The Shakespearean Animals CC

[Prince EWS]

Originally Posted by rvd619323

Averaged 26 last season in the Plunket Shield, and 18 the year before that. Willing to assume playing that Second XI probably takes 3 runs or so off his average.

I'm holding South African bowlers to a slightly higher standard to try and compensate for the whole 'Second XI is still FC' thing.

I refuse to count that three day amateur stuff at all in the database as I feel I'd then be compelled to include the Futures League, county university games and various other things. His Plunket Shield performances have been good though so he'll be fine.

[Dan]

Nick Compton
Draft Round: 10
Playing Role: Batsman

There are very few men in world cricket who can claim to have a biological reason for their success, however Nick Compton is one of them. His grandfather, England great Denis, was a Middlesex stalwart, as was his great-uncle Leslie, the wicketkeeper for the same club. His father, Richard, and uncle, Patrick, also played first-class cricket in South Africa during the 1980s.

He followed the Compton tradition, also succeeding in football, tennis and hockey - representing Natal in all three - and being a decent 6-handicap golfer. Like his family, he is an all-round talented sportsman.

Compton played for England's U/19 side in 2000/01, however took some time to find a first-team place at his family's traditional club, Middlesex. He was in and out of the side and only got an extended run in 2006, starting with a century in a University game, and following it up with another ton against Kent in the opening Championship game of the summer. 4 seasons later, however, and fed up with a lack of opportunities, he moved to Somerset.

His career took off after he moved, passing 1000 runs for Somerset in 2011 - the only Somerset batsman other than Marcus Trescothick to achieve the feat - at an average above 50. He continued his form into the beginning of the 2012 summer, thus far striking 100* against Glamorgan and 236 against Cardiff MCCU in warm-up matches. He then started the season-proper by making an obdurate 99 against Middlesex, and 133 against Warwickshire, to dig his side out from a 100-run deficit to set them 259 for victory.

At his county, he is not as prolific as Trescothick, as powerful as Trego, as innovative as Buttler or as classy as Hildreth, but he is stoic; his role at number 3 shows how important a cog he is in the Somerset system. His contribution is not shown by his career figures of 5103 at 39.55.

The Shakespearean Animals CC is glad to welcome Nick Compton to the side, as the club's tenth draft pick for the second season of CWPL.

[Dan]

Shakespearean Animals CC First XI

1. Alastair Cook
2. -
3. Darren Bravo
4. Usman Salahuddin
5. Nick Compton
6. Ben Stokes
7. Peter Nevill (wk)
8. Johan Botha
9. Neil Wagner
10. Trent Boult
11. Marchant de Lange

[Dan]

Sam Robson
Draft Round: 11
Playing Role: Opening Batsman

Middlesex's Australian-born opening batsman, Sam Robson, has been impressive in his short career at county level. He is busy at the crease, and is strong both through cover and off his legs - attacking but not overly aggressive.

He was prolific in Second XI cricket in early 2011, averaging 93 for his 740 runs, before being recalled to the First XI, being asked to open, and making the spot his own. Often he has been the shining light for Middlesex, most notably in the recent game against Surrey, where his second-innings 43 on a difficult batting track allowed his side to pull off a three-run victory. Only Robson, Dawid Malan and extras broke double figures in that second innings.

He holds the record as the man to have struck the earliest First Class hundred in a UK season, scoring 117 in a warm-up fixture against Durham MCCU. He has also impressed during the start of the season-proper, taking to Division One cricket extremely well.

The Shakespearean Animals CC is glad to welcome this talented 22-year-old, Sam Robson, to the squad. In what could be a sign of things to come for this young man, he will join Alastair Cook in opening the batting.

Originally Posted by Shakespearean Animals CC First XI

1. Alastair Cook
2. Sam Robson
3. Darren Bravo
4. Usman Salahuddin
5. Nick Compton
6. Ben Stokes
7. Peter Nevill (wk)
8. Johan Botha
9. Neil Wagner
10. Trent Boult
11. Marchant de Lange

[Dan]

Shane Bond
Draft Round: 12
Playing Role: Fast Bowler

Any cricket team needs strength in its fast bowling department, and it is no coincidence that England's rise to the top of the ICC Test rankings came along at a time of them having at least 6 quality fast bowlers capable of representing their country. The Shakespearean Animals CC is a firm believer in the school of thought that theorises success is based on fast bowling depth.

Shane Bond is generally regarded as the best fast bowler New Zealand has produced in the post-Hadlee era. In equal measure, he is also infamous for his injury record, to the degree where it appeared cricket disrupted his injuries, not the other way around. However, his 18 match long Test career brought about 87 wickets at 22 runs apiece, and his first class record is strong as well, averaging 24 for his 225 wickets.

It is telling that over a 13 year career he only played in 60 First Class matches, a statistic made even more remarkable by his stints at two counties. His talent, however, was undoubtable, as he bowled with ferocious, sustained pace, steep bounce and manipulated inswing and leg cut to prove a challenge for any batsman he came up against, however by the end of a series he had undoubtedly injured himself yet again.

