Yeeeeesssssssssssssssssssssss!
The season is nigh. After months of conjecture over who we'll sign, who has signed and who just might, the first game is set for Friday and some time tomorrow we should know John Morris' squad for the first game, away at the Oval against Surrey at the Oval. I just hope that the weather allows the match to unfold and more than just an early flexing of muscles.
Surrey have been buoyed today by news of the signing of Andrew Symonds for the T20, but that has been dampened by the news that talented all rounder Chris Jordan is out for a few weeks with a back problem.
As for Derbyshire, Graham Wagg has been talking us up on BBC Derby
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/cricket/counties/derbyshire/8607831.stm
Like me, he sees Mark Footitt's extra pace and Robin Peterson's all round abilities as crucial to our improved chances in the coming season.
I would hazard a guess that the following side will take the field on Friday, assuming everyone is fit:
Chris Rogers (captain)
Wayne Madsen
Garry Park
Greg Smith
Dan Redfern
Paul Borrington
Robin Peterson
Lee Goddard
Graham Wagg
Tim Groenewald
Mark Footitt
None of us know how much cricket Steffan Jones will play this season. He obviously has coaching commitments over and above the playing ones, but for me the only likely change to the above side might be Jones instead of Paul Borrington if John Morris wants an extra bowler.
With Wagg, Groenewald and Footitt, backed by Smith and Park for seam options, and Peterson backed by Smith, Redfern and possibly Madsen and Wagg for spin, we hardly lack for bowling. Much will depend on the wicket, but Morris may prefer the insurance policy on an early season track of the extra batsman.
Another talking point will be the order of the talented late middle order trio of Goddard, Peterson and Wagg. Peterson suggests (below) that he's likely to bat six or seven. My guess would be that he would follow Redfern and Borrington, coming in before Goddard so that we didn't have three relatively inexperienced players on the trot. Still, that's just my opinion and Morris will have this sorted.
More tomorrow with the definite team news. For now, enjoy your evening - two sleeps to go!
http://www.thisisderbyshire.co.uk/derbyshireccc/Derbyshire-cricket-Peterson-prepared-new-career/article-1971871-detail/article.html
Evening Peakfan.
ReplyDeleteI have emerged from my burrow just in time for the new season. I find a self imposed rest works wonders for me.
Peterson and Footitt do seem to represent the real difference from last year - better quality spin/extra pace. Goddard, for all his merit, pretty much figures as a straight replacement for Pipe - he may turn out better, let's wait and see.
My guess also leans towards a line up including six specialist batters. Early season conditions plus a lack of CC form suggests Morris will pack in plenty of potential run makers. Surrey look to me to be one of our toughest rivals if their new squad settles down quickly. The bonus for us lies with the fact we can now field a long batting line up, whilst retaining a good selection of bowling options. Your suggested side looks about right, but we often see odd line ups with all sides early on, so you never can tell.
I am looking forward to this campaign with genuine optimism. Does seems a very early start mind.
MASTERVILLAIN
Nice to hear from you again MV.
ReplyDeleteYes, early season can be a lottery, but I think a range of bowling will help us as the year progresses. It should be good!