Monday 12 June 2017

Farewell (and thanks) to Conor McKerr

It was sad to see the departure announced today of Connor McKerr, a day after he entered the county record books for being the youngest player to take ten wickets in a match for us.

It would be lovely to see him back again on loan, perhaps next season, but there's a good old trivia question in there along the lines of 'which Derbyshire player took ten wickets in a match and never played for the county again'.

I understand Surrey recalling a player in fine form, but unless they have serious injury issues, I am unsure how Conor will leapfrog Messrs Curran (times two), Footitt, Rampaul, Dernbach and Meaker. That's two sides worth of seamers and a luxury that few could afford, certainly not us.

As Kim Barnett said today, the expectation is that Hardus Viljoen and Will Davis will be fit for the Glamorgan game and add a more penetrative edge to the bowling, as of course will Imran Tahir. I hope so, as I am sure you do.

I see a big future for McKerr, however and Derbyshire's role in his development will not be forgotten. He has now gone from a talented young man who has taken age group international wickets to a seamer who has proven he can get men out at first-class level. Psychologically that is a big step and he will doubtless kick on as a result of it. How Surrey keep seven seamers happy is a problem that they will have to deal with.

The two-week break will let a few pulled muscles and bruised bones be restored to fitness,
not to mention a few bruised egos and consciences. There were walking wounded by the end of the Northamptonshire match and were there another game in the next few days, a few players may have been struggling. Thankfully there is time to restore body and mind and a better team will take the field at Cardiff.

Hopefully the virus that attacked Luis Reece's heart is not a long or even medium-term thing, as he is a worthy cricketer who has done pretty well this year. There are things to build on, but there is potential in a man who can both bat and bowl.

Two final points, one of them county-related. I overlooked the signing of Hamidullah Qadri's first professional contract. I have heard a lot of good things about this young man, who is a genuine all-rounder, bowling off-spin. He has time on his side and there is a large gap in a Derbyshire eleven for such a player.

I wish him well and look forward to his continued development. Should he make the first team, which seems inevitable, he will be the first Afghan-origin player to represent the county and quite possibly play the county game. That's one that I will leave to the statisticians...

Finally, what on earth happened to South Africa yesterday? They always seem to blow it at big tournaments and a much-vaunted batting line-up flopped badly and were as disappointing as our own side, probably more so.

It amply illustrated, of course, that collapses can happen to any side at any level. If Amla, de Kock, Du Plessis, de Villiers and Miller can come and go with poor shot selection and reckless running, what chance have the rest got?

By the same token, I love the variety in the Indian attack and think their opening bowlers, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Jasprit Bumrah, are seriously talented players. Throw in talented spinners in Jadeja and Ashwin and they are a match for any side.

An England v India final looks likely and that will be well worth anyone's money.

More from me soon.

5 comments:

  1. Martin

    Recalling him and not playing him would be pointless , so I am guessing they are planning on playing him in some of the 20-20's

    ReplyDelete
  2. Buggered if I know, is the only answer to your question. Opening the attack for a first class side and recalled to what, a 90mph drinks carrier. We could have it wrong, maybe boring Alex is a true visionary and the lad has pushed aside the Curran's , footy and the rest. Sometimes pro sport makes you want to scream.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I hope that he gets a chance at Surrey in the very near future, it would have been very interesting to see him bowling alongside Will Davis and Hardus Viljoen but sadly that will not happen.
    He will have a bright future ahead of himself that is for sure. Thank you Conor and thank you Surrey for letting him come on loan and for even paying his wages whilst with us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. From the Surrey website:

    The seamer will rejoin Surrey immediately, providing cover for any further potential call ups to the England Lions.

    https://www.kiaoval.com/main-news/mckerr-recalled-from-derbyshire-loan/

    Luke

    ReplyDelete
  5. I don't think we can be to disappointed Peakfan. The lads initial one month loan would have run out around the time of the Glamorgan game anyway.
    We must remember he is contracted to Surrey, and if they want to call him back, that is their perogative. You can't blame the lad for doing well !!!
    Let's hope that our injuries all clear up for the next match. Most of all, let's hope Luis Reece receives positive news about his heart/breathing problems.
    Despite the setback against Northants, I am still hopeful that we will put a few more Notts type performances together, and put smiles back on the faces of DCCC supporters.

    ReplyDelete

Please remember to add your name. Avoid personal comment at all times. Thanks!