Some interesting comments on the rumoured interest in Pakistan spinner Danish Kaneria on last night's post. I'll stand by last night's comments that he would be a good signing, but I'm somewhat sceptical that it would happen - at least, anytime soon.
As notoveryet rightly points out, the spot fixing allegations of last year have still to be found proven or innocent and until that happens it would be unlikely that the Pakistan Cricket Board would allow Kaneria back into county cricket. I understand there was interest in the player from Surrey this season and his signing was blocked. I am very much a believer in someone being innocent until proven guilty and will make no comment on his situation in this regard. What I would say is that a player of his calibre who became available would not want for suitors.
I wouldn't see his signing as similar to that of Venkat back in the 1970s. Although the Indian was a class act, we had two off spin bowlers ready for county cricket at that time in Geoff Miller and Bob Swindell. Now we have Tom Knight, who may be off to university and Peter Burgoyne who might benefit from the tuition he got from a world class spin bowler but isn't yet close to being a first team regular.
I also feel that, although we have more young batsmen of talent than bowlers, we may find a batsman a greater need. Theoretically next season we could otherwise have a top six of Borrington, Madsen, Hughes, Durston, Redfern and Whiteley - high on potential, but not especially rich in experience.
If Kaneria was in our sights and we could also pick up an experienced batsman from these shores it would be a different matter, but the budget may not allow for both.
Bit of a poser, eh?
I don't know who we will end up with, though I doubt it will be Kaneria. And while my preference would be for a batsman, I would take a world class performer with the ball over an average willow-wielder anytime - and vice-versa.
Thursday, 25 August 2011
Wednesday, 24 August 2011
Overseas conjecture
A couple of names are being bandied about on the Forum for next season. How much truth there is in them I don't know, but they're worthy of comment.
One is Hamish "Oi'm Oirish" Marshall, the other Danish Kaneria.
Marshall for me would be a no. Yes, he was a decent player for New Zealand, but 346 runs at 25 this season is hardly something to write home about. At 33 next summer I doubt he will get better and I don't see many takers for him at what would probably be a high salary.
Kaneria? I've mixed views on that one. If Derbyshire's wickets remain the same next summer, dry and dusty, he would take a barrow load, enjoying conditions as other spinners have this year. His experience would also be invaluable for Tom Knight and Peter Burgoyne, young lads who could do with a role model to work with as they learn their craft. He could also be the missing link in the side, one with plenty of talented seam options but no experienced spinner.
On the flip side, he and Knight would be unlikely to play in the same team, unless in one day games although Knight could be at University for the first half of the summer anyway. Burgoyne, a fine fielder and potential all-rounder, could get in the side anyway and I'm unsure as to whether he will be first team material for a couple of seasons.
If we did sign Kaneria - and I stress this is only conjecture - you may as well say goodbye to Jake Needham. I can't see Jake displacing the mercurial Pakistani, although his skills might help Jake with his season-long travails.
To be fair though, given he is essentially persona non grata with the Pakistan selectors (at least for this week...) you really couldn't say no. Nearly a thousand first class wickets, 65 times taking five in an innings. 261 Test wickets, with fifteen five-fors. The man is a class act and unless the Pakistan selectors change their minds about him, is likely to be available for the whole season, a precious commodity.
Is our greatest need for a bowler or a batsman in 2012 though? I'd be keen to see your thoughts on that, so I've brought back a poll. Three choices - do we need a batsman, a seamer or a spinner? More to the point, can we find one and afford one with the IPL attracting the top players like flies to a cowpat.
Look forward to your votes on that one...
One is Hamish "Oi'm Oirish" Marshall, the other Danish Kaneria.
Marshall for me would be a no. Yes, he was a decent player for New Zealand, but 346 runs at 25 this season is hardly something to write home about. At 33 next summer I doubt he will get better and I don't see many takers for him at what would probably be a high salary.
Kaneria? I've mixed views on that one. If Derbyshire's wickets remain the same next summer, dry and dusty, he would take a barrow load, enjoying conditions as other spinners have this year. His experience would also be invaluable for Tom Knight and Peter Burgoyne, young lads who could do with a role model to work with as they learn their craft. He could also be the missing link in the side, one with plenty of talented seam options but no experienced spinner.
On the flip side, he and Knight would be unlikely to play in the same team, unless in one day games although Knight could be at University for the first half of the summer anyway. Burgoyne, a fine fielder and potential all-rounder, could get in the side anyway and I'm unsure as to whether he will be first team material for a couple of seasons.
If we did sign Kaneria - and I stress this is only conjecture - you may as well say goodbye to Jake Needham. I can't see Jake displacing the mercurial Pakistani, although his skills might help Jake with his season-long travails.
To be fair though, given he is essentially persona non grata with the Pakistan selectors (at least for this week...) you really couldn't say no. Nearly a thousand first class wickets, 65 times taking five in an innings. 261 Test wickets, with fifteen five-fors. The man is a class act and unless the Pakistan selectors change their minds about him, is likely to be available for the whole season, a precious commodity.
Is our greatest need for a bowler or a batsman in 2012 though? I'd be keen to see your thoughts on that, so I've brought back a poll. Three choices - do we need a batsman, a seamer or a spinner? More to the point, can we find one and afford one with the IPL attracting the top players like flies to a cowpat.
Look forward to your votes on that one...
Essex v Derbyshire day 2
Irrespective of having lost the first day's play, if the weather stays fair a green wicket looks like producing a result at Chelmsford in the next couple of days.
Poor Matt Lineker. Having spent some considerable time no doubt dreaming about a county debut, he ends up making it on a sporting track against David Masters, one of the most underrated bowlers in the country, as well as one of the most prolific. At least Karl Krikken is giving him the rest of the season to state his case for a contract, with his age the biggest thing against him. Nearer 27 than 26, he has to show he can be a prolific county player while taking the biggest step of all - from Second XI to county regular. A lot of fine players haven't quite bridged that gap. I hope that Lineker does and will be rooting for him from here on.
That Derbyshire had the worst of conditions is undeniable and we can only hope to wrap up their innings tomorrow before Ryan "I love Derbyshire bowling" ten Doeschate runs amok. At present we are in touch, but can ill afford to leak another 50 or so runs tomorrow in what is likely to be a low-scoring game.
On to other news, and the Seconds continue to dominate against Ashley Giles England wannabe's - sorry, Warwickshire Seconds. After Derbyshire made 393 yesterday, largely thanks to Ben Slater's magnificent unbeaten 156, the visitors were bowled out for 287, with young pace bowler Johnny Marsden taking three wickets. Marsden, who I wrote about recently and Ally Evans have produced good performances this summer and could have a decent future at the county. Similarly, Slater is still only 19 (at least for two more days...) and seems to have a very bright future once he finishes University.
In the second innings Derbyshire made 86-3, with Paul Borrington unbeaten on 35. Slater's knock saw him elevated to twelfth man duties at Chelmsford, no doubt a welcome taste of senior action - though I bet he was glad not to be batting!
Elsewhere, Gloucestershire have said that they may not be able to afford to engage Chris Taylor or Hamish Marshall next season, indicative of the way the game is going. Maximise your ECB revenue or die is essentially the message, although there will still be room for older players of genuine ability. Indeed, Gary Keedy at Lancashire, "36 years young" as Hughie Green used to say, is attracting the attentions of...ahem... Warwickshire. Given that every out of contract or one with a year or so to go attracts their attention, you can believe it if you like, but you have to laugh. Do they have a youth policy, or are they just intent on signing the best of everyone else's?
In closing tonight and on a similar theme, I am increasingly of the opinion that Greg Smith has no county lined up and, having seen Derbyshire cancel their contract offer, could find himself in limbo next season. Without having to don my deerstalker, consider the evidence. No one has gone public with an offer, we know Smith is not English qualified and we know he is too old to attract ECB money even if he was. In this day and age I can't think of a county - no, not even Warwickshire - who would take the financial hit for a player whose good days are way too sporadic.
