No Eddie Barlow Inspirational Performance then, but a battling effort by Alex Hughes and David Wainwright restored a degree of pride and at least made Kent bat again. It also meant that the pitch inspectors deemed the wicket 'below average' with no points deduction, leaving Kent relieved and aiming to take steps to make them better in future. So 'just below average' next, then...
The brave effort by two battling cricketers cannot mask the day two frailties of a Derbyshire performance that was well below the requisite standard and needs to improve dramatically if we're not to end our current arm-wrestle with Leicestershire for the wooden spoon in last place.
I was concerned about Wainwright's future a few weeks back, but he has been a standout in recent weeks. Similarly, Hughes has passed his personal best on several occasions this summer and I am quite confident that, with continued hard work, he will be a fixture in the Derbyshire side for many years to come.
As I said before the game, this was one we could have won and that we lost so heavily is worrying. Yet there's little we can do with regard to changing personnel this season. Ben Slater may be due a run at some point, but neither Wes nor Ches have gone to the seconds and forced their case with big scores. Billy Godleman is injured and has had little chance to do anything of late, so we go with what we have, unless Graeme Welch decides to use some of his 'Groeners Fund' with a loan move for a batsman.
I was reminded of that yesterday, when I read, with a smile, that Glamorgan's second team against us included Gareth Rees, Stewart Walters, Murray Goodwin and Darren Sammy. And we reckon we have senior men in the second eleven!
I'm not sure who may be available or worth a move, to be honest. If we were to go for someone, I'd prefer it to be a player who might become a full-timer in the future, like Groenewald has done with Somerset. It makes more sense that way, as a player playing two or three knocks for us then going back to his normal club seems somewhat pointless.
Anyway, I await your comments, as always, with interest.
As for our team, the quest for consistency - make it form, in a lot of cases - continues. At least there's still a little fight in there, which is a starting point.
The inspector may have deemed the pitch below average but I wonder how he would have rated our batting. Doubtful he wouls have a box to cover it.
ReplyDeleteWe gained some credit from 100 for 7 to reach something a little more respectable. I agree that Alex Hughes will make a solid batsman,though i,m beginning to wonder if he really is good enough to merit being fourth seamer. His wickets have been very few and far between.
Wainwright has been impressive with the bat and his bowling has shown signs of improvement. He,s endured two poor seasons after a good start,but he does seem to be re-discovering himself. I,m pleased he is.
We have a brief respite before the next Championship fixture,plenty of time for Welch to consider his options. Maybe he will try for a loan player and put a different face in the dressing room. We have to do something to try and improve the batting and taking no action is not an option in my book
I'm not suggesting it, but you could easily make a case for dropping all but Hughes, Wainwright, Palladino and Footitt such has been the poor run of form. You are quite right about the lack of replacements and if Slater is given a go it might be worth trying Paul Borrington lower down the order. Joe Root sparkled as opener in top domestic levels but technique wasn't quite right at international level. The same could be said about Borrington. In 2nd eleven and local leagues he makes batting look so easy and I wouldn't like to see him discarded from the game without seeing how he does in this division facing a softer ball.
ReplyDeleteCraig
I've nothing against Borrington - I don't know the lad - (though I may have once played in the nets with him at Sidmouth cricket club many years ago). He has got a sound technique, can stay in with relative ease, but will never get the volume of runs, at the pace required, to make a first class batsman. Dropping him down the order, 'Anonymous', would I fear be a pointless shuffle. Ben deserves another go though I have my doubts that he is much of a better long term bet.
ReplyDeleteTim...'Anon' was Craig as he signed it (unlike some) and his point is valid. We arent awash with options and it may be worth a try. At this point all ideas are very welcome!
ReplyDeleteMarc I think we need to remember Hughes is a young lad who will get bigger and stronger. In doing so he may get the option of a yard or two of pace and a useful quicker ball. Good talent though.
Good comments gents!
You have to make a decision sometimes. Either someone is good enough or are they aren't. His opinion is of course valid, I just simply disagree.
ReplyDeleteBorrington is not a kid any longer. He made his first class debut in 2005 and has played 48 First Class games. He averages 27.
Some tough decisions need to be made. This one isn't, I don't think, one of them.
I agree with Tim on the Borrington debate, in that he's been recalled back to the side time and time again, and cannot seem to get the weight of runs required. How many more chances does he need?. It tells me that he's simply not good enough to play for us.
ReplyDeleteFor comparison purposes he has a lower first class average (though very similar) to David Wainwright who's a solid number eight.
ReplyDeleteSame old story regarding borrington he scores one decent knock then a big cluster of low scores, his championship average is just over 23. its just not good enough, give ben slater a game.
ReplyDeleteJohn
And still silence from Welch about his thoughts on this latest hammering. Why don't cricket coaches get interviewed like football managers do?. Surely someone from Radio Derby could do this. All I can assume is that Welch thinks everything is going just swimmingly, and no cause for concern. Have you heard anything from him this season Peakfan?
ReplyDeleteA fine effort by Wainers...though I wouldnt equate runs against an old ball with the new. Also comparing a player who came far too soon into first class cricket due to lack of options with one brought in as a more mature player. Point taken though Tim.
ReplyDeleteFor clarity, that's Wainwright's career average, not since he came to the club.
ReplyDeleteThat's not to run down PB's achievements either - for a man of very modest ability he's made the most of what he's been given.
First time I've commented this year, I've felt that this seasons performances have been beyond belief and haven't really felt the urge or motivation to post, however, as always Peakfan, I've been an avid reader.
ReplyDeleteI've long professed to be a Borrington fan, and maybe a spell down the order would be worthwhile - he batted reasonably well in the 1 day stuff at 3 last year. Perhaps an average of 27 shows someone who can play, but is more suited to coming in at 5 or 6 than opening. Softer ball, less attacking fields (unless he's in at 40/4 - which has been a theme recently!) - must be worth a go. Also gives Slater a run in the team.
Can't quite work out why there is only a debate about his position though? Can think of many members of this team who have scored few runs this year.
Finally, Alex Hughes doesn't half look like a decent player. I've been impressed when I've seen him, a very busy cricketer, who has the potential to develop a long way. Well played Yozzer.
Chris in Crewe
Other than North (who I would give another game)only Elstone has a lower average this season (22). He deserves an extended run in the side to see what he's made of. That's why, for me, it's only that one position that I would change right now.
ReplyDeleteMark, there's an interview with Welch on the club site, the logical place. No, I haven't heard from him, but then never heard from his predecessors either and didn't expect to!
ReplyDeleteHe's a busy man and he will get it right. He is also aware of the media side of his job but has plenty to occupy his time right now...
And on to the next topic, gentlemen, please...
ReplyDeleteReady when you are. What would you like to talk about?
ReplyDeleteDroll, sir. I feel a career as an agony uncle awaits!
ReplyDeleteWhat are everyone's thoughts on Billy Godleman?
ReplyDeleteHe's surely in the last chance saloon, not just at Derbyshire but as a county cricketer.
Unless he can overcome his injury problems, get a recall and find some late-season form his first class career looks over to me.
The only thing in his favour is that no-one is exactly keeping him out of the side at the moment.