Once again you cannot argue with the professionalism in Derbyshire's cricket today at the County Ground.
Having lost their fastest bowler in Mark Footitt early in the day, Tim Groenewald bowled a brilliant spell in taking 3-34 in 22 overs, while fine support came once again from Jonathan Clare. Meanwhile Ross Whiteley bowled a long and rewarded spell, claiming the big wickets of Rees and Allenby. Those who prematurely write off the talented Whiteley as a bowler should bear in mind that even now he has only bowled 160 first class overs...
You could have put money on Marcus North getting a few today, but after David Wainwright got him out the Welsh side capitulated to an all out total of 236 with which Derbyshire will be well satisfied.
The final session saw a potentially awkward spell for Martin Guptill and Paul Borrington to face, but they saw it through to the close at 22-0.
A good solid day of batting tomorrow, with a lead sometime in the late afternoon or evening session, will be exactly what we're looking for. Here's hoping that the weather holds fair and our batsmen are in fine fettle.
In short, a very good start to the match. So lets push on from here lads.
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
Chairman's statement
I've already said what I needed to say about the Book Shop issue.
Suffice to say that if anyone still had any doubts about the episode, the chairman's excellent, well-written and well-presented statement to members and fans should have convinced them.
With Chris Grant at the helm and a lot of very good people in key positions in the club, Derbyshire County Cricket Club are on the cusp of a period of success. This may be relative, in comparison to what has gone before it, or could be genuine, with trophies in the medium to long term not by any means beyond us.
It just needs people to be less protective of long standing interests, less parochial and more willing to move with the times.
If they do, the sky's the limit. If they don't, I wouldn't like to dwell too long on future prospects.
You can see it, if you haven't already, here
Suffice to say that if anyone still had any doubts about the episode, the chairman's excellent, well-written and well-presented statement to members and fans should have convinced them.
With Chris Grant at the helm and a lot of very good people in key positions in the club, Derbyshire County Cricket Club are on the cusp of a period of success. This may be relative, in comparison to what has gone before it, or could be genuine, with trophies in the medium to long term not by any means beyond us.
It just needs people to be less protective of long standing interests, less parochial and more willing to move with the times.
If they do, the sky's the limit. If they don't, I wouldn't like to dwell too long on future prospects.
You can see it, if you haven't already, here
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Derbyshire v Glamorgan preview
It is too early in the season to be talking about "must win" games, but after the intervention of the weather prevented anything but draws in the last three games, Derbyshire will hope to return to winning ways against Glamorgan, starting tomorrow at the County Ground (weather permitting...)
Glamorgan are missing both Graham Wagg and James Harris, although they will be boosted by the return of ex-England man Simon Jones, recalled because of the injury crisis among the seam bowling ranks. Marcus North returns to the County Ground and will strengthen the batting considerably. Moises Henriques, the New South Wales all-rounder, was only a qualified success at the county, but was undoubtedly batted too high at number five.
Their squad in full:
G Rees, N James, W Bragg, M North, B Wright, J Allenby, M O’Shea, M Wallace (capt), D Cosker, H Waters, W Owen, S Jones, M Reed. Guptill, Borrington, Madsen, Durston, Redfern, Whiteley, Wainwright, Clare, Poynton, Groenewald, Footitt or Turner.
Again, I'd expect Mark Footitt to return and add variety to the attack. I hope the weather stays fair and if it does I expect a Derbyshire win in this game. At some point Messrs North, Allenby and Wallace will fire for the Welsh side and add good runs in the middle order, but I hope it isn't in this game.
A Derbyshire win for me - so don't let me down lads...
Glamorgan are missing both Graham Wagg and James Harris, although they will be boosted by the return of ex-England man Simon Jones, recalled because of the injury crisis among the seam bowling ranks. Marcus North returns to the County Ground and will strengthen the batting considerably. Moises Henriques, the New South Wales all-rounder, was only a qualified success at the county, but was undoubtedly batted too high at number five.
Their squad in full:
G Rees, N James, W Bragg, M North, B Wright, J Allenby, M O’Shea, M Wallace (capt), D Cosker, H Waters, W Owen, S Jones, M Reed. Guptill, Borrington, Madsen, Durston, Redfern, Whiteley, Wainwright, Clare, Poynton, Groenewald, Footitt or Turner.
Again, I'd expect Mark Footitt to return and add variety to the attack. I hope the weather stays fair and if it does I expect a Derbyshire win in this game. At some point Messrs North, Allenby and Wallace will fire for the Welsh side and add good runs in the middle order, but I hope it isn't in this game.
A Derbyshire win for me - so don't let me down lads...
Monday, 14 May 2012
Monday musings
The unbeaten record may be gone but nothing should detract from the excellent start to the season enjoyed by Derbyshire.
Pre-season there were promises of aggressive, fearless cricket and that has largely transpired. Two Championship wins have been followed by three largely rain-induced draws. While the batting has not been especially prolific - how could it be, on the wickets so far? - it has succeeded in scoring more runs than the opposition, surely a good starting point for any side.
The engine room of the batting has done especially well. Dan Redfern has moved up a level and is reaping the dividends of his work with David Houghton, a coach who he respects. Ross Whiteley and Wes Durston too have enjoyed success, and all three have the added benefit of scoring runs quickly when they get in, an asset to any side.
Likewise Martin Guptill has made good contributions and carried on the excellent impression that he made last season, although the skipper has not yet returned to his old prolific self. However, no criticism can be levelled at him, given his recent personal circumstances and through it all he has maintained a dignity and control under pressure that bodes well for his long-term captaincy.
The big talking point - and there's always one - is the second opening berth. Derbyshire started the season with three logical opening partners for Martin Guptill - Paul Borrington, Chesney Hughes and Matt Lineker. Thus far we have seen Bozza in the four-dayers and Chesney in the one-day games. Lineker has not batted a great deal, even in nets, after a pre-season operation, so can hardly be considered at this stage, especially when there has been little Second XI cricket to hone his game.
That has left Boz and Ches. Both are young players and as such lack experience and it is telling that Redfern is now coming to terms with the first-class game with over 80 first-class innings to his name. Borrington has just over 50 and Hughes just under that number, yet they have a fifty or hundred ratio in their first-class knocks of one in five or six, by no means bad.
The choice between the two is a matter of debate among fans but Karl Krikken and Wayne Madsen, presumably with some input from batting coach David Houghton, have adopted a "horses for courses" approach to selection. Bozza, the sticker, the gutsy cricketer, has played the Championship games, while the aggressive Hughes has been the obvious one-day pick.
Yet neither has thus far cemented their role. Hughes' slow left arm makes him a handy weapon in one day games if he scores no runs, yet we need him to do so, ideally sometime soon. Borrington has scored 1, 98, 2, 9, 0, 18 not out.0, 4 thus far. I won't sit here and say that these are inspiring statistics, but I would still maintain that he is the better bet for Wednesday as there is no viable alternative.
Compare it to 24, 9, 17, 1, 1, 10, 0 and 0 - Mark Ramprakash
4, 0, 3, 16, 8 - Murray Goodwin
17, 50, 20, 4, 9, 36, 9, 2, 6 - Chris Rogers
4, 5, 15, 1, 8, 1, 44, 22, 22 - Stephen Peters
Yes, Borrington will doubtless be under pressure for the Glamorgan game, but I would be confident in whatever choice is made by the men at the top. We are all fans, but anyone who suggests they know better than the three people making the decision is silly. They see the players in the nets, the way they are moving their feet and their attitude, then base selection on all of these factors. Sometimes you just need a break in cricket, as those who play the game will know. When luck is out, catches are always held, your good shots are stopped and there appears no way through the infield. Then it changes and you're suddenly back among the runs again.