I may be wrong - maybe my crystal ball has lost some of its lustre. As Quasimodo once said, just call it a hunch...I guess we'll know the answer in the next few weeks.
See you tomorrow.
Poor Matt Lineker. Having spent some considerable time no doubt dreaming about a county debut, he ends up making it on a sporting track against David Masters, one of the most underrated bowlers in the country, as well as one of the most prolific. At least Karl Krikken is giving him the rest of the season to state his case for a contract, with his age the biggest thing against him. Nearer 27 than 26, he has to show he can be a prolific county player while taking the biggest step of all - from Second XI to county regular. A lot of fine players haven't quite bridged that gap. I hope that Lineker does and will be rooting for him from here on.
That Derbyshire had the worst of conditions is undeniable and we can only hope to wrap up their innings tomorrow before Ryan "I love Derbyshire bowling" ten Doeschate runs amok. At present we are in touch, but can ill afford to leak another 50 or so runs tomorrow in what is likely to be a low-scoring game.
On to other news, and the Seconds continue to dominate against Ashley Giles England wannabe's - sorry, Warwickshire Seconds. After Derbyshire made 393 yesterday, largely thanks to Ben Slater's magnificent unbeaten 156, the visitors were bowled out for 287, with young pace bowler Johnny Marsden taking three wickets. Marsden, who I wrote about recently and Ally Evans have produced good performances this summer and could have a decent future at the county. Similarly, Slater is still only 19 (at least for two more days...) and seems to have a very bright future once he finishes University.
In the second innings Derbyshire made 86-3, with Paul Borrington unbeaten on 35. Slater's knock saw him elevated to twelfth man duties at Chelmsford, no doubt a welcome taste of senior action - though I bet he was glad not to be batting!
Elsewhere, Gloucestershire have said that they may not be able to afford to engage Chris Taylor or Hamish Marshall next season, indicative of the way the game is going. Maximise your ECB revenue or die is essentially the message, although there will still be room for older players of genuine ability. Indeed, Gary Keedy at Lancashire, "36 years young" as Hughie Green used to say, is attracting the attentions of...ahem... Warwickshire. Given that every out of contract or one with a year or so to go attracts their attention, you can believe it if you like, but you have to laugh. Do they have a youth policy, or are they just intent on signing the best of everyone else's?
In closing tonight and on a similar theme, I am increasingly of the opinion that Greg Smith has no county lined up and, having seen Derbyshire cancel their contract offer, could find himself in limbo next season. Without having to don my deerstalker, consider the evidence. No one has gone public with an offer, we know Smith is not English qualified and we know he is too old to attract ECB money even if he was. In this day and age I can't think of a county - no, not even Warwickshire - who would take the financial hit for a player whose good days are way too sporadic.
I may be wrong - maybe my crystal ball has lost some of its lustre. As Quasimodo once said, just call it a hunch...I guess we'll know the answer in the next few weeks.
See you tomorrow.
Tuesday, 23 August 2011
Essex v Derbyshire day 1
Easiest review of a day this summer.
It rained and kept raining.
On a more positive front, I understand that the Seconds made over 300 today against Warwickshire, who struggled to around 30-2 by the close. Ben Slater made a big hundred, highlighting for everyone that batsmen at Derbyshire are a little like buses. You wait ages for one to come along and half a dozen turn up at once!
More tomorrow.
It rained and kept raining.
On a more positive front, I understand that the Seconds made over 300 today against Warwickshire, who struggled to around 30-2 by the close. Ben Slater made a big hundred, highlighting for everyone that batsmen at Derbyshire are a little like buses. You wait ages for one to come along and half a dozen turn up at once!
More tomorrow.
Monday, 22 August 2011
Essex v Derbyshire preview
Essex have named a strong looking squad for tomorrow's game at Chelmsford, which is:
James Foster
Billy Godleman
Tom Westley
Owais Shah
Jaik Mickleburgh
Adam Wheater
Ryan ten Doeschate
Graham Napier
David Masters
Maurice Chambers
Reece Topley
Tom Craddock
There is no definitive news on Derbyshire's side, but Matt Lineker will surely make his debut in the team that I suggested last night.
Elsewhere, there are several comments over recent days regarding the club playing more cricket at Chesterfield. I can totally understand the sentiments, as I can think of nowhere better to watch the game. Scarborough is lovely, but I never expect to enjoy watching cricket anywhere more than I do at Chesterfield. The wicket is sporting in the best sense of the word and the setting simply stunning.
Yet, having said all that, I don't see how it is feasible for Derbyshire to play more matches there than they currently do. Thousands of pounds have been spent on developing Derby and the County Ground is massively improved as a result. The net facilities, indoor and outdoor, are excellent and the facilities for supporters are a world away from when I first went to the ground in 1970.
Such facilities are limited at Chesterfield, despite improvements there in recent years. Temporary accommodation is required for press and corporate hospitality and parking facilities are understandably restricted. While attendances for the week were impressive, that was understandable with Yorkshire one of the visitors, as well as two top of the table clashes to entertain the crowds. If you can't turn up to see that, you never will...
Changes in health and safety legislation has been the death knell for cricket at outgrounds around the country. Derbyshire and Don Amott, as a contributor pointed out last night, have done very well to keep it going at both Chesterfield and Leek. Doing more than at present is unlikely though. Advertisers pay good money for boundary hoardings which, were they to be moved around, would cost the club a small fortune. The club secured ECB money to develop the County Ground to a standard where international matches could take place, something that would not have been possible had our resources been divided between two bases.
No, Chesterfield has a regular, strong and essential presence in Derbyshire cricket's past, present and future, but seven days - at the most ten - is as much as the club can realistically expect to play there. I accept that potential members from the area may be discouraged by this, but how many from the Derby area might have second thoughts if things changed?
I'm sure there will be plenty of opinions on this one, quite possibly dependent on where you live, but I'm looking at this purely on economic grounds and that is the only thing you can do in the current era.
As always, I look forward to your comments!
James Foster
Billy Godleman
Tom Westley
Owais Shah
Jaik Mickleburgh
Adam Wheater
Ryan ten Doeschate
Graham Napier
David Masters
Maurice Chambers
Reece Topley
Tom Craddock
There is no definitive news on Derbyshire's side, but Matt Lineker will surely make his debut in the team that I suggested last night.
Elsewhere, there are several comments over recent days regarding the club playing more cricket at Chesterfield. I can totally understand the sentiments, as I can think of nowhere better to watch the game. Scarborough is lovely, but I never expect to enjoy watching cricket anywhere more than I do at Chesterfield. The wicket is sporting in the best sense of the word and the setting simply stunning.
Yet, having said all that, I don't see how it is feasible for Derbyshire to play more matches there than they currently do. Thousands of pounds have been spent on developing Derby and the County Ground is massively improved as a result. The net facilities, indoor and outdoor, are excellent and the facilities for supporters are a world away from when I first went to the ground in 1970.
Such facilities are limited at Chesterfield, despite improvements there in recent years. Temporary accommodation is required for press and corporate hospitality and parking facilities are understandably restricted. While attendances for the week were impressive, that was understandable with Yorkshire one of the visitors, as well as two top of the table clashes to entertain the crowds. If you can't turn up to see that, you never will...
Changes in health and safety legislation has been the death knell for cricket at outgrounds around the country. Derbyshire and Don Amott, as a contributor pointed out last night, have done very well to keep it going at both Chesterfield and Leek. Doing more than at present is unlikely though. Advertisers pay good money for boundary hoardings which, were they to be moved around, would cost the club a small fortune. The club secured ECB money to develop the County Ground to a standard where international matches could take place, something that would not have been possible had our resources been divided between two bases.
