English County Cricket Season 2011: Who is in? Who is out? – (Part V)
Middlesex has attracted Chris Rogers and Corey Collymore for its 2011 season while Owais Shah, Pedro Collins and Danny Evans will not be with the club.
The explosive left hand Australian opener, Chris Rogers until recently played for Derbyshire. He has more than 4000 first class runs that also include 14 centuries. Rogers was perhaps the most prolific scorer for Derbyshire and also
was its Player of the Year in 2009. He captained Derbyshire for more than two years before stepping down in August. After Rogers, Greg Smith now leads Derbyshire.
Rogers, in his comments on leaving Derbyshire, said, "I am sad to leave as I feel I have become a part of the side here and have forged some great relationships. I wish Derbyshire all the best and I believe that under John Morris,
they have the squad and support to become a successful side." Derbyshire's Head of Cricket, John Morris lauded Rogers’ contribution to the club and wished him good luck for his future with the Panthers.
"Chris has been a great player, captain and ambassador for the past three years and I would like to thank him for all he has done during his time with us. He has been a great professional and a consistent scorer of big runs. He leaves
the club with our very best wishes." Chris’s addition to Middlesex would surely strengthen their line-up.
Meanwhile, the former West Indian seamer, Corey Collymore left Sussex Sharks to join Middlesex. His intention is to remain closer to his spouse who is looking to complete her accountancy degree in London. "I'm obviously disappointed
to be leaving Sussex but I feel it is the best decision for me and my family,” said Collymore. The 32-year-old had earlier joined the Sharks in 2008 and was spearheading its bowling attack. He was the leading wicket-taker for Sussex this season with 57 scalps
at an average of 19.87.
Collymore’s inclusion in the Middlesex squad could be a major boon for the club as it has struggled this year with its first-choice, Steven Finn leaving for his England duty while the overseas player, Iain O'Brien missing most of the season due to injury.
Moreover, Owais Aslam Shah, a stylish and classical batsman was released by the Middlesex on 31st August 2010. This has left the 31-year-old searching for a new county to play for. Shah, who also has international experience, had been regular all
through the 2010 season but it looks as if the county wanted to freshen up its squad for 2011.
Shah was informed about the county’s decision via a friend and he looked quite angry upon his unceremonious release. His agent, John E. Barnett also condemned the way Middlesex had released its senior player and said that the situation was outrageous. Barnett
stated that if the county didn’t want to sign Shah for the next season, it had the right to do so but at least they should have shown the decency of speaking to the player before disclosing to the media.
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