Dale Steyn

[Hong Kong Blue]

As rumoured on another thread, Essex have confirmed the signing of Dale Steyn, subject to a work permit.

Anyone else hoping his work permit is rejected?

As I said on the other thread:

Quote[/b] ] Dale Steyn had only played about 6 first class games when he got picked by South Africa for the tests. I think he is actually quite a promising fast bowler but is a long way from the finished article. I would be completely against Essex signing him on a short term contract, as the only beneficiary would be Dale Steyn and South Africa.

I think county cricket has a moral duty to produce players for England - not least because the England team heavily subsidises the county scene. It would be an obscene situation if the money England generates from tests and ODIs is recycled to provide a finishing school for Dale Steyn and other South African raw talent.

I don't have a problem with overseas players - I think Andy Flower was a tremendous acquisition for the club and must surely help develop the likes of Foster to have an international wicketkeeper and Cook to have a top class left handed batsman pass on their experience - but signing a rookie like Steyn is not going to do that.

[Matt the Shrimp]

It's a fair point. Steyn has, in fact, barely registered on my radar... did he have much of an impact in our recent series in SA?

The only new-ish South African bowler I remember is Andre Nel - and I only remember him for being a chippy, rude swine.

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[Museshrimper]

He's the young quick one that made his debut against us. He looks like a little boy, if that helps

[The General]

Seemed OK seeing as he'd never played at that level and got better throughout the series. Was home in the afternoon's so got to watch alot of it and seemed one for the future. He's better than Brant anyway (which isn't very hard, TBH!) ...

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[southend4ever]

he got 8 wickets in 3 games for SA

[West Country Shrimper]

He didnt really impress me during the winter tour in SA, but good luck to him. He might be good playing over here. He's got a fiery attitude to the game, so I look forward to seeing him play.

[southend4ever]

Quote[/b] (West Country Shrimper @ April 22 2005,21:12)]He didnt really impress me during the winter tour in SA, but good luck to him. He might be good playing over here. He's got a fiery attitude to the game, so I look forward to seeing him play.
so have i, but i bet you don't look forward to me playing... on the cricket pitch anyway http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif

[lordlumpington]

He's only here for a couple of months untill Danesh Kanera returns just as the pitches start to take spin. So it wouldn't be a complete disaster if he is w**k.
As Kev said he's got to be better than Brant on one leg !!

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[The General]

And Ash should be back at full fitness by then, so it'll be like a new signing ....

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[southend4ever]

I have the chance to see Ash all the time over at Billericay in the 2s. I think he is still struggling somewhat with his injury, but his beer drinking is still quality.

[southend4ever]

so,

he has got his work permit! he will be arriving for next week's C&G Trophy match.

ronnie irani says he has a big heart and is already one of the fastest bowlers in the world.

happy days.

[West Country Shrimper]

Will he still be playing when Essex come to play Gloucestershire at Cheltenham College?

[lordlumpington]

Quote[/b] (West Country Shrimper @ April 27 2005,14:24)]Will he still be playing when Essex come to play Gloucestershire at Cheltenham College?
He's only here untill June as cover for Kaneria.

The Gloucester game is 14th of August, right in the middle of the holiday season so will you be there ?

[West Country Shrimper]

Quote[/b] (lordlumpington @ April 27 2005,14:53)]Quote[/b] (West Country Shrimper @ April 27 2005,14:24)]Will he still be playing when Essex come to play Gloucestershire at Cheltenham College?
He's only here untill June as cover for Kaneria.

The Gloucester game is 14th of August, right in the middle of the holiday season so will you be there ?
More than likely I'll be there, because I doubt i'll be coming back to Basildon for my holidays. If I do, i'll only be there for about 2 weeks.

Im planning to go to Gloucs v Hamps and Notts as well with some mates down here.

[southend4ever]

dale was at billericay cricket club on saturday morning before our first team game witha few of us bowling on his own with the help of bowling coach ian pont. when asked if we wanted someone to bowl at us we promptly reminded him he has ownly just arrived in the country and we wouldn't want to damage his confidence. http://www.shrimperzone.com/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif