In the last warm up match before the start of the serious stuff, Derbyshire showed impressive discipline with bat and ball today against Nottinghamshire at the County Ground.
Our four main seamers bowled with impressive control and hostility on a helpful track, giving away precious few runs. Mark Footitt was a little more expensive and Wes Durston took some stick ahead of the Nottinghamshire declaration, but the bowlers can be very pleased with their efforts ahead of the season opener against Warwickshire.
The visitors declaration on 173-5 with forty overs to go would have been with a view to making inroads into our batting, but after the early loss of the skipper, Durston and Billy Godleman batted very well to see the score to 103-2 by the close, Wes departing in the deep to the last ball of the day.
Full marks to both of them, especially to Godleman, who showed not only that he had the technique, but also the stomach for a fight in conditions that continued to favour a seam attack. It is good to see a player with the requisite guts and technique to open in April, which is a very difficult task. I hope he continues in similar vein tomorrow, when supporters may get their first glimpse of Shivnarine Chanderpaul after a lengthy flight from the Caribbean.
Welcome to Derbyshire Shivnarine. We're delighted to see you and are sure that you will enjoy your stay!
More tomorrow.
Greetings Peakfan
ReplyDeleteI have 1 batting line-up left in my fantasy cricket & 3 possibles - Adams (ham), Samaraweera (wor)- great record at home but terrible elsewhere & your boy Wes Durston. I wavering; I want Wes but I'm unsure about the step-up in divisions. Your comments on him would be most welcome - you've done me proud countless times in the past.
I'd take Wes, mate. Adams will score runs, Samraweera will when the wickets dry out, but Wes will score runs AND take wickets.
ReplyDeleteThe gap isn't that massive (if its there at all...) and Wes will do you proud!
A more "professional" performance that against Somerset it has to be said. Should give Godleman some confidence and he can add a few more to his name today.
ReplyDeleteLooking ahead, the Warwickshire game is likely to be a three day affair,if the weather forecast proves accurate. I wonder if we will continue our policy of inserting the opposition,should we win the toss. I wouldn,t argue too much at this time of year but I still believe that under normal circumstances we should look to bat and get the runs on the board.
As a massive Wes fan I'd sign him up. He's been in my fantasy for a few years now and always scores well.
ReplyDeleteChesney Hughes seem's to have had a great pre season with his form to the end of last year i wouldnt of expected him to have a prayer in getting into the 4 day team with the signings of godleman and chanderpaul, he has definitely put my mind in doubt only a few day's away now! what are your thoughts on him featuring in our 4 day campaign?
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