I understand that Chris Grant was on Radio Derby this evening talking about a landmark signing for the T20 in 2012. There were no names mentioned and I heard that we are still "actively looking" but it is good to hear, as well as being a more realistic option than such a player for the full campaign.
As I suggested in my previous county post, that is essential for the club to move forward, on and off the pitch . While there are many who see T20 as being the Pot Noodle at the gourmet feast of cricket (myself included) there are a lot of people who enjoy their dessicated snack and their laugh and giggle matches. The reality is that it is still the game's cash cow and to maximise income streams you need to do well. That will bring in crowds and generate money that can be ploughed back into the club in whatever way is decided. By extension, to do well you need a good class of player and, as Leicestershire found last season, two decent all-rounders can make a huge difference.
I don't know who Derbyshire will end up with, but my guess is that there will be more potential takers for a short T20 stint than there would be for a season-long grind. I wouldn't be surprised if a few South Africans entered the fray for a bat or bowl ahead of the massive Test series next summer and such players will be sure to be in demand.
They had a good first day against Australia today and the seam attack of Morkel, Steyn and Philander offers something for all conditions. Vernon Philander bowls good swing and can also hit a ball cleanly, his only county stint for Middlesex being truncated by a bad injury. He is a regular wicket-taker in a good class of cricket and could well become a fixture in their side.
More soon, but a week of 8pm finishes at work aren't leaving me much time this week...
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