No, Chesterfield has a regular, strong and essential presence in Derbyshire cricket's past, present and future, but seven days - at the most ten - is as much as the club can realistically expect to play there. I accept that potential members from the area may be discouraged by this, but how many from the Derby area might have second thoughts if things changed?
I'm sure there will be plenty of opinions on this one, quite possibly dependent on where you live, but I'm looking at this purely on economic grounds and that is the only thing you can do in the current era.
As always, I look forward to your comments!
Sunday, 21 August 2011
Derbyshire v Middlesex CB40
The more cynical among our support might well have expected Derbyshire to lose today. After all, most important matches in the last couple of seasons have gone the way of the opposition as Derbyshire have either frozen, played below par or been pretty dreadful. Quite often the latter.
We lost today, but there was encouragement in the performance. Peter Burgoyne bowled a good spell at the death, while Tom Poynton played a lovely innings that hinted at things to come. With respect to a range of incumbents over the past couple of years, Derbyshire have struggled to replace James Pipe's pugnacious batting. Poynton, following on from a series of aggressive innings for the second string, may just be the man to do it.
While the bowlers did well to pull Middlesex back to "just" 253, the feeling remained that any challenge was going to require a Guptill special. Once that failed to materialise, there was to some extent an air of inevitability about proceedings. Having said that, it was good to once again see the side battle, with both Chesney Hughes and Wayne Madsen making runs and playing themselves back into the reckoning for Chelmsford this week in the process.
By the same token, Greg Smith departed for a second ball duck and must now be marginally behind me in the list of those likely to play Essex. Whatever is going on behind the scenes with Smith's contract and future career, he is simply not performing for Derbyshire just now and would not be in my first choice side.
I've had a change of mind about the composition of that side and would probably bring in some more experience. Given that Matt Lineker has outperformed Paul Borrington at Second Eleven level, he would get my nod in this team:
Guptill
Lineker
Hughes/Madsen
Durston
Redfern
Whiteley
Clare
Sutton/Poynton
Groenewald
Palladino
Turner
There may be a need for a specialist spinner, presumably Knight, which would be another big decision for Karl Krikken. Peter Burgoyne did well with the ball on debut today, but his time will come and he is not yet ready for senior action on a regular basis at 17. Conversely, Mark Footitt bowled two dreadful overs today and the jury is still out on the left armer. That he has talent and pace is undeniable, but producing it once or twice a season is neither here nor there.
After the disappointments of Chesterfield week, I just hope that the team can pull together for one last effort at Chelmsford and ensure that our Championship finish befits a season in which we have played some pretty good cricket.
We'll see.
We lost today, but there was encouragement in the performance. Peter Burgoyne bowled a good spell at the death, while Tom Poynton played a lovely innings that hinted at things to come. With respect to a range of incumbents over the past couple of years, Derbyshire have struggled to replace James Pipe's pugnacious batting. Poynton, following on from a series of aggressive innings for the second string, may just be the man to do it.
While the bowlers did well to pull Middlesex back to "just" 253, the feeling remained that any challenge was going to require a Guptill special. Once that failed to materialise, there was to some extent an air of inevitability about proceedings. Having said that, it was good to once again see the side battle, with both Chesney Hughes and Wayne Madsen making runs and playing themselves back into the reckoning for Chelmsford this week in the process.
By the same token, Greg Smith departed for a second ball duck and must now be marginally behind me in the list of those likely to play Essex. Whatever is going on behind the scenes with Smith's contract and future career, he is simply not performing for Derbyshire just now and would not be in my first choice side.
I've had a change of mind about the composition of that side and would probably bring in some more experience. Given that Matt Lineker has outperformed Paul Borrington at Second Eleven level, he would get my nod in this team:
Guptill
Lineker
Hughes/Madsen
Durston
Redfern
Whiteley
Clare
Sutton/Poynton
Groenewald
Palladino
Turner
There may be a need for a specialist spinner, presumably Knight, which would be another big decision for Karl Krikken. Peter Burgoyne did well with the ball on debut today, but his time will come and he is not yet ready for senior action on a regular basis at 17. Conversely, Mark Footitt bowled two dreadful overs today and the jury is still out on the left armer. That he has talent and pace is undeniable, but producing it once or twice a season is neither here nor there.
After the disappointments of Chesterfield week, I just hope that the team can pull together for one last effort at Chelmsford and ensure that our Championship finish befits a season in which we have played some pretty good cricket.
We'll see.
Saturday, 20 August 2011
E mail response
I got an e mail this evening asking if I would change my team for Essex in the light of Middlesex's loss to Kent today.
The one word answer is no. We gambled with greater experience against Northamptonshire and got nowhere. For me the next three games are part of a bigger, long term picture. An in form Wayne Madsen would make a huge difference to the batting, but he was outscored by Lineker, Borrington and Siddique against Nottinghamshire and perhaps shouldn't be back at this stage. Mind you, I'd still be happier with him at three than Smith.
Smith played one atrocious shot and one careless one against Northants and gave the impression, rightly or wrongly, that he didn't care. I'm sure that's not the case but you know what I mean.
Finishing third would be an impressive achievement, even if promotion is technically not impossible. I just feel that Krikk needs to have faith in Borrington and Lineker and give them a run while they are in form. If it fails - we've at least seen what they can do. People will be more understanding of defeat having tried something than leaving things alone. I also think that you need to send out the right message to players - score runs and take wickets and I'll play you.
At the end of the day, we all have opinions and the only one that matters is Karl Krikken's. Whichever path he chooses I'm sure we all wish him and the team luck.
The one word answer is no. We gambled with greater experience against Northamptonshire and got nowhere. For me the next three games are part of a bigger, long term picture. An in form Wayne Madsen would make a huge difference to the batting, but he was outscored by Lineker, Borrington and Siddique against Nottinghamshire and perhaps shouldn't be back at this stage. Mind you, I'd still be happier with him at three than Smith.
Smith played one atrocious shot and one careless one against Northants and gave the impression, rightly or wrongly, that he didn't care. I'm sure that's not the case but you know what I mean.
Finishing third would be an impressive achievement, even if promotion is technically not impossible. I just feel that Krikk needs to have faith in Borrington and Lineker and give them a run while they are in form. If it fails - we've at least seen what they can do. People will be more understanding of defeat having tried something than leaving things alone. I also think that you need to send out the right message to players - score runs and take wickets and I'll play you.
At the end of the day, we all have opinions and the only one that matters is Karl Krikken's. Whichever path he chooses I'm sure we all wish him and the team luck.
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire day four
If ever I'm looking to find someone of a similarly positive persuasion to cover the blog while I'm away I think I'll get Karl Krikken to do it.
The DET this morning reported Krikk as saying that "We're still fighting, Jon Clare has got first-class hundreds to his name and Tony Palladino has got a first-class 50 - you never know. We'll give it our best."
I thought I was optimistic! Fair play to the Derbyshire cricket supremo, the team did battle to the end, but the shortage of top order runs cost us dearly in this match and changes really have to be made for Chelmsford.
As the club site reports this morning, the run chase against Nottinghamshire that I reported last night was down to excellent efforts down the order, with Paul Borrington top scoring with 88. I make it that Borrington and Lineker have each scored well over 2,000 runs in Second XI and high quality club cricket this season. That may not be enough to get them into a batting order like England's, but should surely get them a run in a batting line-up that has stuttered on three cylinders in recent weeks.
Whether they make a fist of it, to some extent, is neither here nor there. They may not do substantially better than recent incumbents, but they could scarcely do much worse given the same level of opportunity. Likewise with Poynton, who has batted aggressively and kept well for the Seconds. He has two centuries to his name and deserves a chance while Sutton rests an injured hand. A few people have been hard on the lad after a missed stumping at Chesterfield last week. He took another and held an apparently good catch. He's young and is going to miss a few, like others of his kind, but needs encouragement, the same as the others.
