Five reasons why Glamorgan CC can enjoy a super summer in 2021

While the January weather makes the cricket season seem a long way off, it actually isn’t – in two months’ time pre-season friendlies will begin. So what of Glamorgan’s prospects? Here DAFYDD JONES argues there is every reason for positivity down at Sophia Gardens as the countdown to the summer begins….

THE much-anticipated cricket season will get underway for Glamorgan on the April 8, as the Welsh county look to make their mark in the revised County Championship format.

From the rise of Prem Sisodyia to the return of ‘Kingram’, here are five reasons why Glamorgan fans can be positive ahead of the new campaign.

Competing against the best

Glamorgan’s County Championship campaign gets underway away to Yorkshire, the two counties’ first meeting in four-day cricket for a decade.

Going to Headingley will be a stern challenge to face a Yorkshire side full of international talent, with the likes of Ravi Ashwin, Dawid Malan, David Willey, Joe Root, Adil Rashid, Gary Balance and Jonny Bairstow amongst their squad.

This won’t be the only test for Glamorgan, as the County Championship’s revised format also sees them in a group with ‘first division’ sides in Lancashire, Kent and Northamptonshire, along with Sussex.

Despite a challenging group, seeing Glamorgan compete with the game’s very best will be a huge positive.

Director of Cricket and club legend Mark Wallace said: “The players can’t wait to get stick onto the season and take on some of the best teams and players on the county circuit.

“It’s a great chance to challenge yourself and the squad is excited to have a chance at two first-class titles in 2021.”

Talented young players

One of the biggest positives from recent seasons has been the performance of some young players making their mark in the first team, which will be something to take forward into 2021.

In the T20 format, it was a breakout season last year for spin-bowler Prem Sisodiya, who was Glamorgan’s most economical bowler in the competition conceding an impressive 6.44 runs an over, with best figures of 3-26 against Northants.

At the end of last season, Sisodiya was named the club’s Young Player of the Year and has signed a new contract ahead of the new campaign.

The likes of Dan Douthwaite, Roman Walker and Callum Taylor have also impressed in recent times, with Taylor becoming only the fourth Glamorgan player to score a century on first-class debut, with a superb 88-ball ton against Northamptonshire.

Douthwaite starred as Glamorgan achieved their highest ever run chase in the One Day Cup in May 2019, claiming two wickets and hitting 52 not out, while Roman Walker smashed the winning runs.

Going into the new season, Glamorgan can take encouragement from their young players’ performances.

The Return of Kingram

One of the biggest stories from Glamorgan in 2020 was the new contract of Colin Ingram, who extended his stay at the county until 2022.

Despite missing the 2020 season, Ingram is regarded as a talismanic figure at Sophia Gardens and has built a reputation as one of the highest-scoring batsmen in limited overs cricket.

‘Kingram’ initially stopped playing red-ball cricket in 2018, but returns to Glamorgan to feature in 2021’s County Championship campaign to act as cover for the brilliant Marnus Labuschagne, who continues to perform excellently for Australia.

While it is possible that Ingram could be drafted for the IPL, meaning Glamorgan would need to find a replacement, Ingram’s return to Sophia Gardens will be much welcomed, providing experience and undoubtable quality.

Strong Overseas Players

Glamorgan’s quality overseas players not only come in the form of Colin Ingram, but the county also secured the signature of Australian all-rounder Michael Neser ahead of the new campaign.

The right-arm seam bowler will play four-day and 50-over formats for the club and boasts an impressive record.

Neser has 186 wickets to his name in 56 first-class matches and hit his maiden first-class hundred for Queensland against Tasmania in 2020.

At international level, Neser has played two ODI’s for Australia and was a part of the touring squad for the 2019 Ashes Series.

While talisman Marnus Labuschagne’s absence will be covered by Colin Ingram, the talented Australian international’s eventual return to Sophia Gardens will be a huge cause for excitement for Glamorgan fans.

Labuschagne finished the 2019 County Championship campaign with a total of 1,114 runs and became the first player since Jonathan Hughes in 2005 to hit twin centuries in the same game.

Ahead of the new campaign, the return of Colin Ingram, along with the signing of Michael Neser is certainly a cause to be positive.

Leadership of experienced heads

Having succeeded Michael Hogan as captain in 2019, Chris Cooke was simply superb last season.

The wicket-keeper led through example, top-scoring in Glamorgan’s Bob Willis Trophy campaign and scoring three consecutive fourth-innings half-centuries.

Cooke was also second in the leading run-scorers in the Vitality Blast and was named in the PCA Team of the Year, earning Glamorgan’s Player of the Year for 2020.

The Johannesburg-born cricketer provides the side with vast experience and invaluable leadership.

Along with the experienced heads of the likes of David Lloyd and Colin Ingram, Glamorgan have a blend of youth and experience going into the 2021 campaign.