Something for the weekend

You have to give Yorkshire their due. They're wasting no time in their recruitment plans and have followed yesterday's signing of Jack Brooks with a planned swoop for Liam Plunkett of Durham in the next few days.

It changes my opinion on their prospects for next summer, although the caveat to that statement is the inevitable "if they stay fit". Plunkett was highly rated a few years back but injuries have taken their toll and perhaps a fresh start is what he needs. At 27 he can still improve, but one has the impression that his career has regressed, especially over the last two seasons. Maybe Jason Gillespie will get the best from him and  if he does the Yorkies will be a decent side next summer.

Derbyshire's outlay will be perforce more modest, but we're going about things differently. Today saw the announcement of a new three-year deal for Ross Whiteley, one that will doubtless be the first of many. Derbyshire presumably moved to sign up Whiteley quickly before he heads for a winter in Australia and the thought of this talented young player in Derbyshire colours for the next three summers at least is a reassuring one.

While this summer was a steep, second year learning curve for him, Whiteley came through it and showed both sides of his game in the closing weeks. The batting was always likely to return to normal service, as the player marries a sound technique with remarkable power when well set. Most reassuring, of course, was the re-emergence of his bowling. He developed a habit of taking important wickets at the start of spells, and while still bowling an occasional bad ball he looked to have increased rhythm and confidence by season-end. A mid-summer injury limited him for a while, but as the Sky pundits said during the Hampshire game, he looks a player who could yet add pace to his bowling.

Think how valuable such an all-rounder would be at number six! A powerful batsman and a genuine seamer, left handed for useful variety. Whiteley is likely to play a massive role in Derbyshire's future fortunes and, at his best, give us valuable balance.

The next few weeks will be exciting and I expect to see news of other signings, as well as information on the next intake to the county academy. For those who like to see such things, you can read details of the exploits of age group sides here. There seem to be some talented lads in the different age groups, with Callum Brodrick, a 14-year old playing for Dunstall's senior team, one who could come under consideration. I'm sure that Howard Dytham will have clear ideas of what he is looking for and that competition for places will be fierce. A place on the Academy will be cherished and if we can find another Redfern, Whiteley, Burgoyne or Hughes we will be pretty happy.

Finally tonight, I read earlier that Rory Hamilton-Brown has opted to return to Sussex next summer after a traumatic summer with Surrey in which his best friend and flat mate Tom Maynard tragically died.

I wish the lad the very best on his move and hope that in doing so he finds the inner peace that must have been difficult had he stayed in London. I am sure that all cricket-lovers will wish him the same.

Have a good weekend folks. Oh...and happy two-week anniversary!