Bozza needs runs against Glamorgan, but so does Chesney when he next plays. We can't go out and sign someone else, as I've said before, because anyone worth signing is already contracted and the early signs are that there's nothing expecially exciting in, for example, the Unicorns ranks this year.
Get behind them both though guys, because this is the time when players NEED the support of fans. They don't need anyone to tell them they're out of nick and they don't need people jumping onto forums saying "I see he's failed again" within 15 minutes of a dismissal, as if taking perverse pleasure from it. Both will emerge from their current trots and we will be a better side still when they do so.
Onto other, in some ways related news and there was a good article in this morning's Derby Telegraph from Mark Eklid about the Book Shop issue.
After reading it I am even more of the opinion that I expressed last week that a hasty and wrong decision was made by the Supporters Club committee. The club was well within its right to request the funding for much needed physiotherapy equipment from an organisation that was set up to support it. What I am less sure of is why that organisation felt the need to only offer just over half of the money and then impose conditions on its use, when the reserves were there to pay the full amount. Who else were they going to give it to? I would hope that it wasn't going to be akin to the well meaning auntie who buys you socks and vests for Christmas, when what you really wanted was a CD...
If it had been an umbrella organisation with responsibility to fund various initiatives and organisations, I could have understood the reluctance, but not otherwise. It smacks, unfortunately, of well-meaning amateurs trying to tell professionals how to do their job. I wouldn't accept that in my job and I'm sure few of you would in yours. The Supporters Club has done a terrific job in raising money for the club over many years, but the use of that money should be a decision for the senior club officials alone, from needs identified within the cricket club.
A new organisation will be formed, I'm sure and it will be modernised to reflect the needs of the 21st century game and supporter. That's not decrying in any way the sterling efforts of many fine people over a number of years, it is the way of the world. Bringing it officially under the wings of the club was a natural consequence of such modernisation and it is just a shame that this wasn't accepted by those concerned.
More tomorrow, with a preview of Derbyshire v Glamorgan
Pre-season there were promises of aggressive, fearless cricket and that has largely transpired. Two Championship wins have been followed by three largely rain-induced draws. While the batting has not been especially prolific - how could it be, on the wickets so far? - it has succeeded in scoring more runs than the opposition, surely a good starting point for any side.
The engine room of the batting has done especially well. Dan Redfern has moved up a level and is reaping the dividends of his work with David Houghton, a coach who he respects. Ross Whiteley and Wes Durston too have enjoyed success, and all three have the added benefit of scoring runs quickly when they get in, an asset to any side.
Likewise Martin Guptill has made good contributions and carried on the excellent impression that he made last season, although the skipper has not yet returned to his old prolific self. However, no criticism can be levelled at him, given his recent personal circumstances and through it all he has maintained a dignity and control under pressure that bodes well for his long-term captaincy.
The big talking point - and there's always one - is the second opening berth. Derbyshire started the season with three logical opening partners for Martin Guptill - Paul Borrington, Chesney Hughes and Matt Lineker. Thus far we have seen Bozza in the four-dayers and Chesney in the one-day games. Lineker has not batted a great deal, even in nets, after a pre-season operation, so can hardly be considered at this stage, especially when there has been little Second XI cricket to hone his game.
That has left Boz and Ches. Both are young players and as such lack experience and it is telling that Redfern is now coming to terms with the first-class game with over 80 first-class innings to his name. Borrington has just over 50 and Hughes just under that number, yet they have a fifty or hundred ratio in their first-class knocks of one in five or six, by no means bad.
The choice between the two is a matter of debate among fans but Karl Krikken and Wayne Madsen, presumably with some input from batting coach David Houghton, have adopted a "horses for courses" approach to selection. Bozza, the sticker, the gutsy cricketer, has played the Championship games, while the aggressive Hughes has been the obvious one-day pick.
Yet neither has thus far cemented their role. Hughes' slow left arm makes him a handy weapon in one day games if he scores no runs, yet we need him to do so, ideally sometime soon. Borrington has scored 1, 98, 2, 9, 0, 18 not out.0, 4 thus far. I won't sit here and say that these are inspiring statistics, but I would still maintain that he is the better bet for Wednesday as there is no viable alternative.
Compare it to 24, 9, 17, 1, 1, 10, 0 and 0 - Mark Ramprakash
4, 0, 3, 16, 8 - Murray Goodwin
17, 50, 20, 4, 9, 36, 9, 2, 6 - Chris Rogers
4, 5, 15, 1, 8, 1, 44, 22, 22 - Stephen Peters
Yes, Borrington will doubtless be under pressure for the Glamorgan game, but I would be confident in whatever choice is made by the men at the top. We are all fans, but anyone who suggests they know better than the three people making the decision is silly. They see the players in the nets, the way they are moving their feet and their attitude, then base selection on all of these factors. Sometimes you just need a break in cricket, as those who play the game will know. When luck is out, catches are always held, your good shots are stopped and there appears no way through the infield. Then it changes and you're suddenly back among the runs again.
Bozza needs runs against Glamorgan, but so does Chesney when he next plays. We can't go out and sign someone else, as I've said before, because anyone worth signing is already contracted and the early signs are that there's nothing expecially exciting in, for example, the Unicorns ranks this year.
Get behind them both though guys, because this is the time when players NEED the support of fans. They don't need anyone to tell them they're out of nick and they don't need people jumping onto forums saying "I see he's failed again" within 15 minutes of a dismissal, as if taking perverse pleasure from it. Both will emerge from their current trots and we will be a better side still when they do so.
Onto other, in some ways related news and there was a good article in this morning's Derby Telegraph from Mark Eklid about the Book Shop issue.
After reading it I am even more of the opinion that I expressed last week that a hasty and wrong decision was made by the Supporters Club committee. The club was well within its right to request the funding for much needed physiotherapy equipment from an organisation that was set up to support it. What I am less sure of is why that organisation felt the need to only offer just over half of the money and then impose conditions on its use, when the reserves were there to pay the full amount. Who else were they going to give it to? I would hope that it wasn't going to be akin to the well meaning auntie who buys you socks and vests for Christmas, when what you really wanted was a CD...
If it had been an umbrella organisation with responsibility to fund various initiatives and organisations, I could have understood the reluctance, but not otherwise. It smacks, unfortunately, of well-meaning amateurs trying to tell professionals how to do their job. I wouldn't accept that in my job and I'm sure few of you would in yours. The Supporters Club has done a terrific job in raising money for the club over many years, but the use of that money should be a decision for the senior club officials alone, from needs identified within the cricket club.
A new organisation will be formed, I'm sure and it will be modernised to reflect the needs of the 21st century game and supporter. That's not decrying in any way the sterling efforts of many fine people over a number of years, it is the way of the world. Bringing it officially under the wings of the club was a natural consequence of such modernisation and it is just a shame that this wasn't accepted by those concerned.
More tomorrow, with a preview of Derbyshire v Glamorgan
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Warwickshire v Derbyshire
At some point we were, like all other sides, going to get a defeat and today was most definitely our turn, with Warwickshire running out easy winners.
Yet there was no disgrace in losing to a very good side, one in form and with strength and experience in depth. We were outclassed and overwhelmed, but there is no reason for massive post mortems on this one. The batting didn't fire and we only looked like getting a total together when Wes Durston and Ross Whiteley were together. It ddn't last long enough though and Warwickshire's impressive batting made short work of the run chase.
More important is for Derbyshire to regroup and be ready for the visit of Glamorgan this week. Marcus North will be back at the County Ground and I will be previewing the game over the next couple of nights. It is a game that Derbyshire will hope to win and they have the ability to do so.
