Every now and again I get an exceptional comment from fans that is more than just a few words. It is good to bring these to wider notice at that time and such a comment came in last night from Notoveryet. You may or may not agree with the idea (I'd be interested to hear from you on that) but it is well thought out and - well, I reproduce it below so you can see for youtself!
"Tonight was one of the few games that didn't clash with work commitments and close enough for me to get to. It brought back my comment a few nights ago - do we have the batting to chase 200?
The answer's yes but not every game, and I'm afraid that's what our T20 is going to look like. A dodgy stumping tonight didn't help us but our bowling was staggeringly naive at times. Notts bowlers were intrinsically no better than ours and a lot less experienced, but knew where to put the ball - full and straight - and had some subtlety and variety. Ours were too often in default mode - bang it in short and wide and hope for a wild slash.
This, for me, is the biggest indictment of John Morris' time. Our bowling has simply withered on the vine, dependent on varying quality of imports with no development or progress for our home grown talent. It's not surprising when we have had no bowling coach for two years, then bring in someone who can't do a lot of coaching when he's playing all of the time.
Let's face it, Derbyshire does not need a new head of cricket. Seven years of Morris / Houghton hasn't taken us very far, and in all honesty, it hasn't worked in a lot of other teams either. It's a great comfort blanket to have one man to blame or praise but has little else to commend it.
I hope that Chris Grant's idea is a team approach, in which several individuals combine their particular talents. This ensures continuity as people move on or change roles. Which brings me to my suggestion for a landmark signing - someone who knows the club inside out, lives locally, is doing a great job of supporting young talent at his present club, can still conjure occasional miracles as a player and captain, has never made any secret of his wish to finish his career with us, knows and gets on well with Krikken and Sutton, brings a high profile, and whose signing won't prevent us having a good overseas batsman.
I'm talking about Dominic Cork, obviously. A leadership team comprising him as the inspiration, mentor and on-field coach, Sutton as the planner and tactician, and Krikken as the co-ordinator, talent-spotter and technical coach. I think this will work.
Cork sounds as though he could be up for it as long as he doesn't want sole command and control. Earlier in the year, he tweeted "I always have a soft spot for Derbyshire. One day I would love to turn them into the Sussex of the north. Winners!!!!"
I know there is history that gets in the way, but perhaps a new chairman who isn't shackled by it and doesn't have the fragile egos of some of his committee that helped to drive Cork away could be the one to make it work.
At the very least, it's more likely to work, and cheaper, than bringing in an old overseas warhorse in the hope that they will do what Eddie Barlow did, but won't leave a structure behind that will bring long-term stability and progress."
The idea has much to commend it, as the correspondent points out. Cork knows the area and club and for those worried about old issues recurring I'd suggest that he is a far more mature, less confrontational player than the one who left Derbyshire for Lancashire. His son is currently in the academy and he has done a good job at Hampshire, still turning in decent figures after over twenty years in the game. It could, as pointed out, be affordable.
I only have three issues. One is that he may decide that his growing media career offers him the long-term security that he may wish, although much will depend on the strength of that desire to come back and turn us into a good side that can compete against the best on a regular basis.
The second is that the player/coach role may be attractive to the players I mentioned the other night and a good few more, but a standard overseas role for six months may not be a sufficiently attractive package. While they may be prepared to commit for something that gives them a start in a career after they stop playing, I'm not sure that big names would commit to six months of helter skelter for anything less.
The third is Cork's age. He'll be 40 at the start of August and the appointment couldn't realistically be seen, at least in any playing role, as anything but short term. To get more than one season out of him would be impressive, despite the fact that he still looks as fit as the proverbial butcher's dog. Time waits for no man, as the old saying goes.
Still, it is a worthy idea and that media role I referred to could see us attract more interest than has been the case for some time (the skipper's excellent newspaper blog notwithstanding).
Like I say, I'd welcome your comments. Thanks to Notoveryet for producing an excellent, thought-provoking piece.
Saturday, 4 June 2011
Friday, 3 June 2011
Nottinghamshire v Derbyshire T20
Well beaten tonight by an understrength Nottinghamshire side who put a decent score on the board and then bowled tight lines, varied lengths and mixed up the pace to defend it.
We scored more last night and before Martin Guptill was dismissed were in it at 49 from 5.3 overs, but wickets fell steadily and we simply couldn't score at the rate required. There was a good cameo from Garry Park and an encouraging debut from Tom Knight. We competed, but tonight weren't good enough.
