2008 squad update

 

As a successful 2007 draws to a close, the Lashings World XI organisation keeps moving as they look ahead to the 2008 English season. Fixtures are steadily being added to the schedule, and Lashings World XI Chairman David Folb is in negotiations with several players with regard to next season.

The signs are already looking good for the squad, as Sri Lankan batsmen Marvan Atapattu and Russel Arnold are confirmed for both the Abu Dhabi tour and the 2008 season. Both these players have appeared for Lashings before (in 2007 and 2006 respectively) and were popular members of the team. "I am really pleased both these guys are playing again" said Folb, "despite the fact that Russel Arnold is a Man United supporter and I intend to make him suffer for it!"

Also coming back for their second seasons are English swing bowler Ed Giddins, who last played for Lashings back in 2004, and West Indian quick bowler Tino Best, who appeared in 19 games for Lashings in the 2007 season. The fast bowling stocks are looking pretty healthy, as they will be joined by Corey Collymore, another Barbadian who is set to make his Lashings World XI debut in 2008.

Sadly, we've also received confirmation that Greg Blewett will not be taking part in the Abu Dhabi tour, and it also looks like he'll play little or no part in the 2008 season, having been a regular with Lashings for the last three seasons.

Blewett himself takes up the story: "Unfortunately, due to TV commitments here in Australia, I'm unable to join the Lashings World XI on their tour to Abu Dhabi. I'm very disappointed that I can't make it as I was looking forward to playing with some great cricketers and some good mates. At the moment I'm also uncertain if I will make it back to Lashings this summer, again because of family and work commitments." 

"I have always loved my time at Lashings so it will be sad if I can't take part this season," he continued, before quipping "although I did say to Folbs at the end of last season that I was about due for a pay rise, so he's probably quite relieved that he won't have to cough up the dough for a while yet!"

 

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