Understandably, Dave Houghton has not tried to fix what is some way from being broken, and has named an unchanged squad for tomorrow's championship match against Gloucestershire at Bristol.
Whether there is a change to the final eleven will depend on the pitch. If that were the case Sam Conners would likely replace Anuj Dal. Conners took two wickets and made an unbeaten 42 runs for the second team today, and will be high on confidence, following on from a good performance in the pre-season university fixture.
The side will be the same and that can never be a bad thing. While it will be the season opener for our hosts, Derbyshire have seen that a committed effort from eleven players can bring dividends. The togetherness was obvious at Derby and that will help to see them through the harder times that will undoubtedly come.
Our hosts lost two good bowlers to Warwickshire over the winter and have had to rebuild. They are a side, however, that frequently delivers results and have some fine players.
Chris Dent, their captain, always seems to score runs against us, while Ryan Higgins is a player who has clearly benefited from his new environment. He has become a key all rounder and will hope to follow on from an excellent 2018.
Benny Howell is another fine all rounder and wicket keeper batsman Gareth Roderick has proved himself a fine asset to the club.
Their squad:
Dent (c), Hammond, Bracey, G Hankins, Roderick, J Taylor, Howell, Higgins, van Buuren, M Taylor, H Hankins, Shaw, Drissell.
The weather appears to be dry and overcast for the next four days and I see no reason why Derbyshire cannot build on their success last week.
If they can replicate the same level of commitment then a win is very possible.
As always, I would appreciate your thoughts.
It was an excellent performance against Durham with a great recovery after such a poor opening session. Hoping that our 'big hitters' Godleman, Madsen and Reece can get some runs this time. Lace's confidence must have been boosted by his second innings and I thought Hosein played so well that he justifies no6 whereas I wasn't so sure last year. I'd leave things as they are unless the wicket cries out for another bowler - would like to see Dal get and extended run in thee team.
ReplyDeleteGloucs are no mugs but not as strong as last year and they'll miss Miles in particular - really should be looking for a second victory.
I fancy a win here, but as we all know with Derbyshire disappointment is always lurking round the corner. Bat first if possible, then take it from there.
ReplyDeleteAre Derbyshire expecting too much of Reece to bowl twenty overs in an innings and then go and open?
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