My team for Chelmsford?
Guptill
Borrington
Lineker
Durston
Redfern
Whiteley
Poynton
Clare
Groenewald
Palladino
Turner/Footitt/Knight
Guptill to captain, or otherwise Tim Groenewald. Madsen and Hughes will be back to their best, but other lads deserve a run now while they go away and work on their games and confidence.
Mind you, if both scored a century at Chesterfield tomorrow...
The DET this morning reported Krikk as saying that "We're still fighting, Jon Clare has got first-class hundreds to his name and Tony Palladino has got a first-class 50 - you never know. We'll give it our best."
I thought I was optimistic! Fair play to the Derbyshire cricket supremo, the team did battle to the end, but the shortage of top order runs cost us dearly in this match and changes really have to be made for Chelmsford.
As the club site reports this morning, the run chase against Nottinghamshire that I reported last night was down to excellent efforts down the order, with Paul Borrington top scoring with 88. I make it that Borrington and Lineker have each scored well over 2,000 runs in Second XI and high quality club cricket this season. That may not be enough to get them into a batting order like England's, but should surely get them a run in a batting line-up that has stuttered on three cylinders in recent weeks.
Whether they make a fist of it, to some extent, is neither here nor there. They may not do substantially better than recent incumbents, but they could scarcely do much worse given the same level of opportunity. Likewise with Poynton, who has batted aggressively and kept well for the Seconds. He has two centuries to his name and deserves a chance while Sutton rests an injured hand. A few people have been hard on the lad after a missed stumping at Chesterfield last week. He took another and held an apparently good catch. He's young and is going to miss a few, like others of his kind, but needs encouragement, the same as the others.
My team for Chelmsford?
Guptill
Borrington
Lineker
Durston
Redfern
Whiteley
Poynton
Clare
Groenewald
Palladino
Turner/Footitt/Knight
Guptill to captain, or otherwise Tim Groenewald. Madsen and Hughes will be back to their best, but other lads deserve a run now while they go away and work on their games and confidence.
Mind you, if both scored a century at Chesterfield tomorrow...
Friday, 19 August 2011
Couple of quick points...
Earlier on I mentioned that we were three players short of being a team to challenge next year. Of course, a firing Wayne Madsen would take care of one of those requirements, while it may be that in time Tom Knight and Peter Burgoyne may take over the spin bowling and all round roles.
The right overseas player will also be crucial for next year and if we can address these areas we will be in contention at the end of the season once more. The feeling remains that an all rounder like Darren Stevens from Kent would be a huge asset to us, but such a player would strengthen any side and would be outside our bracket financially.
No, for the most part patience is needed. Although if there was an opportunity to reclaim one of our own from Leicestershire, Wayne White, I'd be pretty pleased. A batting average of 35 and bowling one of 29 this season from 30 wickets and 600-plus runs highlights once again that we made a mistake in letting the lad go. While his bowling can be costly at times, he takes wickets and scores runs when they are most needed. We could do a lot worse.
On a slightly different tack, I came across an article on Cricket World earlier today that makes interesting reading, with Paul Borrington rated the most valuable club cricketer in the country at present, which is quite an accolade. You can read the piece at:
http://www.cricketworld.com/borrington-retakes-lead-of-club-mvp-ratings/29078.htm
That is quite an achievement and here's hoping that he can retain first place for the last few weeks of the season.
Finally tonight, and closing on an optimistic note as I try to do, I hear that the Seconds today chased down 337 to beat Nottinghamshire Seconds, a very strong side, by two wickets. On a track that was turning yesterday, when Peter Burgoyne and Jake Needham took four and three wickets respectively, that was nothing short of a magnificent effort.
I don't yet know the innings details, but I understand that Derbyshire were at one point 130-0, so there must have been runs for both Paul Borrington and Matt Lineker. We could have done with some of that at Chesterfield...
I'll be honest, after their exploits this season its yet more reason for them to play against Essex at Chelmsford next week. There is no logical reason to omit them and both fully deserve an opportunity to show what they can do.
C'mon Krikk, you know it makes sense.
The right overseas player will also be crucial for next year and if we can address these areas we will be in contention at the end of the season once more. The feeling remains that an all rounder like Darren Stevens from Kent would be a huge asset to us, but such a player would strengthen any side and would be outside our bracket financially.
No, for the most part patience is needed. Although if there was an opportunity to reclaim one of our own from Leicestershire, Wayne White, I'd be pretty pleased. A batting average of 35 and bowling one of 29 this season from 30 wickets and 600-plus runs highlights once again that we made a mistake in letting the lad go. While his bowling can be costly at times, he takes wickets and scores runs when they are most needed. We could do a lot worse.
On a slightly different tack, I came across an article on Cricket World earlier today that makes interesting reading, with Paul Borrington rated the most valuable club cricketer in the country at present, which is quite an accolade. You can read the piece at:
http://www.cricketworld.com/borrington-retakes-lead-of-club-mvp-ratings/29078.htm
That is quite an achievement and here's hoping that he can retain first place for the last few weeks of the season.
Finally tonight, and closing on an optimistic note as I try to do, I hear that the Seconds today chased down 337 to beat Nottinghamshire Seconds, a very strong side, by two wickets. On a track that was turning yesterday, when Peter Burgoyne and Jake Needham took four and three wickets respectively, that was nothing short of a magnificent effort.
I don't yet know the innings details, but I understand that Derbyshire were at one point 130-0, so there must have been runs for both Paul Borrington and Matt Lineker. We could have done with some of that at Chesterfield...
I'll be honest, after their exploits this season its yet more reason for them to play against Essex at Chelmsford next week. There is no logical reason to omit them and both fully deserve an opportunity to show what they can do.
C'mon Krikk, you know it makes sense.
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire day 3
Well, we've been well and truly hammered in this game. After an encouraging first day, most of the rest has belonged to the visitors, who have shown themselves worthy leaders of the division and champions-elect.
What they have are things that we aspire to and to be fair are not too far away from. They have a long batting order in which everyone contributes and a captain who leads by example in Andrew Hall, a man who has given excellent service to the county. In addition, they have a world class bowler in Chaminda Vaas, who ultimately has proved the difference between the sides, bowling a probing line and length and maintaining them over long spells. Such a player is the ambition of all counties and Northamptonshire are to be applauded for finding him, nursing him through a long season and supporting him to a man.
As I write this, Derbyshire may or may not see this through to the close and may or may not, with the assistance of the weather, escape with a draw, but it is ill-deserved. While it is more difficult to fault the bowlers, the batsmen, Martin Guptill and Dan Redfern apart, have made a poor fist of things in this match. Too many made 20s and 30s, which is neither here nor there as a score. Once you get in, you should be capitalising on that. While I accept that it was a wicket that always gave bowlers a chance, when a decent county pro, no more than that, like James Middlebrook makes a century there is a right to expect more from your own batsmen.
There are several things learned from this game. One is that we have really missed an in form Wayne Madsen at the top of the order. Karl Krikken was right to rest him after his recent poor form, but Madsen has been the glue that has held our batting together in recent seasons and is a massive loss in recent weeks. Another is that Greg Smith is not, never has been and never will be a number three. Worthy player as he is, Smith is a number six at best. With the skittish Chesney Hughes opening and Smith at three, the likelihood was always that we would once again be two down for very few, something that has been the case too frequently of late.
With promotion now out of reach I hope to see Matt Lineker and Paul Borrington given a chance in the remaining championship games instead of Hughes and Smith. Both are fully deserving of an opportunity and it will give an opportunity to both ahead of almost certain involvement next year. We should also let Luke Sutton have a deserved rest and bring in Tom Poynton. Sutton hurt his hand in this game and Poynton is again deserving of greater opportunity after a fine season in the Seconds.
