Barbados beckons again

Most Derbyshire fans, giving the matter some thought, would perhaps date the catalyst of last summer's success as the T20 Plate Final against Hampshire in Barbados. Mark Footitt bowled a stunning last over to snare a win that hardly seemed possible, as many of us followed the score via an excellent Twitter feed (which was the precursor to many such feeds through the summer, incidentally).

That we book ended the summer with another win against the southern county was a delight for those who like their symmetry, though marginally less than for those of us who like to see Derbyshire win trophies, of course. Admittedly, most of us had forgotten what they looked like, but I am confident that the division two trophy will not be the last won by this side.

After the undeniable success of the venture, it was inevitable that the county would return next Spring, between March 11 and 23, again playing fixtures across the formats against different sides and in all likelihood under a burning hot sun that they will be highly unlikely to see in Derby at that time of year...

Whether the squad as it currently stands is the one that heads to the Caribbean is anyone's guess, but I don't see many more signings. Right now I think the focus will be on securing the services of a top overseas batsman, perhaps, depending on who we manage to sign, with another one for the T20. That will, I think, be it for 2013, especially when we have re-signed many younger players on improved deals.

In another era the Caribbean trip might have been where we picked up a player. Older fans might recall the dynamic Essex all-rounder Keith Boyce being spotted on a winter trip by (I think) Trevor Bailey. Boyce went on to be a major factor in their golden side of the 1970s, bowling with pace, playing some brutal knocks and fielding quite brilliantly, with a fast, flat throw from the boundary edge being a highlight of his game.

Then there was Viv Richards, another spotted on a pre-season tour by Somerset man Len Creed, who went on to become the best batsman in  the world (Richards, not Creed...) Of course, qualification was easier for overseas players at that time and counties could take a gamble on untried players who sometimes came good.

Greg Armstrong was at the opposite end of the spectrum, undoubtedly quick but sometimes so erratic that he couldn't land it on the cut strip. The cooler weather didn't suit him and no balls were an unfortunate habit that he failed to stop. He played far more games for Glamorgan in two seasons than he ever did for an albeit strong Barbados side. It was a gamble that didn't come off.

It is unlikely that Karl Krikken will return from this trip with one extra player though. Those islands still produce players of brilliance, as their recent T20 World Cup win amply illustrated, but with the exception of Chris Gayle, the ever-improving Marlon Samuels and the quiet, undemonstrative brilliance of Shivnarine Chanderpaul, few translate it to the Test arena. There may be a few counties who look to that part of the world for T20 players this summer though, once the respective dates of international fixtures around the globe are known. A World Cup win has to stimulate a degree of interest in their players, much as it does for their footballing equivalent.

In closing tonight, Mrs P asked me if there was anything I especially wanted for Christmas today, as her Mum wants to get me "something nice". I couldn't honestly think of thing. I'm now lucky enough to get sent the cricket books that were once a sure winner by publishers for review, while I don't really need any more cricket gear at my age. I couldn't think of a CD that I hadn't got and wanted, just as with DVDs. Looks like socks and aftershave...

Of course, we all got early presents with our summer success and I got a bonus one with a match up here against Scotland next summer, the date of which is eagerly awaited. A game against Yorkshire at Scarborough would be fantastic and I could then book a few days away to fulfil one of my remaining cricket ambitions.

Mind you, that pre-season tour sounds tempting. I wonder if I talk nicely to my mother-in-law.....