A good workout

A nice workout for Derbyshire over the past couple of days at Taunton, which will be followed by a one day game there tomorrow.

The bowlers all seemed to do tidily enough while the batsman mostly spent useful time in the middle. Dan Birch got the innings off to a flyer, Stubbo ground it out for two sessions for an unbeaten 47, Dan Redfern made an accomplished 50 and so too did new signing Garry Park.

The match petered out to the inevitable draw, which 95% or more of 2-day games will do on a decent track. Still, useful work with the season just over a week away.

One wonders if John Morris is closer to his side for that opening match. With Hinds and Rogers to come in, one would assume that Redfern, Park, Birch and Stubbings are playing for three places. Smith should be at six and John Sadler's lack of serious runs thus far suggests he's a little further down the pecking order, while Dom Telo's absence suggests he's not currently in the frame.

The good news for John Morris is that three quarters of those voting in the latest poll think that he's pulled off an astute bit of business in the signing of Stuart Law. To paraphrase one of the questions once posed by Mrs Merton to Debbie McGhee - what attracted you to the run machine who has averaged over 50 throughout his career Mr Morris? If Law produces his best form our fortunes in one day cricket could well be in the ascendancy.

This week's poll is nice and easy. Which competition do you feel we will do best in this season? Lots of things to consider, such as the availability and unavailability of Law and Langeveldt. I look forward to seeing your responses!