Sunday 31 May 2009

Will the real Derbyshire stand up?

After two matches in the 20/20 we'd won both and everything in the garden was rosy. Following the weekend fixtures we're now at won two/lost two and are back to having a scrap on our hands.

So what has gone wrong? At its simplest, we're not scoring enough runs and more specifically we're not getting a quick enough start. If you compare the pedestrian starts over the weekend games to the first two matches the problem is evident and the issue is in the early loss of Chris Rogers.

In the earlier matches Rogers was on fire and the team reaped the rewards, but over the weekend two matches have brought just four runs. In my opinion, should Rogers go early our number three should be Stuart Law. I've nothing against Garry Park who is a terrific young cricketer, but an experienced head at three would be an asset and it seems a little pointless having Law come in with six overs to go when we've barely got above 5-6 runs an over. Greg Smith is batting well but isn't taking attacks apart, so maybe we need to look at a pinch hitter in there.

Take today's game for example. Chesterfield, small boundaries and strong hitters like Pipe, Groenewald and Wagg barely getting a hit. We are at least batting through innings this year, which is a step in the right direction, but at the halfway stage today we were gone, but for a minor miracle.

Elsewhere, there seems to be a growing feeling that our new bowler to replace Charl Langeveldt will be Nantie Hayward, the quick and awkward South African paceman. That's the story on BBC 606 and there's a certain logic about it. I don't know if its true and like the rest of you don't know the terms of his deal, but Hayward bowls quick - very quick at times - and could be the spearhead we need for a Championship challenge. Earlier in his career he was known as Wayward Hayward for his somewhat erratic bowling, but experience has improved him and Steve Waugh always reckoned him one of the most difficult bowlers to face. That would do me and should do everyone else too. Full credit to John Morris if it happens as he has moved quickly to bring in a very good bowler.

Finally tonight, it was pretty much 50/50 on the loss of Charl Langeveldt meaning the end of our season. I don't think any one man makes a team, although there have been a few that have come close, but the players need to come back with renewed vigour after a disappointing weekend.

So for this week's poll - can Nantie Hayward (if it is to be him)compensate for the loss of Champagne Charl?

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