His final charge in New Zealand's whites came against Pakistan in 2009, as he produced a match-winning performance, taking 8 wickets for the match. By the end, however, he had torn an abdominal muscle and was ruled out of the series. He phased his way out of cricket on a steady diet of Twenty/20, eventually bowing out after the 2010 T20 World Cup.

The Shakespearean Animals CC has called Bond back for one last opportunity, however, giving him the chance to relive a career of shattered stumps and dented helmets. Even at 36, he will still be a difficult test for batsmen of any calibre to negotiate, and can mentor the younger fast bowlers in the side - Wagner, Boult and de Lange.

Also being added to the Shakespearean Animals CC are our physiotherapy and injury prevention team, led by former Australia physio Errol Alcott.

[Dan]

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Dane Vilas
Draft Round: 13
Playing Role: Wicketkeeper Batsman

Very few professional cricketers can lay claim to have appeared in a feature film, and even fewer can claim to have played greats of the game. Dane Vilas is one such exception. He played South African fast bowler Allan Donald in the 2008 film Hansie, a film focussing around Cronje's involvement in match-fixing.

He idolised the former captain, and was shocked when he was banned for life in 2000 for match-fixing, however the scandal did not put him off his cricket, and in 2006, aged 21, he debuted for Gauteng in the South African amateur First Class competition. He made a half-century on debut, playing as a specialist batsman, and never looked back.

He progressed through the ranks, first breaking into the Lions side in Franchise cricket, performing modestly, before transferring across to the Cape Cobras. He currently averages 48 for the latter, with his overall Franchise average slightly below 40.

He has been spoken of as a South African prospect, and made his debut for his country against India in a one-off Twenty/20, however he was overlooked as Mark Boucher's successor, the selectors instead preferring to contract the more finished article, Thami Tsolekile.

The Shakespearean Animals CC is glad to welcome Dane Vilas to the side, to serve as both batting cover and reserve wicketkeeper, behind Peter Nevill. He is an aggressive, exciting talent to have in the squad.

[Noble One]

Bowling attack to struggle for 20 wickets. Needed a true spearhead.

[Dan]

Originally Posted by Noble One

Bowling attack to struggle for 20 wickets. Needed a true spearhead.

Yeah, unfortunately there aren't many of them around, and my first round pick, in hindsight, was pretty poor.

In fairness too, all the real 'spearheads' were gone before my first pick came anyway - Steyn, Anderson, Philander, Siddle, Broad, Tremlett, Harris et al. retained, and Pattinson, Hilfenhaus & Morkel all went really early.

Hopefully my batting holds up though.

[morgieb]

Originally Posted by Noble One

Bowling attack to struggle for 20 wickets. Needed a true spearhead.

Boult & Wagner will be OK, but Botha and de Lange will probably flop.

[Dan]

Nathan Rimmington
Draft Round: 14
Playing Role: Fast Bowler

Nathan Rimmington has long been seen as a Limited Overs specialist, however, now that term is more a testament to his incredible short-form bowling than a criticism of his First Class record, after a highly successful 2011/12 summer.

Rimmington had big shoes to fill when he first debuted, replacing Michael Kasprowicz, who was away with the National side, in 2005/06. On New Years Day 2007, he became the first person to take a hat-trick in what is now known as the Twenty/20 Big Bash, and was the overall leading wicket-taker for the Queensland Bulls. His next season, however, was a total write-off due to a hip complaint.

His limited overs form continued to be strong, but he was never given an extended run in the Sheffield Shield side whilst at Queensland, prompting a change of scenery to Western Australia for the 2011/12 season. It was hugely successful, as Rimmington took 34 wickets at just under 20 in his first year at his new home.

His batting came along as well, making his maiden First Class hundred against New South Wales, and pushing his average above 20. He is highly economical and always dangerous with the ball.

