Thoughts on the T20 so far

Whisper it quietly, but it just may be that the signing of Boyd Rankin makes all the difference to Derbyshire's T20 prospects.

Aside from the fact that he is 35, there is great merit in signing a highly experienced bowler, especially one whose track record in the format is an average of just 7.25 runs an over. He was a fast but wild bowler in his formative years with us, but experience has made him into a solid cricketer. One who, I suspect, had he been available for the summer, might have made a difference in the overseas role.

He offers much needed support to the outstanding Ravi Rampaul, who has been a colossus for us throughout the season. At the end of last year I don't think too many would have been fussed had we found a creative way to release him. Yet this year, his performances have been diametrically opposed and he has bowled with consistent accuracy and penetration. He has looked every inch the international bowler he was for many years and deserves great praise for his efforts.

Maybe there is still time for Darren Stevens to show what he can do. You don't produce the statistics that he has over many years without being a very good player, but the pressure of effectively replacing an overseas would be tough for anyone, let alone a player of 43. I am not yet convinced by the signing as anything more than a panic buy, but would be happy to be proved wrong. At his pace, his bowling could go a long way on the wrong wicket, but on the right one he could yet tie the opposition down. There were glimpses of what he has to offer with the bat at Worcester, and he might find a key niche in the side for when the overs are running down.

There are three fine and aggressive batsmen in the top four, with Luis Reece, Wayne Madsen and Leus du Plooy all clean stroke players. Billy Godleman can hit, but sometimes he gets bogged down, something no side can afford in the format.

The out of form Matt Critchley is a source of concern, and he doesn't have the mojo with bat or ball right now. We could bolster the batting by bringing in Tom Lace or Anuj Dal, fine fielders both, but perhaps being dropped isn't the best for Matt right now. We do need him back to his best form to progress though, as there will be wickets to come where an extra spinner is important.

Alex Hughes will also come more into his own and his brief cameo at Northampton will do his confidence good. His lot with the ball was made easier last year by the perception that he was the bowler to 'get after', which was a big mistake. He isn't such a danger so far, but his all-round potential gets him in my side for this format.

I stand by my assertion that Lancashire, Worcestershire and Nottinghamshire will be three of the qualifiers, with the fourth place between pretty much everyone else. Only two points separate Nottinghamshire, in third after seven games, from Leicestershire, who are second bottom after the same number. We are third bottom but have played a game less, so the importance of Friday evening's game against Durham is clear.

Leicestershire have shown what is possible by beating both Nottinghamshire and Worcestershire in their last two matches, confirming for all to see that anyone can be beaten in a format that offers little margin for error.

If we can keep the opposition to under 200, ideally under 180, there is enough depth to our batting to fancy our chances. And if Messrs Critchley and Stevens can find their best form, that top six is as good as anyone, with the power and improvisation of Smit and Hudson-Prentice to follow.

Fynn, already in his fledgling career with the county, strikes me as someone who makes things happen. Taking key wickets, scoring quick runs and holding important catches, he offers additional balance and all round ability that confirms Dave Houghton's keen eye for talent.

I am enjoying the season. There have been disappointments, but plenty of reasons to be cheerful.

And likely a few more before the end of September...