There's no shame in it - our neighbours have a fine batting side - but we could do with a win on the board next weekend. We have a week to regroup now and to realise that there's not too much wrong. The only differences from last night were that no one played the required big innings and we played a much better side.
That's all I can say.
We scored more last night and before Martin Guptill was dismissed were in it at 49 from 5.3 overs, but wickets fell steadily and we simply couldn't score at the rate required. There was a good cameo from Garry Park and an encouraging debut from Tom Knight. We competed, but tonight weren't good enough.
There's no shame in it - our neighbours have a fine batting side - but we could do with a win on the board next weekend. We have a week to regroup now and to realise that there's not too much wrong. The only differences from last night were that no one played the required big innings and we played a much better side.
That's all I can say.
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Derbyshire v Lancashire T20
As I write we look like losing our first T20 game after an excellent batting display that just lost impetus at the end when 200 was in sight. Fine knocks by Wes Durston and Chesney Hughes gave us a good chance, after Martin Guptill had played some aggressive strokes to launch the innings in fine style.
The bowling has been less impressive and Lancashire need only to keep their heads in the last ten overs to breeze this one.
The big news today, of course, is the chairman's announcement of a big name player or player/coach to work alongside Luke Sutton next season and perhaps beyond. The move has ECB backing and has been hailed as groundbreaking, which is encouraging.
Of course, the news is bound to start conjecture about the player concerned, with logic suggesting that it is a senior international for whom the appeal of a coaching role while still playing may be irressistible. Several names have come to the fore, among them Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Dale Steyn and Paul Collingwood. Some of them I would discount immediately. Smith, at 30 and captain of his country, has everything he needs and I would think be hard to lure for a full season. Muralitharan isn't fit enough for playing full time and I'm unaware of any coaching credentials. Warne has retired from playing, so could presumably be excluded for similar reasons. Steyn? At 27 his coaching is in the future and he can currently earn a king's ransom in IPL, besides his central contract in South Africa which would probably exclude him. Great player? Yes. Likely to give it all up for us? Nope.
Kallis? Possibly. He's 36 this year, the same age as Eddie Barlow was when he came to Derbyshire and another challenge may have some appeal. There is little sign that his form is on the wane and his signing would hold massive appeal for fans. He bats, bowls and catches flies - what's not to like?
Paul Collingwood is a similar age and would also have appeal for fans. He is a good cricketer, albeit struggling more with injuries of late. I could see him in the role, just the same as Kallis and I could see him making a success of it. At the same time, like Kallis, I'm unaware of his contractual situation and Durham may well have plans of their own for a favourite son.
There are two others who I would see in the frame. Ricky Ponting I've mentioned before and the ex-Australian skipper is a cricket legend who would be a massive draw. The role may well hold appeal too, and no one would dispute that 'Punter' would be a great candidate.
The other? How about Mike Hussey? At 36 he is another who is still a very good player and who may see the role as a first step to a career outside the game. His recent IPL exploits suggested he is still a very good player and a career average in excess of 50 in all forms of the game is indicative of a class act.
Whether these are in the frame is something only Chris Grant and the committee know, but should any of them turn up at the County Ground next season there would be rich entertainment in store.
As I close, we've held them to a tie after good spells by Steffan Jones and Chesney Hughes and a superb last over from Tim Groenewald. If such a pulsating contest doesn't pull the crowds in from here, then nothing will. It shows the level of spirit in the side and no little skill. I still don't know why 190-5 doesn't beat 190-6 on less wickets lost, but Derbyshire can be proud of their efforts tonight. Fans should be too. 2123 there tonight, a good response to start the campaign.
Let's just go one better at Nottingham tomorrow.
The bowling has been less impressive and Lancashire need only to keep their heads in the last ten overs to breeze this one.
The big news today, of course, is the chairman's announcement of a big name player or player/coach to work alongside Luke Sutton next season and perhaps beyond. The move has ECB backing and has been hailed as groundbreaking, which is encouraging.