Today was just one of those days.
Yet there was no disgrace in losing to a very good side, one in form and with strength and experience in depth. We were outclassed and overwhelmed, but there is no reason for massive post mortems on this one. The batting didn't fire and we only looked like getting a total together when Wes Durston and Ross Whiteley were together. It ddn't last long enough though and Warwickshire's impressive batting made short work of the run chase.
More important is for Derbyshire to regroup and be ready for the visit of Glamorgan this week. Marcus North will be back at the County Ground and I will be previewing the game over the next couple of nights. It is a game that Derbyshire will hope to win and they have the ability to do so.
Today was just one of those days.
Warwickshire v Derbyshire CB40 Preview
Tomorrow will, undoubtedly, be our toughest test of the season so far. Warwickshire second in division one of the Championship and second in our group, play Derbyshire, top of division two and top of the CB40. If this was a film, they would call it Clash of the Titans, featuring Derbyshire....be still, my beating heart.
There's no Ian Bell in Warwickshire's team tomorrow, which is good news, though the Bears have been in such good form this year that they have plenty of options. There's no news on their side yet, but with players of the quality of Darren Maddy, Chris Woakes and, on this year's form, Rikki Clarke available, we will need to be at our very best to maintain our unbeaten record.
Our side? The batting is likely to be the same that did very well last week against the Unicorns, with Chesney Hughes replacing Paul Borrington. The bowling may also stay as was last week, but Mark Footitt and Tony Palladino will be pressing to replace Mark Turner.
Finally tonight, I still find it disappointing that there are calls for a player to be dropped - you all know who I mean. There is a comment on the Forum tonight that the person concerned will "never be a player" which is a silly thing to say. He might be a lot better off if people got off his back, while calls for others to replace him would be the more valid if the players concerned were themselves in form with the bat.
There may well be a powerful argument for Chesney Hughes to come in sometime soon, but first he needs to get some runs under his belt.
Tomorrow would be a very good time to start.
Come on boys - let's take the game to them!
There's no Ian Bell in Warwickshire's team tomorrow, which is good news, though the Bears have been in such good form this year that they have plenty of options. There's no news on their side yet, but with players of the quality of Darren Maddy, Chris Woakes and, on this year's form, Rikki Clarke available, we will need to be at our very best to maintain our unbeaten record.
Our side? The batting is likely to be the same that did very well last week against the Unicorns, with Chesney Hughes replacing Paul Borrington. The bowling may also stay as was last week, but Mark Footitt and Tony Palladino will be pressing to replace Mark Turner.
Finally tonight, I still find it disappointing that there are calls for a player to be dropped - you all know who I mean. There is a comment on the Forum tonight that the person concerned will "never be a player" which is a silly thing to say. He might be a lot better off if people got off his back, while calls for others to replace him would be the more valid if the players concerned were themselves in form with the bat.
There may well be a powerful argument for Chesney Hughes to come in sometime soon, but first he needs to get some runs under his belt.
Tomorrow would be a very good time to start.
Come on boys - let's take the game to them!
Saturday, 12 May 2012
Hampshire v Derbyshire day 4
The last day turned, not into a run chase but into an accumulation of maximum batting points by Derbyshire, a job they accomplished thanks to perhaps the best numbers ten and eleven in the Second Division. Who knows how valuable that 44-run partnership between Tim Groenewald and Tony Palladino might be come the end of the season?
Five batting points presumably came around because the captains could not agree on a suitable total for a run chase. That being the case, they did all that they needed to do, primarily thanks to beautiful centuries from Wes Durston and Daniel Redfern. Both are in prime form right now and there is real depth to our batting.
Hearty congratulations tonight to Yorkshire, who pulled off an amazing run chase to beat Gloucestershire, scoring 400 in the final innings to do so. I'm not happy to eat my words, but will admit to being wrong, having overlooked what is, after all, a pretty mediocre Gloucestershire attack.
Still top of the league, though the Yorkies have now drawn level on points. There will be extra spice to those fixtures this year, that's for sure!
Tomorrow is a CB40 against Warwickshire - more later, or tomorrow morning
Five batting points presumably came around because the captains could not agree on a suitable total for a run chase. That being the case, they did all that they needed to do, primarily thanks to beautiful centuries from Wes Durston and Daniel Redfern. Both are in prime form right now and there is real depth to our batting.
Hearty congratulations tonight to Yorkshire, who pulled off an amazing run chase to beat Gloucestershire, scoring 400 in the final innings to do so. I'm not happy to eat my words, but will admit to being wrong, having overlooked what is, after all, a pretty mediocre Gloucestershire attack.
Still top of the league, though the Yorkies have now drawn level on points. There will be extra spice to those fixtures this year, that's for sure!
Tomorrow is a CB40 against Warwickshire - more later, or tomorrow morning
Supporter's Club wind up a shame, but...
I'd heard that the Derbyshire County Cricket Supporters Club was likely to be wound up a few days ago and the letter and comments on the Falcons Forum were on that level not altogether surprising, nor the club's response on the web site.
The disappointment of Colin Gardner, who has done a lot of good work on behalf of the club, is tangible in that letter, but I don't think that its publishing is doing anyone involved any favours. Committee business should, unless decided by a vote to the contrary, be kept as a private matter and Colin should, after a long involvement with the club, have been well aware of that. Rightly or wrongly, there is an air of toys being thrown out of a pram, which is unfortunate.
I don't pretend to be privy to the innermost details of what has happened but I am old enough in the tooth to know that there are always two sides to every story. While knee-jerk reactions are always likely - especially in Derbyshire cricket - one has to be in full possession of the facts, from both sides, before making a judgement on the rights and wrongs of anything.
The facts are that the Supporters Club has done a terrific job over the years for Derbyshire, but maybe it needs revamped and restructured to bring it into the modern era. The book shop was a nice place to stop by, but its a long time since I bought anything there as the stock really needed pruning and organising. The chartered librarian in me ached to sort out the shelves and make searching a little easier, but there was always the value of serendipity to be considered, I suppose.
I have a feeling that a decision was made in haste and if I have learned one thing in life it is that there is much value to be had in sleeping on things and weighing them over in your mind before doing anything that you later have cause to regret.
I hope that the shop isn't fully lost to the club and I hope that the Supporters Club is revamped to appeal to perhaps a wider membership than was the case. There is always opposition to change, but it is as inevitable in life as the sun going down each evening. A restructured club, ideally with the involvement of people with experience and interest, would continue to be of value and I know that the purchases made by them for the players, their equipment and their well-being have always been appreciated.
For now, it is important that the resources revert to the club, for which they raised the cash and that the club works with interested parties to introduce a new, modernised one in time.
What has happened is sad, but we don't need to blow it out of proportion. It is what happens on the pitch that counts.
The disappointment of Colin Gardner, who has done a lot of good work on behalf of the club, is tangible in that letter, but I don't think that its publishing is doing anyone involved any favours. Committee business should, unless decided by a vote to the contrary, be kept as a private matter and Colin should, after a long involvement with the club, have been well aware of that. Rightly or wrongly, there is an air of toys being thrown out of a pram, which is unfortunate.
I don't pretend to be privy to the innermost details of what has happened but I am old enough in the tooth to know that there are always two sides to every story. While knee-jerk reactions are always likely - especially in Derbyshire cricket - one has to be in full possession of the facts, from both sides, before making a judgement on the rights and wrongs of anything.
The facts are that the Supporters Club has done a terrific job over the years for Derbyshire, but maybe it needs revamped and restructured to bring it into the modern era. The book shop was a nice place to stop by, but its a long time since I bought anything there as the stock really needed pruning and organising. The chartered librarian in me ached to sort out the shelves and make searching a little easier, but there was always the value of serendipity to be considered, I suppose.
