At the end of it all Derbyshire went down by seven wickets with a day to spare, but at least they battled in the remainder of the game after a horrid first day.
What it showed, of course, is that we're no different to most other teams - we need to play at our very best in every session of every game to get results. On day one we were simply not at the races and we got a bit of a doing.
The most important thing here is not to push the panic button. Good players have not become bad ones because of this game and we must now regroup for the game against Leicestershire next week.
There may well be no Martin Guptill for that game, as he picked up a finger injury against Gloucestershire that may rule him out. I'm not sure whether Usman Khawaja will be over in time either, so there may be a chance we go into an important game without an overseas player - unless, of course, we can bring in Rana Naved for the match.
We'll see and there'll be more from me over the weekend. For now, eat, drink and be merry - we're still top of the table...
Does anyone else feel we might be propping up the table again in a couple of months time?
ReplyDeleteWe have to be careful not to go overboard following one defeat,as disappointing as it was. I,m more concerned how we react to it because that will tell us much more about where this team stands. There is no point in sulking.Learn any lessons,put them into practise and get on with the job in hand.
ReplyDeleteTalking of openers,the more observant will no doubt have noticed a certain Michael Thornely,s exploits for our next opponents. Scores of 97 followed by 136 is a pretty impressive effort on your debut.
There are those who feel we should have signed this lad last season,myself very much included. I,m always impressed with any batsman who makes successive big scores. It shows a tough mental attitude and a desire to succeed rather than "Well iv,e done my bit,someone else can have a go now". It will be interesting to see if he carries it on over the season. I have a feeling he will.
If Guptill is injured the obvious replacement is Hughes. The remainder of the batting should be left alone to atone for it,s errors. I see no reason to tamper with the bowling.
Mark, in the annals of daft comments that is high on the list.
ReplyDeleteThere is no chance of Derbyshire finishing bottom, or even close to it...