However, we should see a full side out for the game on Sunday against Middlesex, where victory would see us move to second place in the table, a fine effort. While we haven't challenged the pacemakers with victory in this match, the feeling remains that promotion would have been at least a year too soon for this side, very much one in transition. Realistically, the side is too young and not strong enough in either batting or bowling at this stage for consistent performance in the top flight.
While resources will in all likelihood restrict options, a good spinner, reliable batsman and consistent all-rounder are what would make a difference. These may well develop inhouse over the next few seasons, but for now we may need to be patient.
What they have are things that we aspire to and to be fair are not too far away from. They have a long batting order in which everyone contributes and a captain who leads by example in Andrew Hall, a man who has given excellent service to the county. In addition, they have a world class bowler in Chaminda Vaas, who ultimately has proved the difference between the sides, bowling a probing line and length and maintaining them over long spells. Such a player is the ambition of all counties and Northamptonshire are to be applauded for finding him, nursing him through a long season and supporting him to a man.
As I write this, Derbyshire may or may not see this through to the close and may or may not, with the assistance of the weather, escape with a draw, but it is ill-deserved. While it is more difficult to fault the bowlers, the batsmen, Martin Guptill and Dan Redfern apart, have made a poor fist of things in this match. Too many made 20s and 30s, which is neither here nor there as a score. Once you get in, you should be capitalising on that. While I accept that it was a wicket that always gave bowlers a chance, when a decent county pro, no more than that, like James Middlebrook makes a century there is a right to expect more from your own batsmen.
There are several things learned from this game. One is that we have really missed an in form Wayne Madsen at the top of the order. Karl Krikken was right to rest him after his recent poor form, but Madsen has been the glue that has held our batting together in recent seasons and is a massive loss in recent weeks. Another is that Greg Smith is not, never has been and never will be a number three. Worthy player as he is, Smith is a number six at best. With the skittish Chesney Hughes opening and Smith at three, the likelihood was always that we would once again be two down for very few, something that has been the case too frequently of late.
With promotion now out of reach I hope to see Matt Lineker and Paul Borrington given a chance in the remaining championship games instead of Hughes and Smith. Both are fully deserving of an opportunity and it will give an opportunity to both ahead of almost certain involvement next year. We should also let Luke Sutton have a deserved rest and bring in Tom Poynton. Sutton hurt his hand in this game and Poynton is again deserving of greater opportunity after a fine season in the Seconds.
However, we should see a full side out for the game on Sunday against Middlesex, where victory would see us move to second place in the table, a fine effort. While we haven't challenged the pacemakers with victory in this match, the feeling remains that promotion would have been at least a year too soon for this side, very much one in transition. Realistically, the side is too young and not strong enough in either batting or bowling at this stage for consistent performance in the top flight.
While resources will in all likelihood restrict options, a good spinner, reliable batsman and consistent all-rounder are what would make a difference. These may well develop inhouse over the next few seasons, but for now we may need to be patient.
Thursday, 18 August 2011
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire day 2
The one sure thing in this game now is that we're not going to win it.
A disappointing batting performance this morning, albeit due to some excellent bowling from Chaminda Vaas, meant that our innings petered out for less than 200, a disappointing tally. Enough players got a start, but Martin Guptill's fifty yesterday remained top score by some distance and now, 362 behind with 2 days to go, the best we can hope for is a draw.
The Saturday forecast I have seen suggests that if we're not bowled out a second time tomorrow we may escape with a draw as heavy rain looks likely. Realistically, however, we don't deserve that and the gap between ourselves and Northamptonshire will remain at least the same, but will in all probability widen.
No complaints from me about a team that always gives a hundred percent, but we've fallen short in s big game once more which is disappointing, but not the end of the world.
Hopefully we can go down fighting tomorrow.
A disappointing batting performance this morning, albeit due to some excellent bowling from Chaminda Vaas, meant that our innings petered out for less than 200, a disappointing tally. Enough players got a start, but Martin Guptill's fifty yesterday remained top score by some distance and now, 362 behind with 2 days to go, the best we can hope for is a draw.
The Saturday forecast I have seen suggests that if we're not bowled out a second time tomorrow we may escape with a draw as heavy rain looks likely. Realistically, however, we don't deserve that and the gap between ourselves and Northamptonshire will remain at least the same, but will in all probability widen.
No complaints from me about a team that always gives a hundred percent, but we've fallen short in s big game once more which is disappointing, but not the end of the world.
Hopefully we can go down fighting tomorrow.
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire day 1
Had it not been for the loss of Martin Guptill just before stumps, Derbyshire would have been delighted with their first day's work against Northamptonshire.
As it is, they must be pleased to have bowled out the table-topping side for 267 in a season when tails have wagged more frequently than that of a dog who finds a bone with a healthy slab of meat still attached. If we can emulate that tomorrow - and there's plenty of batting left to do so - we can yet establish ascendancy in this match. Whatever else, if the weather stays out of it there is plenty of time for a positive result and we need that, one way or another. If we lose, so be it, but a chance of a win is worth going for.
I was delighted to see Mark Footitt back and firing with a fine mid-innings spell that tore open the visitors middle order. Without any risk of argument, if we had been able to field Footitt and Mark Turner this season we would have had the quickest attack in the County Championship, including the top division. Jon Clare is close to 90mph at times and Groenewald bowls a quick ball and on bouncy tracks batsmen don't like real pace - especially when it is accurate. If Turner and Footitt can work on their accuracy and fitness (in Footitt's case) over the winter our pace attack will be serious stuff in 2012.
There were a disturbing number of leg byes in the Northamptonshire innings, but four quick bowlers slightly off line, coupled with a short boundary, will do that. While the visitors will be happy with their recovery, Derbyshire are still in this game.
Martin Guptill hit a remarkable 13 fours in his 55 and had he remained for tomorrow we could have looked forward to a sizeable lead. As it is we need good contributions from young guns Redfern, Whiteley and Clare, together with a captain's knock from Luke Sutton. 350 is a long way off at present but not impossible and such a lead could be crucial in what is likely to be a low-scoring contest.
Incidentally, Middlesex's loss last night to Kent in the CB40 means Derbyshire could yet finish second in the CB40, which would be a remarkable effort. If it hadn't been for those Netherlands games...
Please let us get Scotland next year.
As it is, they must be pleased to have bowled out the table-topping side for 267 in a season when tails have wagged more frequently than that of a dog who finds a bone with a healthy slab of meat still attached. If we can emulate that tomorrow - and there's plenty of batting left to do so - we can yet establish ascendancy in this match. Whatever else, if the weather stays out of it there is plenty of time for a positive result and we need that, one way or another. If we lose, so be it, but a chance of a win is worth going for.
I was delighted to see Mark Footitt back and firing with a fine mid-innings spell that tore open the visitors middle order. Without any risk of argument, if we had been able to field Footitt and Mark Turner this season we would have had the quickest attack in the County Championship, including the top division. Jon Clare is close to 90mph at times and Groenewald bowls a quick ball and on bouncy tracks batsmen don't like real pace - especially when it is accurate. If Turner and Footitt can work on their accuracy and fitness (in Footitt's case) over the winter our pace attack will be serious stuff in 2012.
There were a disturbing number of leg byes in the Northamptonshire innings, but four quick bowlers slightly off line, coupled with a short boundary, will do that. While the visitors will be happy with their recovery, Derbyshire are still in this game.
Martin Guptill hit a remarkable 13 fours in his 55 and had he remained for tomorrow we could have looked forward to a sizeable lead. As it is we need good contributions from young guns Redfern, Whiteley and Clare, together with a captain's knock from Luke Sutton. 350 is a long way off at present but not impossible and such a lead could be crucial in what is likely to be a low-scoring contest.
