Team Croft

Robert Croft had a higher batting than bowling average in 2004 © Getty Images

Not many counties achieve the goals they set in the spring but back in April Glamorgan defined their objectives as promotion and a one-day title and managed both. Robert Croft, the captain, enjoyed an excellent year, scoring 671 runs at 35.31, including two centuries, and taking 54 wickets at 34.55, and ascribes the team's success to improvement as a unit.

"I think we gelled better as a team this season," he says. "There was a better structure and everyone had a clearly defined role. We had tremendous contributions from Matthew Elliott, our overseas player who, apart from setting the tone of the innings right from the start, was totally supportive and helpful in the dressing room."

The captain is also delighted with David Harrison, the young seamer who took one fewer wicket than Croft to end with 53 at 27.64. "In a couple of seasons, as he grows, gets stronger and gains experience, he can only get better and he avoided the second-season blues as well."

The county has turned to 12-month contracts from this November in an attempt to nurture home-grown talent. "No other professional sport employs you for six months and then says, `Off you go and amuse yourself.' The younger players, who are our future, can get help and training from a variety of disciplines and perhaps more importantly get a chance to talk to the senior pros in an atmosphere that is more relaxed than the dressing room during a game."

Player of the Year: Robert Croft
High: Conceding over 600 and winning at Chelmsford
Low: the washout at Colwyn Bay, a favourite venue

This article was first published in the November issue of The Wisden Cricketer.
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