I have a feeling that a decision was made in haste and if I have learned one thing in life it is that there is much value to be had in sleeping on things and weighing them over in your mind before doing anything that you later have cause to regret.
I hope that the shop isn't fully lost to the club and I hope that the Supporters Club is revamped to appeal to perhaps a wider membership than was the case. There is always opposition to change, but it is as inevitable in life as the sun going down each evening. A restructured club, ideally with the involvement of people with experience and interest, would continue to be of value and I know that the purchases made by them for the players, their equipment and their well-being have always been appreciated.
For now, it is important that the resources revert to the club, for which they raised the cash and that the club works with interested parties to introduce a new, modernised one in time.
What has happened is sad, but we don't need to blow it out of proportion. It is what happens on the pitch that counts.
Friday, 11 May 2012
Hampshire v Derbyshire day 3
You probably noticed that I didn't blog last night as there was little point in simply posting "it rained again".
Today we had cricket - hooray for that - and Hampshire made a pretty creditable total of 352-8 in their day of batting. It was a total that should have protected them from defeat in this game.
But did they bat too long? I would be surprised if Derbyshire chased 350 in 96 overs on the last day of a game and can see a potential struggle if they do so. More likely, for me, would be that Hampshire declare, we knock 50-60 runs quickly, then chase a more feasible 290-300. Such a total gives both sides an opportunity of winning. As it stands, in my humble opinion, chasing 350 leaves only one side a realistic chance and I don't think that would be us.
You all know I'm very supportive of the boys and confident that they can make a challenge in most matches, but that, as they say, would be a "big ask". Over at Bristol, Yorkshire have forfeited an innings and are chasing 400 on the last day. There are words that come to mind with such a decision but one stays in my head after the others have gone.
Stupid.
I reckon they'll be beaten by tea time. Let's just hope that Derbyshire aren't so silly. There's aggressive cricket and there's the same with a little more common sense applied.
I hope we choose that path tomorrow.
Today we had cricket - hooray for that - and Hampshire made a pretty creditable total of 352-8 in their day of batting. It was a total that should have protected them from defeat in this game.
But did they bat too long? I would be surprised if Derbyshire chased 350 in 96 overs on the last day of a game and can see a potential struggle if they do so. More likely, for me, would be that Hampshire declare, we knock 50-60 runs quickly, then chase a more feasible 290-300. Such a total gives both sides an opportunity of winning. As it stands, in my humble opinion, chasing 350 leaves only one side a realistic chance and I don't think that would be us.
You all know I'm very supportive of the boys and confident that they can make a challenge in most matches, but that, as they say, would be a "big ask". Over at Bristol, Yorkshire have forfeited an innings and are chasing 400 on the last day. There are words that come to mind with such a decision but one stays in my head after the others have gone.
Stupid.
I reckon they'll be beaten by tea time. Let's just hope that Derbyshire aren't so silly. There's aggressive cricket and there's the same with a little more common sense applied.
I hope we choose that path tomorrow.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
Hampshire v Derbyshire day one
Or not...
As I expected last night, today never happened.
Ironic really, on the day that old Peakie played his first game of the summer and, after an unbeaten cameo at the end of our innings, took 3-6 in three overs with my cunningly flighted filth to help to win the game against a local county XI. As our keeper, and my old friend Martin put it, after I clean bowled their top scorer with my first ball of the season "it was so flighted he'd lost interest by the time it got down here..."
Quite. I know I'll be sore tomorrow, but tonight was fun.
Here's hoping for more of the same from Derbyshire...
As I expected last night, today never happened.
Ironic really, on the day that old Peakie played his first game of the summer and, after an unbeaten cameo at the end of our innings, took 3-6 in three overs with my cunningly flighted filth to help to win the game against a local county XI. As our keeper, and my old friend Martin put it, after I clean bowled their top scorer with my first ball of the season "it was so flighted he'd lost interest by the time it got down here..."
Quite. I know I'll be sore tomorrow, but tonight was fun.
Here's hoping for more of the same from Derbyshire...
Tuesday, 8 May 2012
Hampshire v Derbyshire preview
A quarter of the way through the Championship season and we are sitting at played four, won two, drawn two.
The next four days will provide our sternest test yet, as some good judges saw Hampshire among the front-runners for the promotion places this summer. Perhaps some of that was based on performances and players of an earlier vintage, when the likes of Cork, Razzaq and Afridi made them one of the best twenty over sides around.
Having said that, they are still a good side and although their new overseas star Simon Katich has yet to fire, there must be good odds to be had that he will be concentrating hard in his two innings here against his old side.
They have announced the following squad for the match:
Simon Katich, Jimmy Adams (Captain), Shaun Ervine, Liam Dawson, Sean Terry, James Vince, Michael Bates (Wicketkeeper), Danny Briggs, James Tomlinson, Chris Wood, Kabir Ali and David Balcombe.
Derbyshire followers will remember David Balcombe from his fine display at the County Ground for Kent while on loan last season. That loan period seems to have been the making of him, as he's been taking regular wickets this year. With the experienced yet injury-ravaged Kabir Ali at the other end and support from young talent Tomlinson and Briggs, their attack will ask questions of Derbyshire's batting.
Again though, Derbyshire's attack will ask the same of theirs. I don't see any better seam attacks in this division than Palladino, Groenewald, Clare and Footitt, whichever three take the field. The battle between David Wainwright and Danny Briggs as slow left armers of talent will be fascinating and it is just a shame that tomorrow looks very much like a washout from the forecasts that I have seen.
The Derbyshire squad is much as we've seen in previous matches:
Wayne Madsen (Captain), Paul Borrington, Martin Guptill, Wes Durston, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, David Wainwright, Jonathan Clare, Tom Poynton (Wicketkeeper), Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino and Mark Footitt.
I think this is too close to call, another sign of the progress of our side, as you wouldn't have said that a year or two back. As in the two previous matches the weather may well have the final word, but I'm thoroughly enjoying following the fortunes of our side, one that is doing exactly what was promised pre-season - playing aggressive, fearless cricket.
The next four days will provide our sternest test yet, as some good judges saw Hampshire among the front-runners for the promotion places this summer. Perhaps some of that was based on performances and players of an earlier vintage, when the likes of Cork, Razzaq and Afridi made them one of the best twenty over sides around.
Having said that, they are still a good side and although their new overseas star Simon Katich has yet to fire, there must be good odds to be had that he will be concentrating hard in his two innings here against his old side.
They have announced the following squad for the match:
Simon Katich, Jimmy Adams (Captain), Shaun Ervine, Liam Dawson, Sean Terry, James Vince, Michael Bates (Wicketkeeper), Danny Briggs, James Tomlinson, Chris Wood, Kabir Ali and David Balcombe.
Derbyshire followers will remember David Balcombe from his fine display at the County Ground for Kent while on loan last season. That loan period seems to have been the making of him, as he's been taking regular wickets this year. With the experienced yet injury-ravaged Kabir Ali at the other end and support from young talent Tomlinson and Briggs, their attack will ask questions of Derbyshire's batting.
Again though, Derbyshire's attack will ask the same of theirs. I don't see any better seam attacks in this division than Palladino, Groenewald, Clare and Footitt, whichever three take the field. The battle between David Wainwright and Danny Briggs as slow left armers of talent will be fascinating and it is just a shame that tomorrow looks very much like a washout from the forecasts that I have seen.