Incidentally, Middlesex's loss last night to Kent in the CB40 means Derbyshire could yet finish second in the CB40, which would be a remarkable effort. If it hadn't been for those Netherlands games...
Please let us get Scotland next year.
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire preview
Tomorrow is the big game at Chesterfield, as if any of you needed reminding of that...
Wayne Madsen has, as expected, been rested for this one after a poor run and Dan Redfern is the logical replacement. I expect Chesney Hughes to open the batting as he did on Sunday, although Karl Krikken must have thought about bringing in Matt Lineker.
For me, the last place is likely to be between Mark Footitt and Tom Knight, depending on how the wicket is expected to go. Clare, Palladino and Groenewald are a fine seam trio, while Greg Smith offers spin and seam options. The Derbyshire 12 in full is:
Martin Guptill, Chesney Hughes, Wes Durston, Greg Smith, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, Luke Sutton, Jonathan Clare, Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino, Tom Knight and Mark Footitt.
Our visitors are missing opening bowler Jack Brooks, but welcome Durham batsman Kyle Coetzer for a debut on loan, with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season. He goes straight into a side that bats a long way down, Andrew Hall and Niall O'Brien at 7 and 8 averaging over and just under 50 respectively this season. Their bowling relies heavily on Sri Lankan veteran Chaminda Vaas and there will be an added burden on him in the absence of the talented Brooks.
As I wrote last night, I expect a result track, as wickets can always go at Chesterfield. I find predicting a result very difficult as the two teams are fairly well matched, but Derbyshire are a focused side at present. They will give it 100% without doubt and we will need to wait and see if that is enough. The visitors will, of course, be happy with a draw and almost certainly will offer us little. The onus is on our lads to be aggressive with bat and ball, hold their catches and enjoy their fair share of luck, both on the pitch and with the weather.
If that happens, this season of great promise could yet have a late, astonishing twist...
Wayne Madsen has, as expected, been rested for this one after a poor run and Dan Redfern is the logical replacement. I expect Chesney Hughes to open the batting as he did on Sunday, although Karl Krikken must have thought about bringing in Matt Lineker.
For me, the last place is likely to be between Mark Footitt and Tom Knight, depending on how the wicket is expected to go. Clare, Palladino and Groenewald are a fine seam trio, while Greg Smith offers spin and seam options. The Derbyshire 12 in full is:
Martin Guptill, Chesney Hughes, Wes Durston, Greg Smith, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, Luke Sutton, Jonathan Clare, Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino, Tom Knight and Mark Footitt.
Our visitors are missing opening bowler Jack Brooks, but welcome Durham batsman Kyle Coetzer for a debut on loan, with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season. He goes straight into a side that bats a long way down, Andrew Hall and Niall O'Brien at 7 and 8 averaging over and just under 50 respectively this season. Their bowling relies heavily on Sri Lankan veteran Chaminda Vaas and there will be an added burden on him in the absence of the talented Brooks.
As I wrote last night, I expect a result track, as wickets can always go at Chesterfield. I find predicting a result very difficult as the two teams are fairly well matched, but Derbyshire are a focused side at present. They will give it 100% without doubt and we will need to wait and see if that is enough. The visitors will, of course, be happy with a draw and almost certainly will offer us little. The onus is on our lads to be aggressive with bat and ball, hold their catches and enjoy their fair share of luck, both on the pitch and with the weather.
If that happens, this season of great promise could yet have a late, astonishing twist...
Guptill interview
This is a worthwhile read, if you've not already come across it:
http://blog.thecricketer.com/?p=29606
Enjoy!
http://blog.thecricketer.com/?p=29606
Enjoy!
Monday, 15 August 2011
Monday musings
After a weekend that could scarcely have been improved on if written by a top script-writer, Derbyshire face a massive game at Queens Park on Wednesday in which winning is essential to maintain a chance of promotion in the County Championship.
I'd accordingly expect a result track at Chesterfield, although they usually are. Batsmen get a reward for strokes on a quickish track with a short boundary, while bowlers get more bounce than the norm and sufficient movement to maintain interest, even with the Tiflex balls that are being used to general concern this season.
Irrespective of the result and the rest of the season, surely no one will argue when I say that this has been a season of major progress. We could easily go up, with Northamptonshire and Middlesex set to meet again before the end of the season, but could also finish in the bottom three, scant consolation for a very encouraging and competitive campaign.
I have always said on this blog that John Morris set the ball rolling with the recruitment of a better quality of player than we have seen for some time. Players like Wes Durston, Wayne Madsen, Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino, Chesney Hughes, Luke Sutton and others were always likely to do a good job once Morris persuaded them to join the county, but it is no coincidence that for most their best form has come since Karl Krikken took over.
I'd a lot of time for John Morris but perhaps man management wasn't his strong point. Never having played for him I don't know, but Karl Krikken seems to get the best out of players and the improvement in the younger ones, in particular, has to be one of his major contributions to the campaign. None of us know whether Krikk can bring a similar class of player to the club, but after 25 years-plus in the game I expect him to know plenty of people, just the same as Luke Sutton. If these two identify the players they want, Chris Grant will then handle contract negotiations and we will continue to progress.
The third place positions in the CB40 and Championship are very much the result of a team effort. Only Northamptonshire have more batting bonus points, while only they and Gloucestershire exceed our bowling points. NINE players average between 29 and 41 with the bat, while five have taken their wickets under thirty. The spirit at the club is obvious, especially in the commitment of the overseas players. Guptill's joy at reaching three figures is tangible, his commitment in the field an object lesson. Usman Khawaja played most of the time at Derbyshire on one good leg. Overseas players and professionals are looked up to in any club and we have been lucky in two positive role models.
Of course, with the Academy being the focal point of the future side, the role of Krikken, AJ Harris and Howard Dytham will continue to be critical to our future and the signs are good. Today we read of two bright young players, Harvey Hosein and Will Davis, being selected for the England Development Programme at Under-16 level. Davis, a quick bowler from Staffordshire and Hosein, a wicket-keeper from Matlock appear to have all the credentials for success, including coaching from men who really know what they are doing.
They are, of course, the latest in what is becoming an exciting long line. From those in or around the first eleven, through to the likes of Slater, Siddique and Higginbottom and younger ones like Burgoyne, Cork and White, the hard work of the Academy is starting to bear fruit.
Former England man Keith Fletcher once said that if one in every three of your young players comes through it is well worth the investment. All the signs point to players like Redfern, Whiteley, Knight, Poynton and Borrington becoming fixtures in the next few years and Derbyshire will reap the rewards for the hard work both in their performances and in ECB funding. While the senior players from elsewhere will still have a role to play for the forseeable future, in the medium to long term I can see Derbyshire teams made up of Academy graduates as seniors, hopefully thanking the club for their time and investment with a level of loyalty that has not always been the case in the past.
When players enjoy the dressing room environment and the company of people they have grown up with, there is a far greater likelihood of their staying. Chris Grant's new structure, offering appropriate remuneration to young players in direct correlation to their performances, is a sound first step towards a bright long-term future at the club.
As for the short-term future? We need to beat Northamptonshire. If we do, promotion is very much a possibility.
If we don't, I'm still more optimistic about the future than I've ever been. There's always next year.
I'd accordingly expect a result track at Chesterfield, although they usually are. Batsmen get a reward for strokes on a quickish track with a short boundary, while bowlers get more bounce than the norm and sufficient movement to maintain interest, even with the Tiflex balls that are being used to general concern this season.
Irrespective of the result and the rest of the season, surely no one will argue when I say that this has been a season of major progress. We could easily go up, with Northamptonshire and Middlesex set to meet again before the end of the season, but could also finish in the bottom three, scant consolation for a very encouraging and competitive campaign.
