As final run outs go, there was little more that Derbyshire could have hoped for from the game against Nottinghamshire. We competed well, saw the bowlers find good lines and lengths and the batsmen get balls in the middle of the bat. You couldn't wish for more.
Ahead of his selection of the tea, for the first game, I think that Karl Krikken has three decisions to make.
The top four will be Godleman, Madsen, Durston and Chanderpaul. No worries there and Shivnarine seemed to be getting his range against our local rivals today, three big sixes confirming that he has the range for T20 as well as the powers of concentration that we have all come to admire and respect over the years.
The first decision is at number five. Dan Redfern had a fine 2012 but has had less pre-season opportunities than most with his finger injury. Nor has he converted the limited innings into scores, while his rival for the number five slot, Chesney Hughes, has been in fine fettle. Once again today, the big West Indian appeared to be booming his drives through the covers, always a sign that his game is grooved and it has been that way since the first tour game in Barbados.
It would be hard luck on Redfern to miss out on this one, but it is a big call for Krikk. Neither player would let him down, but perhaps Hughes gives the more immediate prospect of runs. Conversely, Redfern has the enviable knack of pulling out innings when they are needed, so it is a tough call for the coach.
Ross Whiteley is crucial to the balance of the side and will be at six with justified optimism of runs and crucial wickets. Then comes the second decision - Tom Poynton or Richard Johnson behind the stumps?
Again, there is little to choose between the two, as wicket-keepers or batsmen. Both keep to a very high standard and set the tone in the field. They are also capable of good, pugnacious runs and have shown it in the warm up matches. It is another tough call, but my gut feeling is that Krikken will go with Poynton, who did so well last summer. He has maintained high standards and deserves first crack at the top tier for me.
Assuming he is fully fit, David Wainwright is a number eight who offers runs as well as high quality spin, while Tony Palladino and Tim Groenewald are obvious and high quality choices. That leaves just one position, that of third seamer.
Mark Turner has bowled with impressive pace, increased accuracy and good stamina in the warm up games. I am convinced that this will be a big summer for him and he will have a major role to play. Yet Jonathan Clare has also done well and hits the pitch hard. If he is fully fit, he is a bowler with the rare knack of taking wickets in batches, never the worst of talents. He is also a player with centuries to his name and adds length to the batting.
So my team for the Warwickshire game?
Godleman
Madsen
Durston
Chanderpaul
Hughes
Whiteley
Poynton
Wainwright
Clare
Palladino
Groenewald
We'll find out soon enough, but as always I'm keen to hear your thoughts.
So...?
Tom Poynton's scores at the end of last season (after returning from injury) were 25, 106, 55*, 1*, 45, 27* and 24. This gives an average of just over 70. Putting this together with competent wicket keeping then he deserves to be given first go in the Championship team.
ReplyDeleteSR.
This was a much better warm up game than Somerset with some pleasing performances with bat and ball.
ReplyDeleteThe team I have in mind is not much different to yours Peakfan. I,m a great believer in playing players in form,regardless of which sport they may be playing.
I think the easiest decision for Krikken is Poynton behind the stumps. There isn,t much to choose between him and Johnson,but given the fact that Poynton had a belting run in last season and has done little wrong in pre season,I think it would be harsh not to start with him.
Then we come to Clare V Turner. Control V pace. I just think Turner,s extra pace at this time of year and against Warwickshire may be a telling factor. In theory,Clare would lengthen the batting,but not significantly as Turner has proved on numerous occasions to be quite useful with the willow. Turner offers something a bit different and has the pace to worry any batsman. It,s a tough call but for this match,at least,I would plump for Turner.
Your first four batsmen will all play so it,s between Hughes,Redfern and Whiteley for the remaining two slots. Whiteley has the obvious advantage of being the extra seamer. That, coupled with a solid end to last season,a decent winter and pre season runs makes him a definite starter for me.
I felt two or three weeks ago that Redfern might be under a bit of pressure for his place. Something which hasn,t really happened over the past couple of seasons. If it was a deliberate ploy of Krikken,s to wait until now to offer Hughes a new contract,then you have to say the tactic has worked a treat.
Hughes is without question the man in form and seems to have regained his confidence of old. He,s one of those players who at the flick of a switch can pummel any opposition bowlers into submission and change the course of a game. Redfern is a also a fine player but if I have a slight criticism of him it,s the fact he still lacks consistency.
Hughes offers a bowling option and taking everything into account,I think he has to be given the nod over Redfern. He,s done all that could have been asked of him during pre season. The only other thing which may be worth considering is batting Hughes at three and Durston at five. He could even open and put Madsen at three or five.
I guess it,s over to Krikken and Dave Houghton now,but they are my thoughts on the subject.