Derbyshire 172 (du Plooy 86, Neser 3-31, Starc 3-46)
Australia 77-0 (Harris 52*)
Australia trail by 95 runs
I don't know about you, but I discovered three things during Derbyshire's innings against Australia today
One was that Mitchell Starc is unlucky to be outside of their side at the moment. He bowled some serious rockets today and, by dint of his angle alone, I would want him in my side.
Two is that Michael Neser would make a terrific overseas player for us, or anyone else for that matter, were he capped this winter. He filleted our top order and bowled very well indeed today, troubling everyone with late movement, including a first baller for Anuj Dal that would have tested anyone.
Three is that Leus du Plooy is a very fine player indeed.
We knew that of course, but after a century against Australia A, earlier in the summer, he looked a class above the rest today. As well as having a lot of time, he has the most exquisite timing that allows what appear no more than pushes to race away. It reinforced my opinion that he will play international cricket, one I have held pretty much from the start.
The rest of the batting was merely adequate, at best. The early departure of Godleman was a blow, but while Reece stuck it out till nearly lunchtime, I felt he might have been better served playing his natural game. He was loathe to take risk, which made his eventual demise, caught in the covers failing to get over a drive, all the more disappointing.
The rest came and went with undue haste at times, Hughes and Hosein hanging around without looking entirely convincing, but this was a decent Australian attack and there was help for them throughout.
When Khawaja and Harris opened the reply there was a first senior sighting of Dustin Melton. It was also disappointing, with barely a ball that the batsman needed to play in his first three overs. It may have been the footholds to some extent, which troubled bowlers all day, but he would have hoped for more, as he has been much better than that on second team viewings. Nerves will have played a part too, and tomorrow is a big day for him.
Thereafter the more assertive Marcus Harris reached an attractive fifty and with Khawaja took the score to 77 without loss by the close. Palladino bowled steadily, as did Qadri, but it looks like being a long day in the forecast sunshine tomorrow.
As always, Peakfan, a very thoughtful and insightful report. This forun is great, so many thanks.
ReplyDeleteStarc's best is unplayable, but I wonder if he just bowls too much loose stuff for Test cricket?
And what a signing Neser would be! Anuj got a beauty and I really felt for him.
Leus is high class, and really makes me look forward to next season. How England would like him! Compare his approach to the needless harum-scarum of Roy and Buttler.
What a catch by Mitch Marsh. Again, you had to feel for Alex because he absolutely leathered it.
Dustin looked very nervous, but showed he has genuine pace. Is he just on trial for this season? Another year under Steve Kirby's wing might just produce our much-needed quickie.
I think Qadri looks very promising. He appears to have good control and varies his pace nicely, and was possibly unlucky not to be get Harris LBW.
Plenty to be optimistic about as the season draws to an end.
A really enjoyable occasion with a much bigger than usual crowd probably on par with a non high level T20. The Australians bowled comptitively but a few wickets were given away and whilst Starc had his 'super over' I didn't think he was as threatening as when I'd seen him in the world cup. Agree Neser looked good and Siddle was his usual mean self. Du Plooy was excellent but so unlucky with his dismissal - aside from the early overs he rarely looked in trouble.
ReplyDeleteGive the Australians credit they worked hard to please signing countless autographs and posing for photographs throughout the day. Their non players sat out in front of the Grandstand and Cummins was even running for the ball as it went over the boundary when Derbyshire were bowling. Only 80 overs in the day with a fixed 18.00 finish.
Could be a long day for Derbyshire tomorrow.