In the end, as it was always likely to be, the game ended in a draw, but a young Derbyshire side were far from disgraced.
Indeed, two telling performances came today from players who have had their struggles this season, but may yet have a major contribution to make to the campaign.
Ross Whiteley hadn't hit a fifty since the opening game, but doing so today from a good South African attack, will do him the world of good after his return from injury. He appeared to be hitting the ball well and, with a potential ten innings left this summer in the four-day game, that can only be good news.
As for Mark Footitt, he showed - albeit against the Saffer tail - that he is a quick and awkward bowler. Very few lower order batsmen like quick bowling and when it is coming from the left hander's angle it is especially difficult to face when the line is right. On the quicker, end of season pitches, I have a feeling that a major contribution from Footitt isn't far away. Following on from a five wicket haul against Scotland A, Footitt's return to form and fitness is exactly at the right time for Karl Krikken, who has a full hand of seamers to choose from ahead of the visit next week to Headingley.
As things stand, I might be inclined to go for either Mark Turner or Mark Footitt ahead of Jonathan Clare at this stage. Their extra pace may be handy, as Turner showed at Chesterfield when he ripped the Yorkshire middle/lower order apart. With Ross Whiteley able to bowl a few overs too (how big a confidence boost is bowling Amla?) there are plenty of options for Krikk ahead of the big one.
I know Footitt took four today, but for me he's still not the answer. If he'd got rid of Smith, Kallis, Amla and De Villiers, then maybe, but his four were hardly the cream of the South African order. Turner for Clare, maybe. Footitt for Clare? No thanks.
ReplyDeleteGood news about Ross' 50. I saw his 80 odd against Northants during the first game, and it was some effort. When he is in form he makes batting look simple - very Trescothick-ish to my mind. I wasn't there today, but looking at his stats (51 off 63 with 9 boundaries) he went out there and hit the ball - thats when he is at his best. All his knocks since the first game have been 10's and 20s at a strike rate of about 50. thats not his game - give him licence to give it a crash.
Still, a good creditable performance overall - well done lads.
At this stage I still think Turner is the better of the 2 and I would pick him ahead of Clare also. In Groenewald and Palladino we have 2 seamers who offer control, Turner who's a wicket taker, 2 good spinners and Whiteley and Redfern in an emergency. With this, the team for Yorkshire away picks itself pretty much
ReplyDeleteMadsen, Lineker, Khawaja, Durston, Redfern, Whiteley, Johnson, Wainwright, Groenewald, Palladino, Turner
I agree with you both. Whiteley is best when playing his shots, Footitt is behind Turner in the rankings for me.
ReplyDeleteI feel that he may yet get another call this summer though, maybe through injury.
Anon - can't argue with your team for Headingley mate.