Of course, the news is bound to start conjecture about the player concerned, with logic suggesting that it is a senior international for whom the appeal of a coaching role while still playing may be irressistible. Several names have come to the fore, among them Jacques Kallis, Graeme Smith, Muttiah Muralitharan, Shane Warne, Dale Steyn and Paul Collingwood. Some of them I would discount immediately. Smith, at 30 and captain of his country, has everything he needs and I would think be hard to lure for a full season. Muralitharan isn't fit enough for playing full time and I'm unaware of any coaching credentials. Warne has retired from playing, so could presumably be excluded for similar reasons. Steyn? At 27 his coaching is in the future and he can currently earn a king's ransom in IPL, besides his central contract in South Africa which would probably exclude him. Great player? Yes. Likely to give it all up for us? Nope.
Kallis? Possibly. He's 36 this year, the same age as Eddie Barlow was when he came to Derbyshire and another challenge may have some appeal. There is little sign that his form is on the wane and his signing would hold massive appeal for fans. He bats, bowls and catches flies - what's not to like?
Paul Collingwood is a similar age and would also have appeal for fans. He is a good cricketer, albeit struggling more with injuries of late. I could see him in the role, just the same as Kallis and I could see him making a success of it. At the same time, like Kallis, I'm unaware of his contractual situation and Durham may well have plans of their own for a favourite son.
There are two others who I would see in the frame. Ricky Ponting I've mentioned before and the ex-Australian skipper is a cricket legend who would be a massive draw. The role may well hold appeal too, and no one would dispute that 'Punter' would be a great candidate.
The other? How about Mike Hussey? At 36 he is another who is still a very good player and who may see the role as a first step to a career outside the game. His recent IPL exploits suggested he is still a very good player and a career average in excess of 50 in all forms of the game is indicative of a class act.
Whether these are in the frame is something only Chris Grant and the committee know, but should any of them turn up at the County Ground next season there would be rich entertainment in store.
As I close, we've held them to a tie after good spells by Steffan Jones and Chesney Hughes and a superb last over from Tim Groenewald. If such a pulsating contest doesn't pull the crowds in from here, then nothing will. It shows the level of spirit in the side and no little skill. I still don't know why 190-5 doesn't beat 190-6 on less wickets lost, but Derbyshire can be proud of their efforts tonight. Fans should be too. 2123 there tonight, a good response to start the campaign.
Let's just go one better at Nottingham tomorrow.
Wednesday, 1 June 2011
Derbyshire v Surrey day 4
After several strong and consistent performances, Derbyshire slipped below par today and were soundly beaten by a decent, but not brilliant Surrey side.
It again highlights that we simply have to be at our best to compete in every session of every day of every game. Only the very best players can drop in standard and still contribute. This was a salutory lesson as we go into the T20.
The moaners were naturally out in force and it is disappointing how people keep suggesting that we bring John Morris back. Speaking as someone who was and is a fan of what he did for the club, it isn't going to happen. John made a good contribution, but his day at the club is done and it is now someone else's turn. Saying that this wouldn't have happened under John is silly - it did, plenty of times, as it did in the days of other coaches over the years. To say that we're now in for three and a half months of rubbish is a knee-jerk, ill-thought out comment. We'll lose a few, quite possibly in this tournament, but it shouldn't detract from the fact that the first part of the season has been more encouraging than many of late.
Still, tomorrow is another day, or more accurately, evening. Lancashire visit and we need to raise our game considerably to make a match of it. We can do it, as we've shown already this season and must do so again.
We will be doing it, as highlighted in the DET this morning, with only one overseas player and I'd back that decision 100%. Why bring over someone when it will take to the mid-point of the competition to get him a visa? You can't lay any fault at the feet of the club committee or chairman, as Khawaja's exit was unexpected and unfortunate.
I know Kent have signed Charl Langeveldt, but Langers last year was a shadow of previous campaigns. While he can still bowl a decent ball and over, he's lost a yard or two of pace and is more hittable than he was in his pomp. I'm quite happy with Martin Guptill and I hope we play around him and work to a plan of him batting through an innings. He is a naturally quick scorer and we need him to lead us to competitive scores.
Changing tack, the other evening Notoveryet made an excellent suggestion that we could perhaps better reward our star players to retain them, rather than bringing over an overseas player of modest reputation. Given that we can't sign the likes of Chris Rogers and Michael Di Venuto any more, excellent players who simply can't get into a strong Test side, it has some merit. With star players either priced out of the market or too heavily committed to international fixtures, it could become reality. The Sunday Times figures he quotes for Martin Guptill and Usman Khawaja are not too accurate, but the concept is a fair one.
