Weekend warmer

I think that for me this is the most difficult part of the winter. The dark nights are upon us and the rain has been incessant over the past few days. Cricket seems as far away as possible. 

Yet the Ashes are due to start soon, for those who are interested (me, less than I used to be). The Derbyshire players have reported back for fitness training and we still eagerly await any news on additional winter signings. 

Specifically, in our case, overseas players. Nottinghamshire has announced the signing of both wicket keeper Kyle Verreyne, for the entire summer and seamer Fergus O'Neill, for the period between April and June. One could be excused for thinking that leaves the door open for Derbyshire to complete the signing of Mohammad Abbas, but it rather depends on what the player wants to do. 

Perhaps he sees his future as a part-time county player, so covering later summer might suit him. But you are a long time retired in professional sport and if the rumoured Derbyshire offer is correct, he has a chance to continue his glittering career and still further heighten his reputation in a move to the county.

Yorkshire are also keen and Peter Graves told a forum last week that they are pursuing an overseas quick bowler who is available for the full season. Having told the gathering that they are now debt-free and have twenty million in the bank, they could blow any Derbyshire interest out of the water, but again it depends on the player and what he wants to do. 

All we can do is wait and keep our fingers crossed, for a bowler who would undoubtedly be a talisman. Should his plans lie elsewhere, the county will already have plans B and C in place. South Africa might be of interest, as their commitments during the English summer next year seem lighter than most.

As for the other rumour of Wanindu Hasaranga plying his trade down Derby way, I am less hopeful. Historically Sri Lanka tends to schedule international series later than most and the wily leg-spinning all rounder seems to be a part of their white ball plans, even before we consider any interest from other T20 competitions. I suspect that one won't happen, but of course would love to be proved wrong. I don't see the point of signing him (or anyone else) for part of the tournament, then bringing in someone else for the rest. It tends not to work and wouldn't be the best for the team dynamic, at least in my opinion.

As for the bowling coach, recruitment is under way and the job advert can be seen here. The deadline is Tuesday of next week, with in-person interviews being held w/c December 8, according to the advert. 

It will be very interesting to see who applies and who ultimately gets the job.

Enjoy your weekend!

PS well done to South Africa in beating India on a wicket that was underprepared and had not been watered for four days before the Test started.

It smacks of arrogance, when the opposition contains Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj. In losing the toss, they lost the match.

Deservedly so, because that was barely a good club wicket...