Weekend warmer

As we approach Christmas, Derbyshire supporters can allow ourselves a smile of satisfaction, because a lot of excellent work has been done since the end of the 2025 season. 

Better than England anyway. I have avoided commenting too much on the Ashes, partly because I have watched very little, partly because the incestuous nature of the national side holds no interest for me. 

The English side will return from Australia with exactly what they deserve. They failed to prepare, having paid lip service only to the format and got absolutely nothing in return. You cannot disrespect the game. It's all very well creating individual and collective reputations built on big scores on flat tracks against average bowlers. When you subsequently come up against the best, you will be found wanting. 

My county - OUR county - cannot be accused of that and I am hopeful that they will get the rewards that they deserve in 2026. A good squad has been assembled, now it is a case of getting them all to their physical and mental peak. 

With Mickey Arthur pretty much confirming that the red ball squad was complete, the only thing now would appear to be the third overseas player, a specialist for The Blast.

I followed an extraordinary game in The Big Bash yesterday, when the Perth Scorchers failed to defend 257-6 in their twenty overs. Brisbane Heat got the runs with a ball to spare, which was too much of a run-fest for me (I like a more even battle between bat and ball) but appealed to the crowd, who enjoyed 36 sixes. I don't think I saw that many in my first three summers as a Derbyshire fan...

I was a little baffled by the captaincy of Ashton Turner of The Scorchers, soon to become a Leicestershire player. When his bowlers  were going at 15-20 an over, he only gave Cooper Connolly two overs, in which he conceded only twelve runs. I mentioned Connolly a couple of winters ago as one to watch and he earlier made 77 from just 37 deliveries. With counties signing Aussies pretty much every day at present, I am surprised that no one has yet made a move for the 22-year-old. He hits a very long ball, bowls controlled left arm spin and is a fine fielder. He even attracted a 'Wow' from Mickey Arthur on X, which I won't read too much into. 

I suspect Mickey is hoping for a quality spinner who can perhaps hit down the order, but I would expect someone to move for a highly talented young man who has already made his national side. 

Speaking of Mickey, I was asked the other day if I thought he would stay beyond the coming season. My answer was 'yes'. I feel he has a genuine desire to win something at the club and the contracts this winter would not have been signed by players who were uncertain of the future. I very much doubt Mohammad Abbas would sign a two-year deal if he thought Mickey was not going to be there..

That's it for now. I will be back just before Christmas to wish you all the best, but between times enjoy your weekend and stay in one piece if you are finishing the Christmas shopping...

Tomorrow is the winter equinox. After that, the days grow gradually longer and before we know it, county cricket will be back.

With that lovely thought, I bid you adieu...