It will depend on the overseas market and availability, as well as continued strong performances from our better players. We need to build around Madsen, Hughes, Groenewald and Smith, but their rewards should be commensurate with performance. Get us a thousand runs and you get a small bonus on top of the basic. 1500? That'll do nicely. The same should go for 40 wickets, or 60.
As long as we don't pay above the odds for mediocrity I can follow the logic. Want to know what I mean? Graham Wagg completed a game from hell for Glamorgan today: 0-95 and a pair. He now has a batting average of 23 and 13 wickets at 51. It's not great, but even worse when you've paid a fortune for the player. I hope it works out for a guy who gave us solid service, but right now he's in danger of making Rikki Clarke look like Sobers...
It again highlights that we simply have to be at our best to compete in every session of every day of every game. Only the very best players can drop in standard and still contribute. This was a salutory lesson as we go into the T20.
The moaners were naturally out in force and it is disappointing how people keep suggesting that we bring John Morris back. Speaking as someone who was and is a fan of what he did for the club, it isn't going to happen. John made a good contribution, but his day at the club is done and it is now someone else's turn. Saying that this wouldn't have happened under John is silly - it did, plenty of times, as it did in the days of other coaches over the years. To say that we're now in for three and a half months of rubbish is a knee-jerk, ill-thought out comment. We'll lose a few, quite possibly in this tournament, but it shouldn't detract from the fact that the first part of the season has been more encouraging than many of late.
Still, tomorrow is another day, or more accurately, evening. Lancashire visit and we need to raise our game considerably to make a match of it. We can do it, as we've shown already this season and must do so again.
We will be doing it, as highlighted in the DET this morning, with only one overseas player and I'd back that decision 100%. Why bring over someone when it will take to the mid-point of the competition to get him a visa? You can't lay any fault at the feet of the club committee or chairman, as Khawaja's exit was unexpected and unfortunate.
I know Kent have signed Charl Langeveldt, but Langers last year was a shadow of previous campaigns. While he can still bowl a decent ball and over, he's lost a yard or two of pace and is more hittable than he was in his pomp. I'm quite happy with Martin Guptill and I hope we play around him and work to a plan of him batting through an innings. He is a naturally quick scorer and we need him to lead us to competitive scores.
Changing tack, the other evening Notoveryet made an excellent suggestion that we could perhaps better reward our star players to retain them, rather than bringing over an overseas player of modest reputation. Given that we can't sign the likes of Chris Rogers and Michael Di Venuto any more, excellent players who simply can't get into a strong Test side, it has some merit. With star players either priced out of the market or too heavily committed to international fixtures, it could become reality. The Sunday Times figures he quotes for Martin Guptill and Usman Khawaja are not too accurate, but the concept is a fair one.
It will depend on the overseas market and availability, as well as continued strong performances from our better players. We need to build around Madsen, Hughes, Groenewald and Smith, but their rewards should be commensurate with performance. Get us a thousand runs and you get a small bonus on top of the basic. 1500? That'll do nicely. The same should go for 40 wickets, or 60.
As long as we don't pay above the odds for mediocrity I can follow the logic. Want to know what I mean? Graham Wagg completed a game from hell for Glamorgan today: 0-95 and a pair. He now has a batting average of 23 and 13 wickets at 51. It's not great, but even worse when you've paid a fortune for the player. I hope it works out for a guy who gave us solid service, but right now he's in danger of making Rikki Clarke look like Sobers...
Tuesday, 31 May 2011
Derbyshire v Surrey day 3
I'm not sure what to make of the current game tonight.
Only 77 ahead with six wickets left, we have a lot of work to do to get our noses back in front on the face of it, although events after tea today suggest that the wicket may be playing up a little. With Surrey losing their last six wickets for 25 and us our first four for 26 something happened. Swing?
Having been in Belfast all day and away from things I'm not sure, but if such conditions continue (and we bowl better than we did in the morning and early afternoon today) there could yet be a twist in the tail. Of course, the weather could yet have a say in proceedings, but a game that looked dead at lunchtime suddenly looks a fair bet to produce a positive result.
Should be a good last day...
Only 77 ahead with six wickets left, we have a lot of work to do to get our noses back in front on the face of it, although events after tea today suggest that the wicket may be playing up a little. With Surrey losing their last six wickets for 25 and us our first four for 26 something happened. Swing?
Having been in Belfast all day and away from things I'm not sure, but if such conditions continue (and we bowl better than we did in the morning and early afternoon today) there could yet be a twist in the tail. Of course, the weather could yet have a say in proceedings, but a game that looked dead at lunchtime suddenly looks a fair bet to produce a positive result.
