Worcestershire 214 and 203-9 (Waite 73*, Abbas 4-63)
Derbyshire 88
Worcestershire lead by 329 runs
I still know and believe in the quality and depth of this squad.
I hope that this gives us a real understanding as a squad and as a team as to what the requirements are to be successful because we’re incredibly ambitious.
“We’re incredibly ambitious as a squad, incredibly ambitious as players and as a team. This will go a long way to nailing those big moments and giving us a positive result.”
Thus spake Mickey after the Kent win, where, as so often has happened this season, Derbyshire took a step forward after two steps back. Followed by another step back. Perhaps they should take up line dancing.
We got back from Berwick earlier than planned, unwilling to ruin a lovely week with a cold, grey last day. So I saw all but the opening session of the second day and it wasnt easy viewing.
I didn't see too much wrong with the pitch. Yes, it moves, but isn't that part of the deal for the game, an even battle between bat and ball? Matthew Waite seemed to handle it fine, albeit aided by two dropped catches and another that was held, but off a no ball. It all became rather messy and Derbyshire don't just have a mountain to climb, they are going to have to do it without ropes and crampons. Chances of an away win, somewhere north of zero.
Fair play to Muhammad Abbas, who kept going at one end in the absence of viable alternatives and also in the search for another five wicket haul and ten in the match. Despite his couple of wickets, I was disappointed in Nick Potts, who really shouldn't be going for five an over on such a pitch.
I am sure that Leicestershire will watch the rating of this pitch with interest, but what I saw today didn't suggest the up and down movement that got them into bother. Nor, unless it was substantially different, did it look the sort of pitch on which you struggle to make a team hundred in your first innings.
I have no idea why Shoaib Bashir played here, because spin was never likely to play a part and he has run around the outfield with enthusiasm, but as much chance of turning his arm over as me.
It has made for a demoralising reality check ahead of the off-season. That the Derbyshire batting is poor cannot be argued. With everyone fit, the attack is capable of winning games and Aitchison with Abbas would have made hay here. But the batting - unless there is remarkable surgery from somewhere - means I only see more of the same in 2027.
That includes more of the same rhetoric, the same monologues, the same nonsense from Mickey. They may be ambitious, they may be mustard keen, they may be entertainment machines.
But they are NOT getting better. Consistency equals better. Nothing more, nothing less.
My overwhelming feeling as they approach what will be the last day of the season, is that they are a poor side who occasionally play above themselves, when the better players carry the day.
But major surgery will be required at the end of 2027.
Unless something spectacular happens this winter.
It is totally embarrassing listening to Mickey Arthur. He really is totally full of bullshit. He’s been in charge for 5 years and yet still says the same rubbish after every defeat. According to him we just need to win one really close match and everything will suddenly click. . He also said that all the players want to play for England when it’s obvious to everyone else most of the team wouldn’t get in anyone else county side. A massive change is needed in the close season but obviously will not happen. The biggest person to blame is the fool who gave MA a longer contract
ReplyDeleteChapel Guy
ReplyDeleteI suppose the best we can hope for is that the last Worcs wicket falls quickly and then our batting doesn't collapse quite so dismally as in the first innings. We cannot win this game but if our feeble batting can at least show some signs of fight then at least long suffering supporters like me can have some hope for 2027 even if we have to suffer MA continuing to be a millstone around our neck.
That just about sums it up. My membership renewal came in the post the other day and I'm still in two minds whether to open it or put it straight into the recycling as it is.
ReplyDeleteAn excellent report.
ReplyDeleteHowever, after five years in charge without success, I think any interview from a manager is always going to have a hollow ring. I mean, what can he say? If he is critical of the players, it is hardly going to be beneficial; on the other hand, when he speaks positively, everyone thinks, "We have heard this all before."
Concerning your point that "major surgery will be required at the end of 2027," who do you think will be given the responsibility of overseeing this? MA is contracted for the following year, but that might be his last. Consequently, the next manager could end up inherited players he does not deem suitable.
Dre.
Spot on Peakfan.The top 3 keep failing which puts huge pressure on the rest and we 've relied on Andersson and Aitchison bailing us out far too often.The coach doesn't help by saying barmy stuff but irrespective of that these players have to take responsibility once they take the field but they aren't doing that.Any sort of pressure and they just collapse like a pack of cards.Strong leadership desperately needed here.Topspinner.
ReplyDeleteI have to agree with you. This is not a pitch that needs a full time spinner.. so regrettably do not play one. Just don’t…. Nick Potts, sigh… I could see value as a utility player or perhaps more if he grew into a role. But, he’s currently too expensive and well.. ,a bit short and wide at times. Regardless of the outcome of this game (and we probably can guess) … we’ve basically run out the same bowlers as per expectations as to who would be selected, same batters in exactly the same order.. change it!!. Feels futile. But then in the second team, we have players who are statistically better than those “next on the block” but they are not even not even next on the block because they are too young, too this, too that…. I find the logic puzzling when we need one eye on the future.
ReplyDelete