After the early part of the week being spent in a state of excitement following the signing of Stuart Law, it is back to earth with a bang as news comes through that we will lose the services of Charl Langeveldt to the Indian Premier League between 18th April and 24th May.
By my calculations (albeit quick) that rules him out of three Championship matches and all but one/two of the FP trophy matches, depending on the time of his flights subsequently. It is, beyond a doubt, a blow to Derbyshire's prospects, especially in the one day competition that I saw as our best bet this season.
To be fair, however, there was little they could do about it. While the odd fan here and there may be outraged by his lack of loyalty, could anyone in their heart of hearts say that they wouldn't do the same? The chance to earn more in a month than in the rest of the season would tempt anyone. I enjoy my job, but if someone offered me another where I could just work for a month and earn the same money I would snatch their hand off...
So the onus now lies on others to fill the gap. Logic suggests Tom Lungley will be first choice to take his place, so long as his body is fully recovered from last year's various strains and pains. If not, there would appear an early opportunity for Tim Groenewald. Neither could be claimed to be as complete a bowler as Langeveldt, but both bring something extra to the side.
Lungley can dismiss the best on his day and when he has rhythm is himself a potent force. It is an important year for him after last season's problems as the club cannot carry an injury-prone bowler. Tom is also a worker in the field and offers something with the bat, although not as much as his double century in the local leagues a year or two back suggested. He and Graham Wagg are great mates and I suspect that one could feed off the success of the other. We'll see...
Tim Groenewald could otherwise get an early opportunity to impress. Known as a lively fast medium bowler who hits the deck, he has yet to fulfil the early promise he showed in his native South Africa, but could just be a later developer and another who benefits from a change of county. In recent years we've had Tim Munton, "Pop" Welch and Graham Wagg from Warwickshire. The latter two were unqualified successes while Munton was still a fine bowler. If Groenewald shows that level of ability we'll be more than happy.
He also brings a reputation as a fine fielder and a huge hitter of a ball in the lower order. It may be that the compromise is that Lungley plays the Championship matches and Groenewald the one dayers, which would certainly have its merits as an idea.
Only John Morris knows the answer to this little dilemma. We'll know in due course the effect this may have on our season, but for now I'll happily think that this threat to our side's success may just turn out to be an opportunity to a couple of players who need one.
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