Should be a good last day...
Monday, 30 May 2011
Monday musings
There's times when some comments baffle me.
Like today. 'Anon' says that the club should make a statement on the Groenewald 'situation'. You'll all know, I'm sure, that Groenewald has given 28 days notice of his intention to speak to other counties. As he comes to the end of his contract that is his right and I'm sure that all of us, in his situation, would do exactly the same thing.
At the same time, the player has made it known that he wants to stay at Derbyshire, where the team spirit and positive attitude in the dressing room is obvious and a tribute to the senior people in the club. As I've written before, the player will see if there are bigger offers out there and will then speak to the club to see if they are prepared to match those offers. The size of them will dictate what happens next. It may be that the current economic climate in the game means there are no more lucrative takers for the player's services. It could equally be that there are, but they are of a level that the club can match and probably keep the player accordingly, assuming he's enjoying the club as much as he says. He may also want to play in Division One and if that's the case there's little we can do, unless we get better luck with the weather in the second half of the season.
There's a lot of supposition in it all, but what do you expect the club to say or do, Anon? They will want to keep him, without doubt, but if we're paying (my guess) £40-45K a season and someone else offers £80K he will go, simple as that, as we can't afford him. Graham Wagg went for an even better deal, but if anyone thinks his current 28 batting average and 13 wickets at 49 is worth a rumoured £90K a season plus perks you're on your own. If the difference between Groenewald's best option and ourselves is £10K there's a better chance of our striking a deal, but at the end of the day we are a business. We have a finite and small playing budget, the smallest in the country and need to have enough players on the staff to account for injury problems and ensure competition for places. To suggest that a refusal to match big offers from elsewhere is short-sighted and indicative of a lack of ambition is baloney of the highest order.
Let's assume that we have £650K to pay for player salaries. I don't think that's too far away, from my reading of club accounts etc. A decent senior player can probably expect to get around £40K a season (I'd guess) so you could have 16 for your money. So what happens when they are tired or injured? Don't forget you also need to pay more for an overseas star of any stature. Had we matched Glamorgan's offer for Wagg, what do you think that Madsen, Smith, Groenewald, Durston and Sutton, senior players as good, if not better than Wagg would have thought? Do we give them all £90K to keep them happy? OK then, that's £540K of your £650K gone on six players. I'm sure that the rest of our squad would play for £10-15K a summer. Palladino, Hughes, Redfern, Jones, Park - they'd all be happy with that. Your overseas player would too. You would wouldn't you?
I didn't think so...
Nor, as I've written before, can we expect the Chairman to make up any shortfall. There may be occasions he chooses to help the club, but he is involved as much for his financial acumen as the depth and contents of his pockets. Living beyond our means is a sure route to financial meltdown.
I hope that we keep Tim Groenewald. I hope that we keep Greg Smith. The reality is that if another club with more money decides that they want them, we won't hang on to them because money talks, for you, for me, for everyone. What we will have to continue to do is bring on youngsters, spot those lacking opportunity elsewhere and give it to them for as long as we can afford to.
One thing we have going for us is that there are financial issues everywhere. The ECB age-related payments mean that increasing numbers of clubs are bringing in younger players. That's why Usman Afzaal and Bilal Shafayat are no longer in the county game, because they're priced out of the market and they're too old to make money under current regulations. Kent were linked with Greg Smith a couple of years back and now can only pay a staff of 18. Lancashire and Yorkshire made seven figure losses, Warwickshire only made money because they sold land for development, but you can only do that once. Other than that, they made a trading loss, like almost everyone else.
Here's a question for you. Would you sooner spend beyond our means for the next five years, maybe win a few trophies and then go out of business, or be in this for the long haul? The former gives no guarantee of success, the latter will see good days and bad, but ensure that we have a club to entertain us for a long time to come.
I know which option I prefer and it ain't the first.
Like today. 'Anon' says that the club should make a statement on the Groenewald 'situation'. You'll all know, I'm sure, that Groenewald has given 28 days notice of his intention to speak to other counties. As he comes to the end of his contract that is his right and I'm sure that all of us, in his situation, would do exactly the same thing.
