Logically, the easiest way to do that would be to score the required runs in a run chase in the least amount of time. So should Samit Patel win the toss tomorrow, I would expect him to bowl, because it would be much easier to control events knowing what is required, rather than trying to bowl out Durham in X overs in the second innings.
The good news is that Nye Donald has returned from that other competition to take his place in the squad. He didn't show his best form in that competition, nor have any of the Derbyshire players, to be honest. Harry Came is also in the squad, despite struggling through the game against Kent, while Daryn Dupavillon is rested after picking up a knock in that match.
In a squad of thirteen, I expect the following side:
Reece, Came, Guest, Lloyd, Donald, Dal, Patel, Wagstaff, Chappell, Moore, Conners
Naeem, Potts in reserve
Durham welcome back Paul Coughlin and Ben Raine, who will make up a potent new ball pairing with Kiwi, Neil Wagner. Meanwhile, Derbyshire will hope to dismiss Alex Lees early, as he has been a perennial thorn in our side since his Yorkshire days.
Their squad:
Colin Ackermann, Scott Borthwick, Jonathan Bushnell, Paul Coughlin, Bas de Leede, George Drissell, Brandon Glover, Daniel Hogg, Michael Jones, Alex Lees, Haydon Mustard+, Stanley McAlindon, Ben Raine, Neil Wagner
It will be a tough game. Durham are a fine side and they continue to recruit well. On their own pitch they are especially impressive and the record of Derbyshire at Chester le Street is not a good one. We need to reverse that tomorrow, while keeping a wary eye on events at Merchant Taylor School. Perhaps Agent Andersson can do us a favour in that one...
Our inconsistency prevents me from declaring a Derbyshire win, though the talent is in the side in spades. Even if we do, I find it hard to believe the Hampshire side that played against us could lose to what I consider a very average Middlesex one, especially when they have been further strengthened by the return of Liam Dawson and Ali Orr.
Consider me old-fashioned, but I reckon Middlesex would need prime time Compton, Edrich, Gatting, Daniel and van der Bijl to have a chance.
What do you think?
Hampshire have lost all their away games in this competition.If they were to lose it then boil's down to a straight shoot out between Durham and ourselves ,I hope I’m wrong but with Lees ,Raine ,Wagner ,Jones and de Leede plus home advantage ,Durham will probably have too much for us !
ReplyDeleteIf we can build a foundation with Reece, Came, and Loyd, and one of them scoring 80 plus, then Donald can come in and score 60 or 70 in quick time, then we have a chance. But we need at least two players to post decent scores.
ReplyDeleteA heavy Derbyshire loss I'm afraid, the other result totally academic
ReplyDelete7 wickets for Jake Green DCCC u18s yesterday. He looks rapid. Do you know anything about him Steve ?
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