Oval Invincibles: Men's Hundred player retention analysis

NICK HOWSON takes a look at the Invincibles' player recruitment and suggests what more needs to be done before the start of the new season

Who has been retained? 

Nathan Sowter only featured twice last season but surprisingly stays put. Trust has been put Reece Topley and Tom Curran, who have both had injury struggles. You wonder what might have become of Rory Burns if it wasn't for his Test contract. 

Jordan Cox was a wildcard pick last term and never played a game but represents a coup at £30,000. Will Jacks had been linked with leaving but remains at The Oval.

^{Sam Billings (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

Who has been released?

If the Invincibles had been tempted to keep an overseas player, then Sunil Narine would have been the only genuine contender after taking seven wickets and going at 1.21 runs a ball.

The biggest loss is that of Laurie Evans, who enjoyed a fine BBL, but negotiating from the fifth price bracket meant Invincibles were always vulnerable to him leaving.

Limited outings for Alex Blake and none for Brandon Glover made their departures rather inevitable. Tabraiz Shamsi feels like another likely pick-up in the draft but there are limited places available.

^{Jordan Cox returns despite not seeing any action last term (Harry Trump/Getty Images)}

What will be the main focus of the draft?

The Invincibles have the core of England's white-ball attack which lacks variety. Coupled with the absence of a front-line spinner, this is a battery of bowlers lacking in tricks and a real X-Factor.

Four overseas spots (three in the March draft) does mean they'll be trailing the nether regions of the player lists for options.

The batting line-up is punchy, if a bit one-dimensional, and needs some left-handed options.

Squad: Sam Curran, Rory Burns, Jason Roy, Sam Billings, Tom Curran, Will Jacks, Saqib Mahmood, Reece Topley, Jordan Cox, Nathan Sowter (10)

Overseas players: 0

Spaces to fill: 7

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