The Derbyshire squad is much as we've seen in previous matches:
Wayne Madsen (Captain), Paul Borrington, Martin Guptill, Wes Durston, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, David Wainwright, Jonathan Clare, Tom Poynton (Wicketkeeper), Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino and Mark Footitt.
I think this is too close to call, another sign of the progress of our side, as you wouldn't have said that a year or two back. As in the two previous matches the weather may well have the final word, but I'm thoroughly enjoying following the fortunes of our side, one that is doing exactly what was promised pre-season - playing aggressive, fearless cricket.
Monday, 7 May 2012
Monday Musings
Well, its the first time in the four years of doing this blog that I have been able to do a Monday Musings with Derbyshire top of the Championship table and sitting one from one in the CB40. Good times!
It has been a remarkable start and few among the Derbyshire faithful, when the season started in March, would have expected us to be still unbeaten as we enter the second week of May. A strong team ethic in which all have played a part has been a major contributory factor, while the spirit engendered by Karl Krikken has been evident for all to see. They are in it as a team and will win and lose as one.
Top marks also have to go to Wayne Madsen, who has done little wrong so far. His batting wasn't at its best in the early games, with the pitches more akin to minefields, but he showed his mettle after inordinately trying personal circumstances against Gloucestershire with a century that must already be a contender for David Griffin's "Eddie Barlow moment" award for the season. Yesterday he played a selfless, brisk cameo at the end of the innings, the type of knock to which we have become accustomed in recent seasons.
Most of all, Madsen has shown himself a leader of considerable potential. His field settings have been good, his bowling changes sensible and his leadership of the team excellent. They are behind him to a man and the results, as they say, have been evident.
Of course, there will be stronger tests to come and that is when we will be better placed to assess the extent of the progress of this side. Hampshire, starting on Wednesday, will be our sternest Championship test yet, with Simon Katich doubtless wanting runs against his old county and the side wanting revenge for the extraordinary defeat in Barbados.
Then next weekend we play Warwickshire, another side in prime form that has taken Division One by storm this summer. We will have our work cut out for sure, but there is enough talent in this team to ensure that no one will take beating us for granted. The days when we rolled over and died have gone, my friends. We will suffer defeats this season, just like any other side (just like Nottinghamshire today, hehehe....) but it will be through others outplaying us, not like of talent or application.
Progress, progress, progress.
Preview of Hampshire tomorrow....
It has been a remarkable start and few among the Derbyshire faithful, when the season started in March, would have expected us to be still unbeaten as we enter the second week of May. A strong team ethic in which all have played a part has been a major contributory factor, while the spirit engendered by Karl Krikken has been evident for all to see. They are in it as a team and will win and lose as one.
Top marks also have to go to Wayne Madsen, who has done little wrong so far. His batting wasn't at its best in the early games, with the pitches more akin to minefields, but he showed his mettle after inordinately trying personal circumstances against Gloucestershire with a century that must already be a contender for David Griffin's "Eddie Barlow moment" award for the season. Yesterday he played a selfless, brisk cameo at the end of the innings, the type of knock to which we have become accustomed in recent seasons.
Most of all, Madsen has shown himself a leader of considerable potential. His field settings have been good, his bowling changes sensible and his leadership of the team excellent. They are behind him to a man and the results, as they say, have been evident.
Of course, there will be stronger tests to come and that is when we will be better placed to assess the extent of the progress of this side. Hampshire, starting on Wednesday, will be our sternest Championship test yet, with Simon Katich doubtless wanting runs against his old county and the side wanting revenge for the extraordinary defeat in Barbados.
Then next weekend we play Warwickshire, another side in prime form that has taken Division One by storm this summer. We will have our work cut out for sure, but there is enough talent in this team to ensure that no one will take beating us for granted. The days when we rolled over and died have gone, my friends. We will suffer defeats this season, just like any other side (just like Nottinghamshire today, hehehe....) but it will be through others outplaying us, not like of talent or application.
Progress, progress, progress.
Preview of Hampshire tomorrow....
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Unicorns v Derbyshire
Two words describe Derbyshire's performance today in their opening CB40 fixture of the season.
Thoroughly professional.
Notwithstanding the fact that the Unicorns are perhaps the weakest of the non-first class sides (though they have some decent players) this is exactly the sort of game, as I mentioned this morning, in which Derbyshire have often come a cropper. We lost and tied with the Netherlands last season and have rarely beaten Scotland convincingly. Fans could have been forgiven for thinking that today might have been the same old, same old...
Especially when Chesney went early in his first senior knock of the season. As it turned out, he was just saving his energy for later and Martin Guptill and Wes Durston proceeded to add 222 for the second wicket, a partnership enjoyed by a good crowd of visiting Derbyshire fans. Watching those two in full flight can't have been the worst way to spend an afternoon and by the time a late burst from the skipper had taken us to 287-3, one sensed that this one wasn't likely to go against us.
The benefits to Tim Groenewald of a long bowl at Derby on the last day became evident in a superb opening spell that removed the dangerous Michael Thornely. Groenewald ended with the superb figures of 2-19 in eight overs and is getting back to his best, while there were useful spells from Ross Whiteley and Jonathan Clare. Mark Turner was a little more expensive, but like Groenewald needed some time in the middle and will benefit from today's game.
The main damage, however was done by the spinners, with Chesney Hughes returning the remarkable figures of 5-29. He and David Wainwright did very well after the seamers had put the Unicorns way behind the clock and Derbyshire ran out easy winners by 129 runs.
It was good, convincing and professional, with special mention to another very good performance behind the stumps by Tom Poynton, which capped a solid fielding performance.
So five games gone and still unbeaten. There are harder matches ahead for sure, but Wayne Madsen must be very proud of the way his young team have started the season positively and unbeaten.
For that matter, so are we. Well done lads!
Top of two leagues? Can we fast forward to September now?
Thoroughly professional.Notwithstanding the fact that the Unicorns are perhaps the weakest of the non-first class sides (though they have some decent players) this is exactly the sort of game, as I mentioned this morning, in which Derbyshire have often come a cropper. We lost and tied with the Netherlands last season and have rarely beaten Scotland convincingly. Fans could have been forgiven for thinking that today might have been the same old, same old...
Especially when Chesney went early in his first senior knock of the season. As it turned out, he was just saving his energy for later and Martin Guptill and Wes Durston proceeded to add 222 for the second wicket, a partnership enjoyed by a good crowd of visiting Derbyshire fans. Watching those two in full flight can't have been the worst way to spend an afternoon and by the time a late burst from the skipper had taken us to 287-3, one sensed that this one wasn't likely to go against us.
The benefits to Tim Groenewald of a long bowl at Derby on the last day became evident in a superb opening spell that removed the dangerous Michael Thornely. Groenewald ended with the superb figures of 2-19 in eight overs and is getting back to his best, while there were useful spells from Ross Whiteley and Jonathan Clare. Mark Turner was a little more expensive, but like Groenewald needed some time in the middle and will benefit from today's game.
The main damage, however was done by the spinners, with Chesney Hughes returning the remarkable figures of 5-29. He and David Wainwright did very well after the seamers had put the Unicorns way behind the clock and Derbyshire ran out easy winners by 129 runs.
It was good, convincing and professional, with special mention to another very good performance behind the stumps by Tom Poynton, which capped a solid fielding performance.
So five games gone and still unbeaten. There are harder matches ahead for sure, but Wayne Madsen must be very proud of the way his young team have started the season positively and unbeaten.
For that matter, so are we. Well done lads!
Top of two leagues? Can we fast forward to September now?
Unicorns v Derbyshire preview
Just in case we get ahead of ourselves, the Unicorns have a - wait for it - 27 man squad for today's game, with some well known names in there.