I have always said on this blog that John Morris set the ball rolling with the recruitment of a better quality of player than we have seen for some time. Players like Wes Durston, Wayne Madsen, Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino, Chesney Hughes, Luke Sutton and others were always likely to do a good job once Morris persuaded them to join the county, but it is no coincidence that for most their best form has come since Karl Krikken took over.
I'd a lot of time for John Morris but perhaps man management wasn't his strong point. Never having played for him I don't know, but Karl Krikken seems to get the best out of players and the improvement in the younger ones, in particular, has to be one of his major contributions to the campaign. None of us know whether Krikk can bring a similar class of player to the club, but after 25 years-plus in the game I expect him to know plenty of people, just the same as Luke Sutton. If these two identify the players they want, Chris Grant will then handle contract negotiations and we will continue to progress.
The third place positions in the CB40 and Championship are very much the result of a team effort. Only Northamptonshire have more batting bonus points, while only they and Gloucestershire exceed our bowling points. NINE players average between 29 and 41 with the bat, while five have taken their wickets under thirty. The spirit at the club is obvious, especially in the commitment of the overseas players. Guptill's joy at reaching three figures is tangible, his commitment in the field an object lesson. Usman Khawaja played most of the time at Derbyshire on one good leg. Overseas players and professionals are looked up to in any club and we have been lucky in two positive role models.
Of course, with the Academy being the focal point of the future side, the role of Krikken, AJ Harris and Howard Dytham will continue to be critical to our future and the signs are good. Today we read of two bright young players, Harvey Hosein and Will Davis, being selected for the England Development Programme at Under-16 level. Davis, a quick bowler from Staffordshire and Hosein, a wicket-keeper from Matlock appear to have all the credentials for success, including coaching from men who really know what they are doing.
They are, of course, the latest in what is becoming an exciting long line. From those in or around the first eleven, through to the likes of Slater, Siddique and Higginbottom and younger ones like Burgoyne, Cork and White, the hard work of the Academy is starting to bear fruit.
Former England man Keith Fletcher once said that if one in every three of your young players comes through it is well worth the investment. All the signs point to players like Redfern, Whiteley, Knight, Poynton and Borrington becoming fixtures in the next few years and Derbyshire will reap the rewards for the hard work both in their performances and in ECB funding. While the senior players from elsewhere will still have a role to play for the forseeable future, in the medium to long term I can see Derbyshire teams made up of Academy graduates as seniors, hopefully thanking the club for their time and investment with a level of loyalty that has not always been the case in the past.
When players enjoy the dressing room environment and the company of people they have grown up with, there is a far greater likelihood of their staying. Chris Grant's new structure, offering appropriate remuneration to young players in direct correlation to their performances, is a sound first step towards a bright long-term future at the club.
As for the short-term future? We need to beat Northamptonshire. If we do, promotion is very much a possibility.
If we don't, I'm still more optimistic about the future than I've ever been. There's always next year.
Sunday, 14 August 2011
Derbyshire v Yorkshire
As days go, that must have been close to a 'Carlsberg' one. Cricket against Yorkshire at Chesterfield and beating them with over six overs in hand having chased 235, the pro scoring a hundred and contributions down the order. Oh, and our young spinner bowls a canny spell, removing their overseas player in the process and we did all that while resting three of our main bowlers.Yup, that was a goodie. Having grown up on Derbyshire usually failing to chase 160 against Yorkshire in one day games, I would have loved to have seen that one, the latest in a long line of impressive displays this season. It just makes you wonder what could have been had we not played poorly twice against the Netherlands. One point from two games against them and the losses against Worcestershire shows what we need to address - keeping that level of intensity going against everyone.
There was no Dan Redfern today - hopefully being kept back for Wednesday - and while Hughes and Madsen scored a few, neither got quite the score they might have wished for. Nor did Greg Smith, although his bowling did a good job today, alongside Knight, while it was good to see Garry Park turning his arm over again after a shoulder injury for much of the campaign. Good discipline from Derbyshire too, with only ten extras, something that will please Karl Krikken and also Tom Poynton, who apparently kept well.
Of course, I have to close with mention of Martin Guptill, who seems to have gone from winter to high summer in form. I've been critical of Guptill's Championship form and while I accept he's had his share of awkward deliveries that have seen him go early, he will have been disappointed with his four-day campaign as an established Test player.
Now, however, he seems to have sussed the tracks. Having averaged around 40 in the T20 (no mean achievement) he now averages 93 in the CB40 with two centuries and a fifty in four knocks. Such is the way he goes for his shots that a lengthy Guptill knock should usually result in a win if others bat around him. Ross Whiteley gave the final impetus today with five fours and a six in his unbeaten 31 on a ground he knows well and has enjoyed considerable success. In full flight he is a player of obvious class and for me his on drive, the pose held as the ball speeds to the boundary, is his trademark shot. Not an easy one to play well either, but Guptill does it beautifully.
As I wrote earlier in the week, Martin Guptill for the first half of next season and Usman Khawaja for the second half could yet be the answer to Derbyshire's overseas needs for 2012. A few more innings like today and I might not be alone in that assertion either.
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Well done to England
Number one in the world eh?
It is a fine effort by a lot of people, but I hope that the work of Geoff Miller as Chairman of Selectors isn't overlooked. He has done a very sound job and the merits of a consistent selection policy are there for all to see.
He's from Derbyshire you say? Well, I never...
It is a fine effort by a lot of people, but I hope that the work of Geoff Miller as Chairman of Selectors isn't overlooked. He has done a very sound job and the merits of a consistent selection policy are there for all to see.
He's from Derbyshire you say? Well, I never...
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 4
Last night I hoped for a professional end to this game from Derbyshire and that is exactly what we got. Martin Guptill batted in confident manner, well supported by Wes Durston and Greg Smith, to take us to a thoroughly deserved victory and, more importantly, third place in the table.
With four games to go, promotion is still a distinct possibility, something few would have anticipated pre-season and no one mid season when John Morris and Andrew Brown left. Yet the players have risen to the challenge and, aided by an excellent team spirit, are still in there fighting at the business end of the season.
There has to be credit given to all the players but especially to Karl Krikken and Luke Sutton. Krikk has brought the best out of young players who he developed from an early age and they have thrived on their opportunities, while Sutton rode the storm of comments from some quarters over the Morris affair and has led the side pretty well. While the weight of runs hasn't been that of his youth, he is on 491 for the season in the Championship and averages 28, while his wicket-keeping has been outstanding. I thought he showed himself both a leader and a man in his support of Chris Grant and the players have given him their backing.
Credit also to Martin Guptill, who has had his travails in the Championship but has shown his class when it was most needed and now has an average of 35 - not exceptional, but improving. He has shown commitment to the cause too, like Usman Khawaja before him and been an affable member of the dressing room and brilliant fielder. One of the best things I have seen lately was the congratulatory text sent by Khawaja to Ross Whiteley after his maiden century, something that he didn't need to do but showed his interest in the players and the club. In an era of jet set players and revolving door overseas stars, their commitment has been one of the pleasures of the season.
And so to Chesterfield, where Krikken has the chance to firstly cement third place in the CB40 then push for the top in the Championship. Could there be a better start to the cricket week there? For what its worth, I think that Matt Lineker and Dan Redfern should come in for Wayne Madsen and Chesney Hughes. On the bowling front, we need Clare, Palladino and Groenewald fit for this run in, but Mark Turner is rapidly becoming a man we've lacked in the past, someone with hostility to remove tail enders. I'll accept that sometimes his radar goes, but bowlers with his pace and aggression are not all that common. Devon Malcolm could be wild at times, but when it was right, he could be a handful. Turner is not yet in Devon's class, but is an asset as a fourth seamer and could enjoy the pace and bounce at Chesterfield, as long as he doesn't get carried away.