The Shakespearean Animals CC is glad to welcome Nathan Rimmington to round out the fast bowling unit - a mix of youth, promise and experience.



~~~~~

Originally Posted by ShakespeareanAnimalsCC.com

First XI:

1. Alastair Cook
2. Sam Robson
3. Darren Bravo
4. Usman Salahuddin
5. Nick Compton
6. Ben Stokes
7. Peter Nevill (wk)
8. Johan Botha
9. Neil Wagner
10. Marchant de Lange
11. Trent Boult

Reserves:

• Shane Bond
• Dane Vilas (wk)
• Nathan Rimmington
• -
• -

Support Staff:
Head Coach - Paul Adams
Batting Coach - TBA
Bowling Coach - Damien Fleming
Fielding Coach - TBA
Head Physiotherapist - Errol Alcott

[Dan]

George Dockrell
Draft Round: 15
Playing Role: Spin Bowler

George Dockrell is one of the brightest young talents on the Associate scene, and has already attracted interest from the English camp, as they search for a long-term replacement for Graeme Swann. The Irishman, still in his teens, debut for his country aged 17, and has been impressive for them in all formats of the game.

He famously had to miss an ODI against Australia to sit his school final exams, however was signed up by Somerset a month after - a week before Dockrell was to turn 18. In Associate cricket, he has been stunningly economical - his T20i record for Ireland includes an economy rate of 5.28, alongside an average of below 12, and he has replicated his success in throughout the County Circuit.

He currently averages 28 for Somerset in First Class cricket, having taken his best figures of 6/27 for them, against a strong Middlesex side. Mot encouragingly, however, is Dockrell's willingness to flight his left-arm orthodox spin, rather than bowling 'darts' in order to keep the scoring down.

This aggressive mindset, along with his youth and obvious potential has caused the Shakespearean Animals CC to add the young Irishman to their side, in the hope he continues to develop his game, working towards a bright future for himself, Somerset and Ireland.

[Dan]

Faf du Plessis
Draft Round: 16
Playing Role: All Rounder

Faf du Plessis is one of the most versatile cricketers currently playing the game - he is a destructive, free-scoring top-order batsman; a more-than-useful leg-break bowler; and a near-unrivaled fielder.

He began his career in South Africa in 2004, however in 2008 he signed a Kolpak deal to move to Lancashire, possibly becoming another casualty of the South African player-drain due to the 'quota' rules. However, it was not permanent. In 2010 he was no longer classed as a Kolpak, and returned to South Africa. After an incredible domestic limited overs tournament, he was rewarded with a debut for South Africa, and played a crucial role in their World Cup campaign.

However, he may well be remembered more for his role in knocking South Africa out of the tournament, his comical run out of AB de Villiers proving a crucial turning point in the quarter final.

All aspects of his game have steadily improved - his batting average for 2011/12 was above 80, and his bowling average below 30, far superior to his career mark. He was signed by the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, and has thus far impressed, opening the batting and commanding a permanent place as one of the four international players in the starting side.

A player who has begun to develop later in his career, Faf du Plessis is the final signing by The Shakespearean Animals CC. He will undoubtedly play a major role in the middle order, and chip in with his leg spin when required. His fielding ability will also make him an incredible asset to the side.

Originally Posted by The Shakespearean Animals CC Contract List

As drafted:

1. Peter Nevill (New South Wales & Australia)
2. Alastair Cook (Essex & England)
3. Trent Boult (Northern Districts & New Zealand)
4. Darren Bravo (Trinidad and Tobago & West Indies)
5. Marchant de Lange (Titans & South Africa)
6. Johan Botha (South Australia & South Africa)
7. Usman Salahuddin (Lahore & Pakistan)
8. Ben Stokes (Durham & England)
9. Neil Wagner (Otago & New Zealand)
10. Nick Compton (Somerset & England)
11. Sam Robson (Middlesex & England)
12. Shane Bond (New Zealand)
13. Dane Vilas (Cape Cobras & South Africa)
14. Nathan Rimmington (Western Australia & Australia)
15. George Dockrell (Somerset & Ireland)
16. Faf du Plessis (Titans & South Africa)

Support Staff:
Head Coach: Paul Adams
Batting Coach - Grant Flower
Bowling Coaches - Damien Fleming and Craig McDermott
Fielding Coach - Jonty Rhodes
Head Physiotherapist - Errol Alcott

[Prince EWS]

I really like this team. I don't think it's the best but I like quite a few of the players so I hope you go well.

[Cevno]

Like this team for the writeups. Super stuff.

[Dan]

Cook Announced Shakespearean Animals Captain

Originally Posted by The Daily Times

England opening batsman and One Day International captain Alastair Cook has been announced as the leader of the Shakespearean Animals Cricket Club for the upcoming Cricket Web Premier League (CWPL) season.

The co-founder and owner of the Shakespearean Animals CC, Professor John 'Shake' S. Bear, announced Cook's rise to the helm of the first XI in a press conference at the recently redeveloped County Ground, henceforth to be known as 'theCave'.

"Our club has a myriad of potential leaders, any one of whom would have done a marvelous job for the Shakespearean Animals. Whilst myself and the selection panel may have debated the issue strongly late into the night, we are one hundred percent confident in our decision. Alas, poor Yorick struggled throughout the following day at work, but the time was well spent."

Cook outlasted Johan Botha for the role, however the former south african limited overs captain has been named as a part of the extended leadership group, along with the australian wicketkeeper, Peter Nevill and the young West Indian batsman, Darren Bravo.

"At the club, we believe Johan is an incredible leader and a fantastic cricketer, and has much to offer the side in a leadership role. In addition, our philosophy is that the wicketkeeper has the best view on the field, in a tactical sense, and as such Peter has been included in the group.

"Our co-selector, Ms. Odelia Thello, also believed Darren Bravo had the necessary skills to develop into a fine leader. We were inclined to agree and thus included him in our leadership plans."

The naming rights to 'theCave' are set to be announced within the next fortnight, to coincide with the start of the CWPL season. Marketing group Capulet, watch manufacturer Cassio and the Montague Island board of tourism are reportedly the frontrunners.

CWPL Leadership Group:
Alastair Cook (c)
Johan Botha
Darren Bravo
Peter Nevill