Ex-Somerset man Keith Parsons is skipper, with two former Leicestershire wicket keepers, Tom New and Joel Pope - in their "to choose from" squad alongside former Worcestershire glovesman Josh Knappett. They also have two bowlers in ex-Lancashire man Steven Cheetham and Northamptonshire bowler Gavin Baker who will be keen to get another crack at the first class game.
Former Sussex man Michael Thorneley will doubtless open their batting, while Luis Reece, who took ten wickets against Sussex for Leeds/Bradford MCCU in the week is also in the squad. They are all decent players and it will not be a pushover by any means.
Yet if we retain focus and intensity we should and will win. While I don't see 40-over cricket as our forte, we have the ability to make it so and should get off to a winning start today, weather permitting.
Over to you now lads...
Ex-Somerset man Keith Parsons is skipper, with two former Leicestershire wicket keepers, Tom New and Joel Pope - in their "to choose from" squad alongside former Worcestershire glovesman Josh Knappett. They also have two bowlers in ex-Lancashire man Steven Cheetham and Northamptonshire bowler Gavin Baker who will be keen to get another crack at the first class game.
Former Sussex man Michael Thorneley will doubtless open their batting, while Luis Reece, who took ten wickets against Sussex for Leeds/Bradford MCCU in the week is also in the squad. They are all decent players and it will not be a pushover by any means.
Yet if we retain focus and intensity we should and will win. While I don't see 40-over cricket as our forte, we have the ability to make it so and should get off to a winning start today, weather permitting.
Over to you now lads...
Saturday, 5 May 2012
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 4
Two days ago, Derbyshire looked shoo-ins to win their third game of the Championship season, but their hopes came to naught on a County Ground track that ended up flatter than the worst notes of an X Factor contestant.
It is something that the very talented Neil Godrich and his grounds team will somehow need to address if Derbyshire are to genuinely maintain a promotion challenge this season. We have to have sporting pitches that offer something for batsmen and bowlers alike - in short, we need result pitches. Short of their losing concentration, there was little that the bowlers could do to get batsmen out, given regulations do not currently allow the use of flame throwers and howitzers in favourable batting conditions...
Still, full marks to Gloucestershire for showing the batting ability that I referred to in my match preview. I was mildly amused by a comment on the Forum tonight, when someone complained that Gloucestershire had not set Derbyshire a target. Why should they have done? When you force a team to follow on, you're effectively telling them that you have them down and intend to keep them there. When that team then digs themselves out of a hole by a resolute batting display, it would be silly to expect them to then give you another chance to win with a sporting declaration, especially at the stage of the season when sides are still jockeying for position.
No complaints from me on this one and I'm pleased that no one has come out with the old "can't finish teams off" line. Michael Holding and Ian Bishop in their fiery pomp might have given us a chance, but little else would have produced a positive result today.
Still, four games in we sit clear at the top of the table and few would have expected that pre-season. Challenges will continue to come along as the season progresses, but if the team works as they have so far they need fear no one in this division.
Tomorrow we play our first one day game of the season at Worrmsley against the Unicorns. The opposition line up is not yet known, but Derbyshire take the following squad:
Martin Guptill, Chesney Hughes, Wayne Madsen, Wes Durston, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, David Wainwright, Jonathan Clare, Tom Poynton (Wicketkeeper), Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino, Mark Turner and Mark Footitt.
I'd expect Tony Palladino to have a well deserved breather and both Mark Turner and Mark Footitt to play, leaving the final place between Jonathan Clare and Tim Groenewald. Chesney Hughes comes in for his season debut and should open with Martin Guptill in an exciting pairing.
In previous seasons games against the so-called minnows have been a problem for Derbyshire. How many times have Scotland and the Netherlands either given us a scare or beaten us? In its own, early season way tomorrow's match will be another benchmark of progress. It doesn't matter about the opposition - if we play at our best, we will win.
Simple as that.
It is something that the very talented Neil Godrich and his grounds team will somehow need to address if Derbyshire are to genuinely maintain a promotion challenge this season. We have to have sporting pitches that offer something for batsmen and bowlers alike - in short, we need result pitches. Short of their losing concentration, there was little that the bowlers could do to get batsmen out, given regulations do not currently allow the use of flame throwers and howitzers in favourable batting conditions...
Still, full marks to Gloucestershire for showing the batting ability that I referred to in my match preview. I was mildly amused by a comment on the Forum tonight, when someone complained that Gloucestershire had not set Derbyshire a target. Why should they have done? When you force a team to follow on, you're effectively telling them that you have them down and intend to keep them there. When that team then digs themselves out of a hole by a resolute batting display, it would be silly to expect them to then give you another chance to win with a sporting declaration, especially at the stage of the season when sides are still jockeying for position.
No complaints from me on this one and I'm pleased that no one has come out with the old "can't finish teams off" line. Michael Holding and Ian Bishop in their fiery pomp might have given us a chance, but little else would have produced a positive result today.
Still, four games in we sit clear at the top of the table and few would have expected that pre-season. Challenges will continue to come along as the season progresses, but if the team works as they have so far they need fear no one in this division.
Tomorrow we play our first one day game of the season at Worrmsley against the Unicorns. The opposition line up is not yet known, but Derbyshire take the following squad:
Martin Guptill, Chesney Hughes, Wayne Madsen, Wes Durston, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, David Wainwright, Jonathan Clare, Tom Poynton (Wicketkeeper), Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino, Mark Turner and Mark Footitt.
I'd expect Tony Palladino to have a well deserved breather and both Mark Turner and Mark Footitt to play, leaving the final place between Jonathan Clare and Tim Groenewald. Chesney Hughes comes in for his season debut and should open with Martin Guptill in an exciting pairing.
In previous seasons games against the so-called minnows have been a problem for Derbyshire. How many times have Scotland and the Netherlands either given us a scare or beaten us? In its own, early season way tomorrow's match will be another benchmark of progress. It doesn't matter about the opposition - if we play at our best, we will win.
Simple as that.
Friday, 4 May 2012
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 3
After the euphoria of yesterday, Derbyshire were back down to earth today as they had to work hard for wickets on the third day against Gloucestershire.
The visitors ended the day 37 ahead with just two wickets down and with Kiwi overseas ace Kane Williamson having completed an excellent century. The wicket appears to have eased considerably, at least according to reports and the likelihood is that this game is heading for a draw.
Of course, some heavy cloud tomorrow morning might change things, but having been forced to follow on it is unlikely that the visitors will be disposed to setting us a feasible target in the last innings. I said before the game that their batting was stronger than their bowling and so it has transpired, but Derbyshire again stuck to their task well and can still be satisfied with their efforts as the game enters its final day.
If the visitors set anything remotely possible I could see us having a go, as that is the style of this Derbyshire side. Yet I have a feeling that they will declare at tea, 260 ahead and around 40 overs to go.
Tomorrow will tell.
In closing tonight, warm congratulations to Martin Guptill, Wes Durston, Jonathan Clare and Tony Palladino on their county caps. All four players have made a large contribution to our improved fortunes over the past couple of seasons and fully deserve their awards.
Here's hoping that we see them in Derbyshire colours for many years to come!
The visitors ended the day 37 ahead with just two wickets down and with Kiwi overseas ace Kane Williamson having completed an excellent century. The wicket appears to have eased considerably, at least according to reports and the likelihood is that this game is heading for a draw.
Of course, some heavy cloud tomorrow morning might change things, but having been forced to follow on it is unlikely that the visitors will be disposed to setting us a feasible target in the last innings. I said before the game that their batting was stronger than their bowling and so it has transpired, but Derbyshire again stuck to their task well and can still be satisfied with their efforts as the game enters its final day.
