Derbyshire 48-0 (Godleman 24*, Guest 23*)
v Durham
The unbroken stand of 48 between Billy Godleman and Brooke Guest was our highest of the season, which tells its own story. Both batsmen combined watchful defence with fine shots, the skipper hitting well through the covers and once dancing down to hit Ben Raine over his head for four.
Meanwhile Guest continues to look the part and appears a real find. He looked untroubled by a strong visiting attack and his pull in front of square from England man Mark Wood was a thrilling stroke.
Off the pitch came the news that Billy Stanlake is heading home to Australia after one match, with a recurrence of the stress back fracture that has plagued his career.
I feel sorry for the lad, but take no pleasure in having predicted this would happen. Given his medical history, a long flight on an aeroplane and colder British climate always seemed the 'perfect storm' for such a recurrence. So too a more intensive amount of cricket than he was used to and had ever done. I think we were naive on this one and I am not sure where we go next.
Most counties are now sorted for the season, including the Vitality Blast and most countries have some international cricket in the remainder of our season. Much will also depend on travel restrictions from parts of the world.
Considering the start we have made, it may be we just bring in someone for the T20 and RLODC, using what we have for the remainder of the four-day season and giving people opportunity.
Logically we do need a bowler, most likely a seamer, preferably one who can handle the Powerplays like Ravi Rampaul did so well.
Anyone any thoughts?
I think we'd be as well seeing if McDermott fancies some 4 day cricket for us whilst he's here/if he can arrive a bit early.
ReplyDeleteAnother bowler would be nice but clearly needs to be the right sort of player to complement what we have with experience the glaring weakness currently.
We might do worse than...Ravi Rampaul. He had a decent time in the West Indies 50 over competition this winter, finishing in February, so may not be too out of condition and doesn't seem to be committed in the CPL. He might not be fit for the remaining 4 day matches but quarantine is likely to prevent anyone else who isn't already in the UK from getting here in time.
ReplyDeleteI did wonder about Ravi but he is a player who can go quickly out of condition if not playing. The contrast between his first season and others was telling and three minths is a long time potentially doing nothing..
ReplyDeleteWouldn't say no IF he is fit. We know what he can do and at his best it is very good indeed!
Dave Houghton, saying we're quite far down the line to finding a replacement for Stanlake, not sure I believe that tbqh. Who is available, which countries aren't playing internationals at the minute?. This season just lurches from one problem to another
ReplyDeleteI believe him, as there is no logic to saying that if he isn't. But I have no idea who it is. It may be like for like, or he may go for a spinner. For all we know a batsman but I would think that the least likely.
DeleteInteresting to keep an eye on!
I feel for BIlly Stanlake, as he travelled half way around the world, quarantined, and then struggled with his run up in his first game. He was clearly relishing the prospect of English four-day cricket. He must be gutted.
DeleteBut, given he has been injury prone, I can't help wondering how thorough his medical assessment was before we signed him. -he only bowled 17 overs against Durham over four days! What checks were done? And who did them? I was dumfounded when I heard the news about him today.
Surely for Dave Houghton the question must have been to whoever he dealt with when negotiating the contract: "Is Billy fully fit, what is the proof, and is he able to withstand the rigours of English county cricket?"
I've no idea who might replace Billy as an overseas. If Ben McDermott is available, then I'd be inclined to go for him. Regarding Ravi, yes, if, as you say, Steve, he's fully fit.
Today, though, had a brighter moment, with Brooke Guest's debut as an opener. He looked composed, in control, and untroubled by either Wood or Rushworth. He does seem to be a real find.
Do you think we must've always had a back up option then Peakfan, just in case this inevitable scenario happened?
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't be surprised. DH knows his cricket and he must surely have realised the chances on Billy getting through were slim.
DeleteWhich brings us back to notoveryet's comment.. has he maybe had Ravi keeping himself fit as a standby? He knows us, we know him...
I'm sorry for Stanlake, but i did say it was a major mistake in signing him.
ReplyDeleteI would definitely look to one of the NZ bowlers after their Test Series and match v India.
Maybe someone like Wagner, Southee, Boult, Jamieson could be interested in extending their stay in England, they would already be there, no need to quarantine etc.
Rampaul would be a good shout as the bowlers need an experienced head around them. Not sure we could afford any of those Kiwis tbh but good if we can get one!
ReplyDelete