Preston CC approach the 2010 season in optimistic mood and are rated by many good judges as the team that others have to beat. After finishing runners-up in the league last season and also lifting the Twenty20 Cup they appear to have strengthened the side for the forthcoming campaign. Seam bowler Andy Roberts, a UCLAN student in the city will be available for the whole season after impressing last season. Top all-rounder Lukman Vahaluwala is fully fit after struggling with a shoulder injury last year. 'Lucky' has been netting up to five times a week in close season and is reported to be in good shape.
Professional Bilal Asad returns for another campaign at West Cliff after scoring 760 runs at 40 and taking 61 wickets at 9.47 last year. After handing over the responsibilities of captaincy the popular Pakistan all-rounder will be aiming to enhance his reputation as arguably the best all-rounder in the league. Adam Parker has been made captain and will be boosted by the return to the club of leg-spinner Atul Sachdeva, who has secured a position as a doctor at the local hospital. A highly talented spinner Sachdeva will be looking to exploit the spinner-friendly West Cliff pitches. The only downside is the loss of opening bowler Darren Nelson to Carnforth.
With developments off the field, including a new electronic scoreboard and improved sightscreens added to the five-figure investment in a re-laid square it's no wonder that there is a feel good mood at the historic club formed way back in 1821. "We started to gel as a side last year and really improved towards the end," says Parker. "We finished second and won the Twenty20 and are looking to build on that this year."
Parker's former Vernon Carus team-mate David Fisher took a while to adjust to life in the Northern League after leaving the Palace Shield but adapted well to the challenge. Fisher steered Preston home with a crucial innings at champions St Annes, developed his bowling and emerged as one of the top fielders in the league.
"David will be a key player for us this year," Parker says. "He's a top player and I've seen him play innings like that one at St Annes many times in the past. He'll certainly get his chance and Atul is keen as mustard in the nets. We have a spinner-friendly square yet operated without a top-line spinner last year so that is something we have rectified this year."
Young off-spinner Dipesh Patel will also feature in the first-team after being selected for Lancashire U19s trials and impressing in the Old Trafford nets. "It's all about confidence with Dipesh as he has lots of ability," Parker says. "He can really turn a ball and he'll get his chance this year." Parker, one of the league's most consistent batsmen over the past few years and an under-rated bowler, and Sajid Patel will form the backbone of the batting alongside the professional and Vahaluwala.
With Patel, Fisher and Sachdeva supporting Bilal Asad, Roberts and Vahaluwala Preston appear to have a well-balanced attack.
Chairman Younis Patel has worked hard off the field to develop the facilities and bring in sponsors and there is a mood of quiet optimism among one of the oldest cricket clubs in the country. Moshin Patel will again captain the Second XI. Preston begin their campaign at home to Fleetwood on 17 April (1pm).
David Fisher has a big part to play in Preston's season