Finally, I've written plenty about Greg Smith of late but this is where we need him to show his mettle. I'm increasingly of the opinion that all is not yet lost with Smith and that there are perhaps no other takers for his services. While I have been critical of his 'cameos' in the past, Madsen and Hughes would currently be grateful for that and on that basis he should retain his place. With things now tight at the top, there is no better time for him to illustrate his worthiness of a deal, here or elsewhere.
My team for Northamptonshire:
Guptill
Lineker
Durston
Redfern
Smith
Whiteley
Sutton
Clare
Groenewald
Palladino
Turner
For Yorkshire, maybe Footitt to give one of the seamers a breather,while Madsen's one day skills in the middle order may be worthy of perseverance, but I'll not lose much sleep either way. There may also be a recall from international duty for Tom Knight, a tester on a small ground.
As a postscript, I notice that Mark Turner currently averages 38 with the bat and 30 with the ball. Genuine all-rounders at number eleven eh....?
With four games to go, promotion is still a distinct possibility, something few would have anticipated pre-season and no one mid season when John Morris and Andrew Brown left. Yet the players have risen to the challenge and, aided by an excellent team spirit, are still in there fighting at the business end of the season.
There has to be credit given to all the players but especially to Karl Krikken and Luke Sutton. Krikk has brought the best out of young players who he developed from an early age and they have thrived on their opportunities, while Sutton rode the storm of comments from some quarters over the Morris affair and has led the side pretty well. While the weight of runs hasn't been that of his youth, he is on 491 for the season in the Championship and averages 28, while his wicket-keeping has been outstanding. I thought he showed himself both a leader and a man in his support of Chris Grant and the players have given him their backing.
Credit also to Martin Guptill, who has had his travails in the Championship but has shown his class when it was most needed and now has an average of 35 - not exceptional, but improving. He has shown commitment to the cause too, like Usman Khawaja before him and been an affable member of the dressing room and brilliant fielder. One of the best things I have seen lately was the congratulatory text sent by Khawaja to Ross Whiteley after his maiden century, something that he didn't need to do but showed his interest in the players and the club. In an era of jet set players and revolving door overseas stars, their commitment has been one of the pleasures of the season.
And so to Chesterfield, where Krikken has the chance to firstly cement third place in the CB40 then push for the top in the Championship. Could there be a better start to the cricket week there? For what its worth, I think that Matt Lineker and Dan Redfern should come in for Wayne Madsen and Chesney Hughes. On the bowling front, we need Clare, Palladino and Groenewald fit for this run in, but Mark Turner is rapidly becoming a man we've lacked in the past, someone with hostility to remove tail enders. I'll accept that sometimes his radar goes, but bowlers with his pace and aggression are not all that common. Devon Malcolm could be wild at times, but when it was right, he could be a handful. Turner is not yet in Devon's class, but is an asset as a fourth seamer and could enjoy the pace and bounce at Chesterfield, as long as he doesn't get carried away.
Finally, I've written plenty about Greg Smith of late but this is where we need him to show his mettle. I'm increasingly of the opinion that all is not yet lost with Smith and that there are perhaps no other takers for his services. While I have been critical of his 'cameos' in the past, Madsen and Hughes would currently be grateful for that and on that basis he should retain his place. With things now tight at the top, there is no better time for him to illustrate his worthiness of a deal, here or elsewhere.
My team for Northamptonshire:
Guptill
Lineker
Durston
Redfern
Smith
Whiteley
Sutton
Clare
Groenewald
Palladino
Turner
For Yorkshire, maybe Footitt to give one of the seamers a breather,while Madsen's one day skills in the middle order may be worthy of perseverance, but I'll not lose much sleep either way. There may also be a recall from international duty for Tom Knight, a tester on a small ground.
As a postscript, I notice that Mark Turner currently averages 38 with the bat and 30 with the ball. Genuine all-rounders at number eleven eh....?
Excellent win by the Second XI
AJ Harris has done a fine job with Derbyshire's second string this summer and yesterday's win at Bristol was the latest in a fine season.
Dan Redfern's second big contribution of the match and a good knock by Garry Park took us most of the way to a target of 324 in 59 overs and a last wicket stand by Jakes Needham and Sherriff saw the side to a memorable victory.
In the process, Matt Lineker passed 1,000 runs for the season, a remarkable effort that surely has to see him earn an elevation to the senior side?
Dan Redfern's second big contribution of the match and a good knock by Garry Park took us most of the way to a target of 324 in 59 overs and a last wicket stand by Jakes Needham and Sherriff saw the side to a memorable victory.
In the process, Matt Lineker passed 1,000 runs for the season, a remarkable effort that surely has to see him earn an elevation to the senior side?
More on the overseas role
News that Hampshire are chasing Simon Katich as their overseas player for 2012 is going to focus the attention of a few people around the county game.
As I've previously written, Katich, together with Marcus North, is one of only a handful of players who would appear to be available for most, if not all of the season. With the congested calendar next summer there are very few options available and I can see a few counties going for unexpected signings.
There is always the possibility that someone who drops out of international recognition will hold appeal. With many talented batsmen to choose from, there could be, for example, a high profile casualty among South Africa's batting strength for next summer's tour. Ashwell Prince, at 34, is a fine player but would appear the most vulnerable in a strong batting lineup, most of who play IPL and would not be too keen on a county stint. Colin Ingram, known on the local scene after a couple of seasons in Derbyshire, could be another worth keeping an eye on.
Maybe New Zealand could be an option? John Wright helped us out with Martin Guptill and could do so again if there was a suitable player. Of course, Guptill himself may fancy another spell in the county game and we could do much worse, especially for the T20. As things stand though, any Kiwi would be unavailable from mid-June as they tour West Indies then India. That would rule out potential moves for the likes of James Franklin or Jesse Ryder.
Australia? Again, not too many options apart from North but there's one thing I have noticed - most of their cricket next summer is likely to be one-day. In the absence of many viable alternatives, perhaps one answer for Derbyshire is to switch the two players from this year, with Martin Guptill playing for as long as he can from April and Usman Khawaja returning for the remainder of the season. Both may well benefit from this year's experience and at this stage, unless we can pick up Marcus North, Prince or Katich, I cannot think of anyone better, or more likely to do well.
Thoughts?
As I've previously written, Katich, together with Marcus North, is one of only a handful of players who would appear to be available for most, if not all of the season. With the congested calendar next summer there are very few options available and I can see a few counties going for unexpected signings.
There is always the possibility that someone who drops out of international recognition will hold appeal. With many talented batsmen to choose from, there could be, for example, a high profile casualty among South Africa's batting strength for next summer's tour. Ashwell Prince, at 34, is a fine player but would appear the most vulnerable in a strong batting lineup, most of who play IPL and would not be too keen on a county stint. Colin Ingram, known on the local scene after a couple of seasons in Derbyshire, could be another worth keeping an eye on.
Maybe New Zealand could be an option? John Wright helped us out with Martin Guptill and could do so again if there was a suitable player. Of course, Guptill himself may fancy another spell in the county game and we could do much worse, especially for the T20. As things stand though, any Kiwi would be unavailable from mid-June as they tour West Indies then India. That would rule out potential moves for the likes of James Franklin or Jesse Ryder.
Australia? Again, not too many options apart from North but there's one thing I have noticed - most of their cricket next summer is likely to be one-day. In the absence of many viable alternatives, perhaps one answer for Derbyshire is to switch the two players from this year, with Martin Guptill playing for as long as he can from April and Usman Khawaja returning for the remainder of the season. Both may well benefit from this year's experience and at this stage, unless we can pick up Marcus North, Prince or Katich, I cannot think of anyone better, or more likely to do well.
Thoughts?
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