If the visitors set anything remotely possible I could see us having a go, as that is the style of this Derbyshire side. Yet I have a feeling that they will declare at tea, 260 ahead and around 40 overs to go.
Tomorrow will tell.
In closing tonight, warm congratulations to Martin Guptill, Wes Durston, Jonathan Clare and Tony Palladino on their county caps. All four players have made a large contribution to our improved fortunes over the past couple of seasons and fully deserve their awards.
Here's hoping that we see them in Derbyshire colours for many years to come!
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Wayne Madsen
My sincere condolences to Wayne Madsen and his wife, Kyla, on the loss of their unborn baby daughter this week. Until reading Mark Eklid's excellent piece in this morning's Derby Telegraph I had no idea of the tragedy and my heart goes out to the two of them and their extended families at this time.
It speaks volumes for the man he is that he opted to play in the circumstances. There were plenty of reasons not to and no one would have thought the less of him had he done so. Yet Madsen showed himself a man of outstanding character and integrity in adversity, things he has shown before but never better exemplified than yesterday.
Following on from the special courage shown by Tony Palladino in the Westfield case, it highlights what a special bunch of guys we have at Derbyshire right now. Likewise, many would have turned a blind eye to what went on at Essex. Palladino was man enough to do something about it.
With such people involved, Derbyshire cricket can only go from strength to strength. I wish Wayne and Kyla the best for the weeks and months ahead and thank the skipper for an especially outstanding effort yesterday.
It speaks volumes for the man he is that he opted to play in the circumstances. There were plenty of reasons not to and no one would have thought the less of him had he done so. Yet Madsen showed himself a man of outstanding character and integrity in adversity, things he has shown before but never better exemplified than yesterday.
Following on from the special courage shown by Tony Palladino in the Westfield case, it highlights what a special bunch of guys we have at Derbyshire right now. Likewise, many would have turned a blind eye to what went on at Essex. Palladino was man enough to do something about it.
With such people involved, Derbyshire cricket can only go from strength to strength. I wish Wayne and Kyla the best for the weeks and months ahead and thank the skipper for an especially outstanding effort yesterday.
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 2
216 runs ahead with two days to go would normally suggest a win in the offing, though another "iffy" weather forecast suggests there may not be close to a full day tomorrow. That being the case, I can't see Derbyshire do anything than enforce the follow on, if, as logic suggests, they get to that stage tomorrow. They may not necessarily want to chase a big total in the final innings, but the mood in the camp is such at the moment that they would fancy their chances chasing pretty much anything.
What really impresses me about the team is that they battle, all the time. 327-8 became 388 all out as Tony Palladino (pictured) and Tim Groenewald, very competent batsmen for the end of the innings, helped Jon Clare to make a competitive total a very good one. Clare is enjoying a stunning start to the season, with aggressive batting contributions and an average of 31 adding value to sixteen wickets at just 12 each. He is a considerable talent and by the end of this season a wider audience than Derbyshire may well come to realise that.
His destroyer-in-chief today was the admirable Tony Palladino, a big favourite with the fans and a player increasingly respected by opponents. If you cast your mind back to when we signed Tony the winter before last - or care to check back through old posts - you'll know that I was excited, because he has always been a wicket-taker. That was despite rarely getting the new ball at Essex, nor the regular place that would help him relax and feel an established member of the side.
Last year, his first at Derbyshire, he took fifty wickets despite missing matches through injury. This season, despite a pre-season where he had an operation on his groin and another on a fractured jaw, he has already taken 18 wickets at 15 each. Sure, he has enjoyed some helpful wickets, but Palladino bowls such good lines and lengths that he gives himself the best possible chance of getting people out. He's also increasingly a bowler in the genuine Derbyshire tradition too, conceding just two an over so far.
Tim Groenewald wasn't at his best today, but will benefit from the overs under his belt, having gained rhythm in the process. Meanwhile David Wainwright did exactly what you want your spinner to do on a wicket offering him little help - he kept the batsmen tied down and offered little in the way of run scoring opportunity.
It was, in short, a thoroughly professional day's work. We also did what our opponents singularly failed to do in our innings and held our catches.
You really can't ask for any more. Derbyshire once again delivered today and if the weather plays its part we could be three wins out of four in the next couple of days.
Smiling? You bet...
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 1
At the end of an absorbing first day at Derby, our boys will be pretty satisfied with their day's work.
There was a hard earned century for skipper Wayne Madsen and attractive fifties for both Wes Durston and Daniel Redfern. Meanwhile Ross Whiteley, Martin Guptill and Jonathan Clare all made valuable contributions and 362-9 represents a good day, even if at one point, at 250-3, it looked like being even better.
I was delighted for the skipper, but anyone who didn't see this coming needs a trip to a well known high street optical store. He's a class act and once he got through to lunch I had a feeling that he would cash in during the afternoon. Durston too appeared in good nick and might be a little annoyed that he didn't go on to the century mark himself.
The visitors will not be unhappy at clawing things back, but Derbyshire now have runs on the board and importantly, with bad weather likely to interrupt the next two days, have scored their runs quick enough to enable a positive result to be possible unless it is especially bad. Four an over on a track that offered something for bowlers was a very good effort.
Paul Borrington failed today and I had no doubt that there would be comment on that before the evening had passed, but anyone can get out early, before feet, hands and eyes are in full coordination. To suggest that we now need to sign someone to partner Guptill at the top of the order is bizarre in my humble opinion - sorry mate. Even if Karl Krikken shared the views of a small minority that Bozza needs to be dropped, we still have two other openers, Matt Lineker and Chesney Hughes on the staff! More to the point, given that players are now contracted for the season, who would we sign?
Also keep in mind that when Martin Guptill finishes next month that we may need to change the order a little anyway to accommodate Usman Khawaja, unless the plan is for the Australian to go in first this year. I do get the feeling that there are purported fans out there waiting for Borrington to fail, just so they can have a moan. and it is patently unfair on a local boy who never gives it away, whether it is good or bad conditions for batting.
Speaking of signings, I'd an early e mail today suggesting we should sign Ajmal Shahzad after his release by Yorkshire. I'm not sure what's gone on there, although if the lad retains England ambitions he must surely be vexed that his club have signed an overseas quick in Mitchell Starc who will presumably take the new ball with Ryan Sidebottom, leaving him as first change. It is an odd move, a short sighted one and in its swift and abrupt method a typically Yorkshire one.
I don't see it happening. For one, he will want top division cricket and for another, as a player of England experience, he will cost big money. Equally, do we really need another seamer at this stage? With Footitt, Turner and Evans (not to mention Higginbottom) outside the team, who are we going to leave out in Palladino, Groenewald and Clare?
No, the lad will likely end up at Somerset, who have money to spend and an injury list so bad that the physio has installed a revolving door.
Finally tonight, Greg Smith's torrid start at Essex continued today with another cheap dismissal. That's just forty season runs for Smudge so far and he has a long way to go to convince the locals of his talents.
Unlike our lads, who have done well again today. May tomorrow bring a few more runs and plenty of wickets...
There was a hard earned century for skipper Wayne Madsen and attractive fifties for both Wes Durston and Daniel Redfern. Meanwhile Ross Whiteley, Martin Guptill and Jonathan Clare all made valuable contributions and 362-9 represents a good day, even if at one point, at 250-3, it looked like being even better.
I was delighted for the skipper, but anyone who didn't see this coming needs a trip to a well known high street optical store. He's a class act and once he got through to lunch I had a feeling that he would cash in during the afternoon. Durston too appeared in good nick and might be a little annoyed that he didn't go on to the century mark himself.
