By Richard Rae
THERE has not been too much in the way of good news for Leicestershire in recent weeks, but confirmation that Angus Robson has signed a new one-year contract could mark a turning point in the Foxes’ fortunes.
The 22-year-old has impressed in hitting eight first-class half centuries in his breakthrough season, and while he has so far only gone on to three figures against the Indian tourists, with five matches remaining, the Sydney-born opener is on target to pass 1,000 Championship runs.
Robson said committing himself to another season before the club has made any announcement on overseas signings for next season is an indication of the debt he feels he owes Leicestershire.
“Put simply I enjoy it here, I like the guys and the vibe, and I’m grateful to the county for the faith shown in me,” said Robson.
“I’m also pretty happy with how my game is developing. It’s been great to be in the Championship team, and now I’m also opening in the 50-over side I feel I’m learning to be a more complete batsman.
“Teams are quick to pick out areas where they reckon you’re weak, so it’s very important to be a 360-degree player and playing one-day cricket helps me in that.
“But getting in the one-day side as well as the four-day side wasn’t the be-all and end-all behind signing. The coaching is helping me a lot, [first team head coach] Ben Smith has been a really big influence, and though I’ve still got a lot to learn, I feel at the moment I’m in the right place to do that.”
Last week Foxes one-day captain Josh Cobb warned a number of the club’s young players who were out of contract at the end of the season, including Robson, were unlikely to sign new deals until the club demonstrated ambition by strengthening next year’s playing squad with new overseas signings and Robson said: “It has been a tough couple of years for the club, but I feel this season we’ve shown we are at least heading in the right direction.
“A lot of the individual statistics are much better than last season, and I’m hopeful most of the guys will stay. It’ll definitely help if we can finish the season strongly.”
Smith said Robson’s temperament was helping his progress. “He’s down to earth, he understands his current limitations and that he needs to develop his game around his strengths, as well as work on any weaknesses.
“People are already saying it will be more difficult for him next year, when teams know a lot more about him, but these days analysis and video is instantly available and we’ve already seen teams looking to bowl at him differently.
“So if he can keep scoring heavily this season it will be another sign of progress. I’d also add his attitude and application in the field is as impressive as it is at the crease.”
If Robson continues his current trajectory he may find himself facing the same dilemma as that of older brother Sam, now opening for England – and with whom in mind Cricket Australia changed their eligibility rules for players with dual passports in domestic competition in other countries.
Sam still chose to play for England, but Angus, aware he is being monitored by New South Wales and intending to return to Sydney Grade Cricket with Eastern Suburbs this winter, does not intend to commit himself.
“I’m a long way from needing to make a decision, so what’s the point?”
One departure will be chief executive Mike Siddall after four years trying to improve the club’s finances.
The role will be advertised but the county’s determination to tap into the city’s South Asian-origin talent and potential means Wasim Khan, the Cricket Foundation chief executive, is considered the early favourite to take over.
