For Derbyshire fans, still glowing in the aftermath of the exciting win at Bristol, the news of Billy Godleman's suspension came as a disappointment.
He will miss the next two matches, just when he appeared to have established himself in the side, which is perhaps more frustrating for him than for us. I'm not going to comment on the incident, as I have only read about it, but the reality is that Billy had 'previous' and in such circumstances was going to be on the wrong side of the decision.
Reports suggest that Chesney Hughes will come into the team as his replacement, but that is not guaranteed, at least for me. His reputation should earn him an opportunity and thankfully he scored 88 in the first innings against Glamorgan in the second team game that finished today to keep in the frame.
There are other options, however. Martin Guptill could move up to open, Wayne Madsen could move to three and either Scott Elstone or Tom Knight could get an opportunity. The seconds beat Glamorgan (propitious, huh?) today, chasing 271 to win at Derby and doing so by seven wickets. Elstone scored 106 from 113 balls, while Singh made 84 before being run out. I don't know the latter, but would be pleased to hear from anyone who can update me on his background. When they were dismissed, Tom Knight and Tom Wood steered us to an impressive and composed win with time to spare.
Then again, they could always include David Wainwright, on a ground that often offers some spin, so the options are out there for Graeme Welch, most of his staff making strong cases for inclusion in the senior side.
More from me later, or tomorrow, depending how the time goes!
Postscript - 'Singh' is Rammy Singh, released last year by Durham and a former England under-19 player. He is 22 years old and presumably on trial, so not a bad effort in the circumstances. A diminutive player, he apparently hits the ball a long way.
Interesting...
As you didn't comment I had to Google his name to find out what on earth had happened.
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't comment on something of that nature that I hadn't seen Tim, as it fair on neither the player nor the umpires.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the intentions, once the umpires decided it was deliberate, Billy had nowhere to go.
Shame, but life goes on.
It's a strange thing to get banned for and you have to assume his guilt. By extension that makes his act completely idiotic especially given the way he has cemented his place. It'd be sad for him if his replacement ensures he doesn't get back in the side but if that happens he'll only have himself to blame.
ReplyDelete