That the new skipper is Wayne Madsen is no great surprise, especially given that he held the role, and made a decent fist of it, in a number of one-day games last season. An intelligent, affable and articulate man, he knows his cricket and is settled locally, having signed a new three-year deal to the end of 2014 fairly recently. A good team man, he will lead by example and will ensure that the team spirit engendered by Luke Sutton last year is maintained.
If you read yesterday's posts you will know he has my vote and I look forward to seeing him grow in the role and encourage a young outfit to express themselves, play positive cricket and get results. Perhaps one of the early decisions is where he will bat in the order. He was a middle order batsman in South Africa and was turned into an opener with success by John Morris. A few challenges last season saw him drop back down to number four and, as the best player of spin in the side, I see that as his best position - especially as we already have Messrs Guptill, Borrington, Lineker and Hughes who can open.
The reaction of players to captaincy can differ. Some thrive on the responsibility, while others find the weight of expectation cramps their natural style and has an adverse effect on their game. I think Madsen will do well and, like all Derbyshire fans, wish him the very best in the role.
May his tenure be a long and successful one. Who knows, maybe Wayne Madsen will be the man who oversees the resurgence in Derbyshire cricket?
PS Up here in Scotland, the term most frequently used for youngsters is "weans", which is pronounced the same way as our new skipper's christian name. I look forward to seeing the progress of Wayne's weans...
A decent pick in probably a two to three horse race.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Madsen will prosper down the order after a difficult championship last term. I think his style contrasts well with, say, Durston and Whiteley has shown an admirable defensive side to his game in the the 'safety man' role sat behind the top five, which looks right.
The problem for me would then be Guptill's partner with no one (yet) making a robust case as his regular chum in that position. Despite the arguable potential of those mentioned in your article, someone has to translate their promise into regular fifties and hundreds and that is now, perhaps, our major weak spot, with general experience and seam bowler cover trailing behind.
MASTERVILLAIN
I not quite sure what picking the captain has got to do with the chairman but I would like to wish Madsen all the best in his new role. Hopefully he can re-discover the form he showed under Morris and Brown.
ReplyDeleteBen
I too wish him well. He will need to re-discover his form and quickly. That is my main concern with his appointment. The captain cannot afford to be carried. His lack of runs,particularly in the four day game,was a little bit more than just a blip. Hopefully,for his sake aswell as Derbyshire,s that will change next season.
ReplyDeleteI agree with peakfan,s sentiments about a lack of experience. Both Sutton and Jones will be missed,off the field as much as on it. The seam department remains a concern for me,for reasons i,ve stated previously. We really do need at least one more seamer and an experienced batsman. Young players are great when things are going well,but seldom change the fortunes of a team doing less well.
Good luck to Sutton. He was a much better player/captain than many gave him credit for,though much of the blame for Morris,s dismissal was unfairly laid at his door.
Sutton's departure means that we lose yet another experienced cricketer. I think sooner rather than later the chairman has got to 'put up or shut up' and make sure that Krikken and Madsen have the funds to strenghten the squad.
ReplyDeleteBen