I spent some of my week watching the CSA T20 and a much smaller part watching the Abu Dhabi T10
I have to say the shortest format leaves me cold. It is like watching a highlights reel, with every ball an attempted big shot, often a swing and miss, or miscue. It's like watching opera with only the high Cs, or a trailer for a film that may or may not tickle your fancy. You need the context of the rest of it.
Despite the presence of some big names, the ground was far from full and despite the best efforts of the protagonists it was all fairly lukewarm. Something akin to lunch break cricket, but less rewarding than a tuna sandwich.
The CSA T20 has been much more enjoyable, because it seems likely that country will provide at least one of Derbyshire's overseas players in 2026 (certainly if current national commitments are anything to go by).
There are some very fine players on display. I had previously mentioned Connor Esterhuizen and Jordan Hermann as possibles and both have looked splendid players. It was interesting to hear the thoughts of the commentators on both players and the former, especially, saw them wax lyrical. He hit a remarkable unbeaten 98 from just 49 deliveries, against an attack that featured Ethan Bosch, Beyers Swanepoel and Tabraiz Shamsi in the week. As those figures suggest, he took them apart with 131 runs coming in the second half of the innings. It is his stillness at the crease that most impressed me, before unleashing himself on anything short, wide or overpitched. I would expect him to be pushing for the Test side there before too long and he is also a very competent wicket keeper.
Jordan Hermann also looks a fine player, though perhaps less destructive. A compact left-hander, he played some nice shots today and I could see him doing well, with his sound technique, in this country.
As I've written before, I am much more comfortable with the concept of signing someone from that part of the world with a point to prove and a reputation to build, than a bigger name simply looking for a pay day.
There's also some talented spinners on display, who can handle a bat. Senuran Muthusamy, who was supposed to be at Kent last year, has looked a talented player, so too Bjorn Fortuin, a canny slow left armer who goes for less than seven an over in T20, yet is a good enough bat to have eight first-class centuries to his name.
I have no idea in which direction Mickey Arthur will go for his overseas picks, but such players as those above would certainly strengthen Derbyshire in the right areas.
If he is keen to bring in a spinner who can bat (or vice versa) Australia seems to offer more limited pickings at present, especially in an Ashes summer.
If you are missing your cricket fix, the CSA T20 finals day is next Saturday and the games look likely to be on YouTube from late morning our time.
I would definitely recommend it, for those wanting to see some good level cricket.
