Emburey calls up the 'new McGrath'

13 April 2012

Middlesex may have found another Glenn McGrath as the short-term stand-in for the retiring Angus Fraser. Top TV commentator and former Australian captain Richie Benaud believes that 24-year-old, 6ft 5in Australian Ashley Noffke has similar qualities to the Aussie fast bowler.

Coach John Emburey agrees. "He's tall, hits the deck and has good control," he says. "Ashley is here for the first month to play three Championship games and the early B&H games and he is in good shape. He took 40 wickets to help Queensland win the Pura Cup and has just been on a fast bowling course in India.

"It's a blow losing Gus, but the problem last season was that we didn't have an attacking quick bowler at the other end and he bowled himself too much and got niggly injuries.

"Now we have signed some quality reinforcements and I am optimistic we will have a good season.

"I wish Gus a successful career in his new role in the medai. He's been a fantastic leader for us and a great bowler over the years."

Noffke will be replaced by Pakistan all-rounder Abdur Razzaq. Middlesex batsman Owais Shah has also recommended another Aussie, 31-year-old New South Wales bowler Steve Nikitaras, who has a Greek passport.

Two other quick bowlers, Thos Hunt, a 20-year-old from Melbourne-with English parents, and 23-year-old Aaron Laraman are back after long periods out injured.

Fortunately for Emburey, his hardest working bowler, Phil Tufnell, has no plans yet to move in to full-time media work. He bowled 690 overs last season, more than any bowler in the country.

Emburey is quietly happy about the batting. He said: "Andy Strauss hasn't been out for less than 70 in pre-season and Sven Koenig and Paul Weekes have made big hundreds. Ed Joyce and Shah have also made plenty of runs."

Koenig is a 28-year-old opening batsman from Western Province, who qualifies through an Italian passport. He averages 37 in South African top-grade cricket.

Strauss, recently appointed vice-captain, will be given the skipper's job when Fraser departs before the First Test against Sri Lanka.

"He's got a good cricketing brain and if he keeps scoring I think he will win a call-up for the Test side," Emburey said.

There is, however, a fitness worry over Razzaq. "I hope he isn't tired when he gets here," Emburey said. "He's played a lot of cricket."

Razzaq has two batting styles - crash, bang, wallop in one-day cricket and a Geoff Boycott approach when the side needs an anchorman.

Brayshaw promises 'more of the same'
Adam to miss start of season

Emburey calls up the 'new McGrath'

Read More