I think over the next few years we'll see loads of top players signing deals with the Indian manufacturers. After the summer we had last year I can't imagine many of the English firms have big hordes of cash stored away to pay players as well as give them free gear. You only have to look at the like of Michael Clarke leaving Slazenger for a big payout with spartan. Jonathan Trott going to New Balance who aren't even on sale as yet so its obviously not because they make great bats!
It's a catch 22 in my opinion, cricket doesn't attract the kind of money and sponsorship opportunity as say football so I guess pro's have to do what ever they can to make it crack.
I just hope we don't see any of the big manufacturer fold, especially with the number of non cricket companies folding in the UK. Look at the likes of Comet, Woolworths, HMV, Jessops and the list goes on. Its not unimaginable to see a cricket company added to this list within the next few years.
I don't know if its different in other leagues around the country but I reckon I could count on 1 hand the amount of new bats I saw last year. Must be hurting the big guys!
Lets hope this season is a scorcher for everyone's sake!