Hampshire's already thin bowling attack has taken a severe blow with Jackson Bird having to return to Australia due to an ongoing problem with a bulging disk and he may not return until the second half of the season. As a result, Edwards will likely join the team next week, much earlier than anticipated.
Hampshire have cushioned the blow of Jackson Bird returning home to Australia with the early arrival of West Indies fast bowler Fidel Edwards. The county announced on Monday that Australia international Bird’s shoulder injury is worse than expected, and at that point Hampshire revealed they hoped to bring Edwards to the club earlier than he was due to arrive.
Edwards, who last played for West Indies in 2012, was set to link up with the club in late July but will now be available for selection for Hampshire’s Twenty20 friendly against Dorset this Monday.
Fidel played his last match for Hampshire in a win against Kent on 12 June. Since then, Hampshire have won just 1 game and lost 5. Hampshire sit bottom of the County Championship and seventh in the South Group of the T20 Blast. It's all falling apart. Come back, Fidel, Jackson Bird is useless!
Fidel will be returning to Hampshire next week. His return is much needed as they have been a free fall since his departure for the CPL. Hampshire are rooted bottom of the county championship and with just 5 matches left to play, chances of them surviving are slim. However, Hampshire have advanced to the quarter-finals of the T20 Blast. Getting Fidel back into the team will be a welcome addition.
Do you think there is any chance that Fidel plays for the West Indies again in any format of the game? He's not getting any younger but I thought he had a good season for Hampshire in the games I saw him play and was also one of the few bright spots for the Zouks.
There was some good news and bad news for Fidel and Hampshire this week. Fidel sparked Hampshire to a much needed win over Durham yesterday. This, for me, was their best performance of the year as they dismantled a decent Durham side inside 3 days. Fidel picked up seven wickets in the match although suffered a hamstring injury which threatens to sideline him from their crucial relegation clash against Somerset next week.
Also of note, South African quick Ryan McLaren made his debut for Hampshire in this match and proved to be a devastating new ball partner for Fidel as he too picked up 7 wickets.