Derbyshire v Australia preview

Like a few more of you, I think, my mind has wandered in recent days to Monday's game at Old Trafford and a smile has come to my face.

We are in the T20 quarter finals. That's quite a feat and I doff my figurative cap to the squad and to Dominic Cork for a job well done. Of course, there's a likely shoot out against runaway southern group winners Sussex and their raft of power hitters and international bowlers, but in a one off game of cricket, you always have a 50/50 chance.

There will be more on that game, should it prove to be Sussex, in due course, but Alex Carey, one of their overseas players, will have a chance to 'spy' on us tomorrow, as he has been called up to the Australian squad to keep wicket, instead of the resting Tim Paine against us at Derby tomorrow.

He won't see too much of the squad they will likely face, as Dave Houghton has announced an interesting thirteen-man squad for the game. There's a first and belated appearance of the season for the talented Matt McKiernan, who might have forced his way into the side on occasion, bar for a stress fracture last winter. I hope he makes the final eleven, because the remainder of the season offers an opportunity to see what he can do, with both bat and ball. Everyone loves a good leggie, especially if he can bat, as McKiernan can.

There is also an opportunity, perhaps the first of many, for Dustin Melton, a strapping tall fast bowler from South Africa, who has spent the summer bowling for Ockbrook and Borrowash. He has looked a serious talent in the second team, but will have it tested over the next three days. I think a good performance will see him on the staff next year, so keep your eyes on a player of genuine pace and potential.

Billy Godleman plays and skippers the side, the squad being:

Godleman, Reece, du Plooy, Hughes, Critchley, Hosein, Dal, Palladino, Gleadall, Qadri, Melton, McKiernan, Conners

I would guess that the two to miss out would be from Qadri/McKiernan and Gleadall/Conners, but we will see tomorrow.

As for the Australians, they are skippered by our former overseas player, Usman Khawaja, who appears to be relishing being back at his former home. Steve Smith returns to action too, so that young attack, with the old head of Tony Palladino, will be able to pit their talents against one of the modern greats.

Their side:

Bancroft, Harris, Khawaja, Smith, Labuschagne, Marsh, Carey, Wade, Siddle, Neser, Starc

Plenty for the crowd to enjoy and I hope that the game, sponsored by Aston Lark, is well attended. Certainly the weather looks great for the three days, which augurs well.

Here's hoping our young side builds on the current feel good factor and acquits itself well.