore.
But whilst Leicestershire have certainly been labelled as strugglers in recent seasons, with no County Championship wins in either 2014 or 2017, the Paul Nixon revolution is clearly into full swing in the East Midlands this summer.
Three wins achieved so far mean Leicestershire are in the top half of Division Two in the County Championship and the most unlikeliest of promotions is even being whispered of.
Either way, it is set to come soon enough for Raine, who has a clause in his contract enabling him to leave for a prospective topflight suitor.
“That’s why I’ve got that in my contract, Division One cricket is what I want to do,” explained the 26-year-old Tynesider.
“That’s where in our country the best players play and I want to find out if I’m one of them.
“There are some seriously good cricketers playing in Division Two, I think we underrate that a little bit.
この記事は The Cricket Paper の July 20,2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Cricket Paper の July 20,2018 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
