Richard Dawson: Glamorgan offer ‘a lot of potential’, says new coach

Bashir is likely to be the only British newcomer in early season, filling in for Crane on a three-match loan stint, albeit when pitches are traditionally least likely to be spin-friendly.

“Once we heard Mason was injured, it was a question of reaching out to Somerset and the ECB to see if there was the potential to get Shoaib in. I worked with him in Brisbane on the England Lions tour, he’s hungry to learn and wants to play,” Dawson explained.

As far as overseas players are concerned, Glamorgan will have veteran South African batter Colin Ingram available throughout the season while Australian star Marnus Labuschagne may make a fleeting appearance in May.

Sri Lankan opening bowler Fernando has signed up for the first two months with the possibility of more, though the county could look for a different T20 bowling option.

“Asitha is a similar bowler to Michael Neser, he swings it and attacks the stumps so he’ll be a really good addition. Hopefully he fits in well and we’ll get him back at some stage later,” said Northeast.

The captain started last season with a ground record 335 not out at Lord’s and passed 1,000 first-class runs, mostly scored away from home.

“I haven’t set any personal targets because I want the squad to do well and keep the younger players growing. But my game feels in a good place and it’s just about having good mental vibes.”

Glamorgan’s limited-overs form has shown a sharp divide between the One Day Cup, which they have won twice in four years with a relatively full-strength squad, and the T20 Blast where they have not progressed out of the group stage since 2017.

“The 50 over comp last year was great, we really enjoyed it as a squad, so it’s about trying to take that momentum and some of the good stuff we did, and use it to our advantage,” said white-ball captain Kiran Carlson.

“We weren’t far off in T20, we had a few bad losses, a few good wins and it’s about finding that sweet spot, peaking at the right time.

“Getting the balance of a team is still something I’m learning about, it’s about trying to get match-winners out there,” Carlson added.

“It’s massive to win [the One Day Cup], it gives the club a boost and it’s the icing on the cake for players after a long hard season.”

After begining their Championship season at home to Leicestershire on Friday Glamorgan face visits to Bristol and Lord’s.