Midweek update

Derbyshire announced their preseason schedule today and it probably gave a warm, fuzzy glow to supporters everywhere. 

Because in just eleven days we can all wake up in the morning and think to ourselves 'cricket is back next month'. 

I always love this time of year, full of expectation and anticipation around the country, everyone starting with high hopes of a successful summer. For some there is the quick reality check, for others, the year becomes something special, on either an individual or team basis.

As I have written before, this will be my 60th summer as a supporter of the county. There have been more downs than ups in that time, but the sense of hope and expectation continues unabated.

I have already booked hotels and have just to firm up on the travel for three trips in the early summer. I will be at Old Trafford in April, Derby in May then Chesterfield in June. If things go to plan, I might fit in another trip later in the summer, but with five separate weeks away with my wife and the dogs to look forward to, it is a challenge fitting everything in! 

Derbyshire will head to Zimbabwe in early March, to prepare for the red ball season and hopefully get some sun on their backs.

On returning to the UK, they will travel to Uptonsteel Grace Road from 25-27 March to face Leicestershire, before taking on Leeds/Bradford UCCE at The Central Co-op County Ground from 28-30 March. The season proper starts at Derby on April 3, against Worcestershire.

The second team fixtures were also announced today, with matches taking place at The Central Co-op County Ground, as well as matches in the county at Belper, Duffield, Repton School and Quarndon.

I always enjoyed watching the second team fixtures when I was better able to travel and my parents were alive. The logistics and cost largely rules it out these days, but there is much to commend watching our stars of the future on a pleasant ground. I have enjoyed numerous chats with people at such fixtures and if you haven't had the opportunity it is well worth considering.

Anyway, hopefully that acts as a midweek winter warmer. It did its best for me this afternoon on dog walks, when it was certainly not cricket weather!