It was a lavish occasion, attended by 230 people and it was lovely to see some (old) familiar faces and talk over the many good times. I was a right back or sweeper in the side and we had a lot of fun over the ten years or so that I played. I organised a cricket team for a few years and we played a few games, though our club's greatest contribution to the summer sport, Scotland and former Warwickshire all-rounder Calum MacLeod, came too late for it.
Calum was there last night though and the celebrations went on long into the night, resulting in bed around 3am. Which makes me wonder why I was bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning at 8...
Back to cricket and I was delighted to see the name of Scott Elstone (pictured) in Derbyshire's squad for today's trip to Colchester and the largely academic game against Essex. Regulars will know I have been suggesting a winter move for the lad for several weeks and I am pleased to see that Karl Krikken wants a look at him at a senior level. His stunning century last week for the seconds, with 20 fours and a six, was indicative of a player in prime form, while his unbeaten thirty in the second innings from 17 balls with seven fours suggests a player for who timing is not an issue.
I hope he does well, but I would think his inclusion in this and probably the Monday squad was as much to assess his manner in the top level of the game. Everything about his season so far for the Second XI and Dunstall looks positive, but as we have seen in the final Test match with Simon Kerrigan, some players can look awkward outside their comfort zone. I'd be surprised if the potential offer of a contract was dependent on his scoring fifty or more here, but more on how he looks. Given that he offers a useful off-spin option and brilliant fielding, he has much to bring to the table and I wish him well.
It is a strange-looking side. No Madsen, Chanderpaul, Groenewald, or Footitt, all of them rested ahead of this week's massive game at The Oval. No Poynton either, so Richard Johnson takes the gloves and presumably gets a chance to show his skills and potentially take over and allow an extra batsman or bowler for the championship game.
The squad in full:
Chesney Hughes
Wes Durston
Paul Borrington
Scott Elstone
Richard Johnson
Alex Hughes
Ben Slater
Billy Godleman
David Wainwright
Tony Palladino
Tom Knight
Alasdair Evans
Matt Higginbottom
The final eleven is tough to call and will depend on the pitch, but there is a big opportunity for several players. Wes Durston's eight wickets for the seconds could well bring him a recall for The Oval, but he will want to get runs under his belt. David Wainwright or Tom Knight could also feature there, so both will hope to get an opportunity, while Paul Borrington will hope to reinforce some impressive one-day batting displays in the last two games.
More later.
It is a weird looking squad but like you,I,m pleased to see Elstone given a chance to shine.
ReplyDeleteNo doubt Krikken has his reasons for leaving certain people out of this game and including certain others. Given that two will ultimately be warming the bench,I can,t see much reason for playing Godleman or Evans to be honest,so I would go with the remaining eleven.
We have to test Palladino,s fitness ahead of what should see his return at the Oval.I would be tempted to open with Slater and Elstone allowing Chesney Hughes and Durston to come in at four and five,adding a bit of experience to the middle order. The game is meaningless in one sense but it wouldn,t do us any harm to win it.