2004 Squad preview

By David Slater
March 23 2004

With only weeks to go till the start of the new season, MTWD decided to take a look at the squad for the forthcoming season.

Melvyn Betts
A new signing from Warwickshire, He has played county cricket for 10 years now., Starting at Durham. An interesting signing given his no-ball problems. Don’t expect fireworks to start with but if he can stay injury free and find his feet, will do well.

MTWD verdict: One to watch out for in the later part of the season.

Tim Bloomfield
Eternal squad man, Bloomers will struggle to gain regular appearances especially with more strength in the bowling department.

MTWD verdict: Frustrating year likely but could be vital if the going gets tough.

Nick Compton
A big year for Mr Compton. He has put on hold his university degree to play having missed all of last year with a hip injury. Expected to be back by May, the big fear is he will work too hard and break down again.

MTWD verdict: Possibly a quiet year in store but better then too much too soon after a career threatening injury.


Simon Cook
Mr dependable. Cook is always there for Middlesex when needed but this season, his loyalty could well be tested to the full. With several new bowlers some regulars may well be forced to take a backward step. Cook could well be one of those regulars.

MTWD verdict: Unlikely to make much of an impact.

Jamie Dalrymple
This will be the ‘rymple’s first full year in County Cricket having now finished with his university commitments and is likely to be a big learning curve. Will have to take full advantage of having Klusner and Weekes in the side in order to help his career

MTWD verdict: A lot to learn this year. The fireworks will come but in 2005.

Paul Hutchinson
Another new bowler having signed from Sussex, he will be looking for a fresh start having had a career plighted by injuries. One who will likely be a first team regular, he knows a good season could well bring big rewards.

MTWD verdict: His signing was a gamble, but it could well pay off.

Ben Hutton
Having been moved around the order a bit last season, he appears to have found the right place at 3. Expect a solid performance batting, and filling in as an opener when Andrew Strauss is away with England. Do not expect miracles with his bowling though!

MTWD verdict: Solid season, will begin to make a name for himself outside of the county.

Ed Joyce
Dubbed as “the next Gower” this year is a big one for Ed Joyce. Regular high scores could well get him a place on the academy tour. A lot of people will be watching his progress, increasing the pressure on him. This year could well be the year he shows that he can really live up to his billing.

MTWD verdict: Will do well if he can handle the pressure.

Chad Keegan
Crowd favorite, Keegan will have a relaxing year in comparison to last year with the signing of several other bowlers. The lack of pressure will no doubt bring out the best in him, a dark horse for an England ODI call up, he qualifies this year.

MTWD verdict: A fine year will be rewarded.

Lance Klusner
A huge signing for the club, Zulu will enjoy competing in the NCL and the 20/20. Will miss the first month, and possibly the last two as well but will keep the engine ticking over during the first part of the year and hopefully will inspire the team for when he returns home.

MTWD verdict: One of those players you’d rather play for you then against you! Will cause havoc with the bat and be solid with the ball.

Sven Koenig
Another solid performer, the South African will have to take on a lot of responsibility whilst Andrew Strauss is away. He has listed his aims for the year to get back into the one-day side. Whilst this may be a bit optimistic when competing with the likes of Klusner (let’s face it, explosiveness isn’t Sven’s trademark!) he will no doubt be a very tricky customer in the County Championship.

MTWD verdict: Top scorer in the County Championship for Middx.

David Nash
Having only been given a one year contract, Nash will no doubt be egar to prove he deserves more from the County he has stuck with without question.

MTWD verdict: Best season yet.

Nantie Hayward
Having been released by Worcestershire in the winter, “Nancy” has expressed his wish to prove Worcestershire were wrong to let him go. He has a reputation of either being very very hot or very very cold. This season, might not be as warm as last year.

MTWD verdict: A few good games but generally a disappointment.

Chris Peploe
Having made his debut last season, Peploe will get more chances to prove his worth this year. Having been to a training academy in India with John Embury, there should be some signs of improvement in his bowling, but still not the finished article.

MTWD verdict: Still learning.

Ben Scott
Highly rated by the club, Scott has re-signed from Surrey as the long term replacement for David Nash. May find few opportunities this year but likely to be the batting replacement when Andrew Strauss is away.

MTWD verdict: Quiet but promising year.

Owais Shah
Having had a disappointing year, Owais will be hoping to get things back on track. Already confirmed as captain for the opening few weeks when Andrew Strauss will be in the West Indies, it will be vital to allay the fears of fans. In a poll on this website, fans were asked to vote who they think should captain the side, having been given a choice of Ben Hutton, Sven Koenig, Paul Weekes, and Jamie Dalrymple, Owais came on last.

MTWD verdict: Back to his best once the captaincy burden is lifted.

Andrew Strauss
How much of Andrew we see this year is a bit of a mystery. We know for sure he will miss the opening month of the season, but whether he will feature in England’s matches during the summer is something only the brave can predict knowing the England selectors! It’s fair not to expect him to spend a lot of time with us but when he does, fireworks should be a certainty.

MTWD verdict: Fireworks when around.

Paul Weekes
This could well be Paul Weekes’ last year with Middlesex having been a wonderful servant to the club. It’s most probable his main task will be to help develop Jamie Dalrymple into a top class player. Even so, still expect fireworks from a man determined to go out* with a bang.

* Weekes’ retirement is purely speculation at this stage.

MTWD verdict: Mr Reliable to live up to his name.