Gupta set for Halstead bow

8:49am Friday 2nd May 2008

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All the talk in cricket over recent weeks has been of a possible exodus of English players to India.

But for Halstead Cricket Club, albeit on a slightly smaller scale, it seems as though it is the other way around.

The potential impact of the lucrative Indian Premier League has dominated column inches of late, with some of this country's finest players linked with a move there.

However, Amit Gupta yesterday made the opposite journey, jetting in from Delhi in readiness for his Two Counties League debut tomorrow.

Gupta, the club's new player-coach, is expected to figure when the club start the new season against Mildenhall at Star Stile (2pm start).

The 23-year-old talented all-rounder, who bowls medium-fast, already has experience of playing in England.

He was Littlehampton's highest individual scorer last summer, when he played in the Sussex League.

Gupta, who will also coach Halstead's colts team, was recruited after responding to an advertisement for new players placed on an Australian website by club captain Matt Spatcher.

Halstead were keen to recruit an overseas player, having been without one since the departure of prolific Australian run-scorer Michael Cosentino in 2006.

Gupta was the first to reply and was eventually signed by Halstead's new director of coaching Mark Surridge, who he toured India with the Ipswich Greyhounds in February.

He had been playing in the Delhi District Cricket Association, the top Delhi cricket league, and has already scored 454 runs in nine matches.

"He bats and bowls and he's a big plus for the club," said skipper Spatcher.

"I posted an advert on a website because I know a lot of players around the world take a look at it.

"We had around 15 or 16 replies from all over the world but he was the first one to email his interest."

Meanwhile, Spatcher said everyone is looking forward to the start of the new season tomorrow.

"I can't wait for the season to start and I know it's the same for the others," said the prolific Australian run-scorer.

"We had a great start to last season but it was disappointing after that.

"Halstead is starting a rebuilding phase.

"Every team is looking to win the league and we're no different but we'll see where the season takes us."

Wicket-keeper Darren Hutchinson's appearances are expected to be limited this season.

But Paul Cooper is set to return after missing most of last season.

Spatcher hit an unbeaten 82, as Halstead's Sunday team beat West Mersea by eight wickets in the PDQ Cars North Essex League.

Mark Johnson made 25, while Simon Steel (three for 12) and Tom Philp (two for 18) both bowled impressively at the start of the innings and spinner Mark Surridge took four for 18.

l Halstead's second XI travel to Clacton in division four, while in division eight, the club's third team play at Elmstead Market.

l Twinstead were beaten by 209 runs by Little Bardfield in a restricted-over friendly.