Derbyshire face another challenge tomorrow night in their quest to make the knockout stages of the Vitality Blast for only the third time.
Having disposed of two teams, Yorkshire and Worcestershire, who are supposedly better than us, there is a different kind of challenge in a Leicestershire side which, like us, is regarded as one of the sides that simply make up the numbers.
Given that they are on a hot winning streak at the moment, it would be very much to our detriment if we went into the game with anything less than 100% commitment.
In such matches we have fallen short this year, losing to Durham and Warwickshire sides that were not of the same quality as those that we have beaten.
So complacency is our biggest danger tomorrow. Colin Ackerman is a dangerous cricketer and Mark Cosgrove has been a thorn in our sides several times over the years. They have no overseas player, but like us are pulling together as a team in which everyone plays a part.
Once again I am missing us in front of the TV cameras, being away in the Lake District until Friday. Poor planning on my part, perhaps, but family always comes first.
So I must follow from afar and look forward to your informed comments later. I don't expect any changes to the side, because we have now got a pretty tight and cohesive unit that works. The batting has been solid, at times spectacular, and we just need the bowling to do the same.
The last two performances of Logan van Beek have been encouraging and I hope he is fit enough to play, having only bowled two overs against Worcestershire. Similarly we need Boyd Rankin to bowl better than the last couple of games, as, the temptation to replace him with Anuj Dal or Darren Stevens may be strong.
If we can reproduce our form of the last two games - and I suspect win the toss - then we might be looking at a remarkable three in three tomorrow.
But Dominic Cork and Billy Godleman will know that performance and commitment levels from all eleven players must not drop from those past two matches.
I'm going to go for a win.
What do you think?
I'm looking forward to it. Depends on the pitch but another one like Tuesday and I'd be inclined to bring Dal into the side as he adds to the fielding if for no other reason. He could also bowl an over or two if needed. You're right Cosgrove and Ackermann are the dangermen and if the bowlers can get them early that could be key. A lot at stake game particularly if tomorrow's game against Notts is a no result and with Durham/Worcs playing tonight as well.
ReplyDeleteWhenever we should win we don't so in that basis an away win. Prove me wrong please!
ReplyDeleteWhat a embarrassing performance by Derbyshire, they have made Leicestershire bowlers look like world beaters. just got the yearly routine beating by Notts to look forward to now.
ReplyDeletePaul