The visitors will not be unhappy at clawing things back, but Derbyshire now have runs on the board and importantly, with bad weather likely to interrupt the next two days, have scored their runs quick enough to enable a positive result to be possible unless it is especially bad. Four an over on a track that offered something for bowlers was a very good effort.
Paul Borrington failed today and I had no doubt that there would be comment on that before the evening had passed, but anyone can get out early, before feet, hands and eyes are in full coordination. To suggest that we now need to sign someone to partner Guptill at the top of the order is bizarre in my humble opinion - sorry mate. Even if Karl Krikken shared the views of a small minority that Bozza needs to be dropped, we still have two other openers, Matt Lineker and Chesney Hughes on the staff! More to the point, given that players are now contracted for the season, who would we sign?
Also keep in mind that when Martin Guptill finishes next month that we may need to change the order a little anyway to accommodate Usman Khawaja, unless the plan is for the Australian to go in first this year. I do get the feeling that there are purported fans out there waiting for Borrington to fail, just so they can have a moan. and it is patently unfair on a local boy who never gives it away, whether it is good or bad conditions for batting.
Speaking of signings, I'd an early e mail today suggesting we should sign Ajmal Shahzad after his release by Yorkshire. I'm not sure what's gone on there, although if the lad retains England ambitions he must surely be vexed that his club have signed an overseas quick in Mitchell Starc who will presumably take the new ball with Ryan Sidebottom, leaving him as first change. It is an odd move, a short sighted one and in its swift and abrupt method a typically Yorkshire one.
I don't see it happening. For one, he will want top division cricket and for another, as a player of England experience, he will cost big money. Equally, do we really need another seamer at this stage? With Footitt, Turner and Evans (not to mention Higginbottom) outside the team, who are we going to leave out in Palladino, Groenewald and Clare?
No, the lad will likely end up at Somerset, who have money to spend and an injury list so bad that the physio has installed a revolving door.
Finally tonight, Greg Smith's torrid start at Essex continued today with another cheap dismissal. That's just forty season runs for Smudge so far and he has a long way to go to convince the locals of his talents.
Unlike our lads, who have done well again today. May tomorrow bring a few more runs and plenty of wickets...
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire preview
There are no surprises in the Derbyshire squad for tomorrow's game against Gloucestershire and nor should there be.
Without doubt the Leicestershire game was a slight reality check for our lads, though I totally subscribe to Karl Krikken's comment that we could have won it on the last afternoon had the weather stayed fair. We'll never know, of course, but the signs are that we're getting a nice opening partnership together in Messrs Guptill and Borrington, always important for any side. How much nicer is it for number three to come in with 70-odd on the board than in the second over with the seam still prominent on the new ball. Considering the somewhat parlous state of batting conditions in the country thus far, for our lads to have shared in a double century and near-century stand in two out of three matches is a good effort.
We'd all like to see Wayne Madsen and Wes Durston resume normal service in the run scoring, but I've no worries on that score and they will both come good sometime soon. Dan Redfern and Ross Whiteley pick themselves at five and six so the batting is looking a good unit, one that should score heavily when conditions are more favourable.
The only real decision is whether Mark Footitt gets a well-earned breather and Tim Groenewald comes in. I think he will and Footitt can put his feet up ahead of a lot of bowling when the pitches get harder and faster as the summer comes along (it will, won't it?)
The Derbyshire squad in full:
Wayne Madsen (c), Paul Borrington, Martin Guptill, Wes Durston, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, David Wainwright, Jon Clare, Tom Poynton (wk), Tony Palladino, Mark Footitt, Tim Groenewald, Mark Turner.
Mark Turner has yet to feature this season, but the word is that he is bowling quick and accurately in the nets. His time will surely come, perhaps in our first one-day game of the season against the Unicorns.
As for Gloucestershire, they welcome back Kiwi overseas star Kane Williamson, who will slip into the middle order alongside his compatriot Hamish Marshall. Former Hampshire man Benny Howell looks set to open the batting alongside Chris Dent in this named squad:
C.Dent, B.Howell, K.Williamson, A.Gidman (capt), H.Marshall, I.Cockbain, W.Gidman, R. Coughtrie (wkt), E.Young, J.Fuller, I.Saxelby, D.Wade, P.Muchall.
It is a decent side and they are sure to be competitive under John Bracewell. They look a better batting than bowling side, but Will Gidman has been a revelation for them and with his brother Alex makes up a formidable pairing.
Again though, I don't look at them and think we're in for a drubbing. The winning of the toss could well play a part and there will be some highly competitive sessions of play. Yet I remain convinced that Derbyshire, if they come out as focused and fighting as they have so far, have what it takes to beat them.
Mind you, that pesky weather looks set to play a part, with rain forecast for Thursday and Friday. It may end up having the final word, but I have a feeling that this Derbyshire side will have plenty to say for themselves in between times.
I'm inclined to forecast a draw, with the weather looking as it does, but if it keeps its ugly nose out of it, Derbyshire are eminently capable of another win.
Without doubt the Leicestershire game was a slight reality check for our lads, though I totally subscribe to Karl Krikken's comment that we could have won it on the last afternoon had the weather stayed fair. We'll never know, of course, but the signs are that we're getting a nice opening partnership together in Messrs Guptill and Borrington, always important for any side. How much nicer is it for number three to come in with 70-odd on the board than in the second over with the seam still prominent on the new ball. Considering the somewhat parlous state of batting conditions in the country thus far, for our lads to have shared in a double century and near-century stand in two out of three matches is a good effort.
We'd all like to see Wayne Madsen and Wes Durston resume normal service in the run scoring, but I've no worries on that score and they will both come good sometime soon. Dan Redfern and Ross Whiteley pick themselves at five and six so the batting is looking a good unit, one that should score heavily when conditions are more favourable.
The only real decision is whether Mark Footitt gets a well-earned breather and Tim Groenewald comes in. I think he will and Footitt can put his feet up ahead of a lot of bowling when the pitches get harder and faster as the summer comes along (it will, won't it?)
The Derbyshire squad in full:
Wayne Madsen (c), Paul Borrington, Martin Guptill, Wes Durston, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, David Wainwright, Jon Clare, Tom Poynton (wk), Tony Palladino, Mark Footitt, Tim Groenewald, Mark Turner.
Mark Turner has yet to feature this season, but the word is that he is bowling quick and accurately in the nets. His time will surely come, perhaps in our first one-day game of the season against the Unicorns.
As for Gloucestershire, they welcome back Kiwi overseas star Kane Williamson, who will slip into the middle order alongside his compatriot Hamish Marshall. Former Hampshire man Benny Howell looks set to open the batting alongside Chris Dent in this named squad:
C.Dent, B.Howell, K.Williamson, A.Gidman (capt), H.Marshall, I.Cockbain, W.Gidman, R. Coughtrie (wkt), E.Young, J.Fuller, I.Saxelby, D.Wade, P.Muchall.
It is a decent side and they are sure to be competitive under John Bracewell. They look a better batting than bowling side, but Will Gidman has been a revelation for them and with his brother Alex makes up a formidable pairing.
Again though, I don't look at them and think we're in for a drubbing. The winning of the toss could well play a part and there will be some highly competitive sessions of play. Yet I remain convinced that Derbyshire, if they come out as focused and fighting as they have so far, have what it takes to beat them.
Mind you, that pesky weather looks set to play a part, with rain forecast for Thursday and Friday. It may end up having the final word, but I have a feeling that this Derbyshire side will have plenty to say for themselves in between times.
I'm inclined to forecast a draw, with the weather looking as it does, but if it keeps its ugly nose out of it, Derbyshire are eminently capable of another win.
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