Derbyshire were well and truly hammered in their final pre-season warm up match today at Edgbaston.
Batting first, our hosts compiled a healthy 388-6, largely thanks to a fine double century by the talented Sam Hain. By the end of the innings the three early wickets taken by Ravi Rampaul were a distant memory, though credit should be given to the West Indian and to Matt Critchley for tight spells in the face of the onslaught.
A very short boundary of around 40 yards on one side of the wicket was a contributory factor to the high score, but that was the same for both sides.
Derbyshire's innings started well, but the early loss of Luis Reece and also Wayne Madsen after a brief cameo lessened the prospect of a successful chase.
Matt Critchley made an aggressive 69, while Billy Godleman contributed 59, but there was little else. The innings subsided to 223 all out and we will need to do much better.
Having said that I don't think that this would be the preferred line up when the 50 over competition begins. I would be surprised if either Qadri or Lace played and suspect that there may be a role for the new batsman, due to be announced shortly.
It was a chastening debut for Logan van Beek, who conceded over 100 runs in his ten over spell. He will need to find the correct length quickly, but is unlikely to find boundaries so short as the season progresses.
Unless, of course, Derbyshire return to Heanor...
Work to do, but they will do it.
I think Royal One day competition is a strange one with the time of the year it's being played. You could win 3 games out 8 and have few rain effected and qualify. I personally think with a small squad this year its how we look after Ravi and Tony could be key for a good championship campaign. Its very difficult with resting as Stevens (Kent) said he find it extremely hard to pick his form after having long rest period. So sometimes resting certain players doesn't always work.
ReplyDeleteon another note it's nice to see Stefan Jones get experience as a bowling/fitness coach in the IPL
Fingers cross that it will be Tom Wood he was very unfairly treated last season I thought. As he did everything possible to be selected for 1st.
Is there not a possibility that Lace could take the gloves in 50 over games?
ReplyDeleteHe could. Depends on whether he or Harvey are deemed more likely to score runs - and keep wicket well
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