At the same time, the player has made it known that he wants to stay at Derbyshire, where the team spirit and positive attitude in the dressing room is obvious and a tribute to the senior people in the club. As I've written before, the player will see if there are bigger offers out there and will then speak to the club to see if they are prepared to match those offers. The size of them will dictate what happens next. It may be that the current economic climate in the game means there are no more lucrative takers for the player's services. It could equally be that there are, but they are of a level that the club can match and probably keep the player accordingly, assuming he's enjoying the club as much as he says. He may also want to play in Division One and if that's the case there's little we can do, unless we get better luck with the weather in the second half of the season.
There's a lot of supposition in it all, but what do you expect the club to say or do, Anon? They will want to keep him, without doubt, but if we're paying (my guess) £40-45K a season and someone else offers £80K he will go, simple as that, as we can't afford him. Graham Wagg went for an even better deal, but if anyone thinks his current 28 batting average and 13 wickets at 49 is worth a rumoured £90K a season plus perks you're on your own. If the difference between Groenewald's best option and ourselves is £10K there's a better chance of our striking a deal, but at the end of the day we are a business. We have a finite and small playing budget, the smallest in the country and need to have enough players on the staff to account for injury problems and ensure competition for places. To suggest that a refusal to match big offers from elsewhere is short-sighted and indicative of a lack of ambition is baloney of the highest order.
Let's assume that we have £650K to pay for player salaries. I don't think that's too far away, from my reading of club accounts etc. A decent senior player can probably expect to get around £40K a season (I'd guess) so you could have 16 for your money. So what happens when they are tired or injured? Don't forget you also need to pay more for an overseas star of any stature. Had we matched Glamorgan's offer for Wagg, what do you think that Madsen, Smith, Groenewald, Durston and Sutton, senior players as good, if not better than Wagg would have thought? Do we give them all £90K to keep them happy? OK then, that's £540K of your £650K gone on six players. I'm sure that the rest of our squad would play for £10-15K a summer. Palladino, Hughes, Redfern, Jones, Park - they'd all be happy with that. Your overseas player would too. You would wouldn't you?
I didn't think so...
Nor, as I've written before, can we expect the Chairman to make up any shortfall. There may be occasions he chooses to help the club, but he is involved as much for his financial acumen as the depth and contents of his pockets. Living beyond our means is a sure route to financial meltdown.
I hope that we keep Tim Groenewald. I hope that we keep Greg Smith. The reality is that if another club with more money decides that they want them, we won't hang on to them because money talks, for you, for me, for everyone. What we will have to continue to do is bring on youngsters, spot those lacking opportunity elsewhere and give it to them for as long as we can afford to.
One thing we have going for us is that there are financial issues everywhere. The ECB age-related payments mean that increasing numbers of clubs are bringing in younger players. That's why Usman Afzaal and Bilal Shafayat are no longer in the county game, because they're priced out of the market and they're too old to make money under current regulations. Kent were linked with Greg Smith a couple of years back and now can only pay a staff of 18. Lancashire and Yorkshire made seven figure losses, Warwickshire only made money because they sold land for development, but you can only do that once. Other than that, they made a trading loss, like almost everyone else.
Here's a question for you. Would you sooner spend beyond our means for the next five years, maybe win a few trophies and then go out of business, or be in this for the long haul? The former gives no guarantee of success, the latter will see good days and bad, but ensure that we have a club to entertain us for a long time to come.
I know which option I prefer and it ain't the first.
Sunday, 29 May 2011
Derbyshire v Surrey day 1
Hands up everyone who, when they heard we'd lost the toss and had to bat today feared the worst?
And those who, when we slipped to 16-2 with both openers back in the pavilion, thought we'd struggle to stay batting at tea? The ball was moving around with the odd one lifting and others keeping a little low. Surrey must have fancied their chances.
That being the case, to close on 375-7 represents another fine day's cricket from Derbyshire, watched for some of the time by Geoff Miller. He cannot fail to have been impressed by the precocious talents of Messrs Hughes and Redfern, who rallied the innings after Wes Durston helped Hughes turn 16-2 to 107-3 at lunch.
In the afternoon the two young left-handers batted beautifully and although there was a flurry of wickets post-tea, another stand of 50 between the most experienced players in the side, skipper Luke Sutton and Steffan Jones saw us to a thoroughly satisfactory close.
It was a fine effort by Chesney Hughes, a player of extraordinary talent who is still closer to his 20th birthday than 21st. The youngsters cannot fail to have impressed the watching Martin Guptill, who started his county career with a hooked six then fell to a caught and bowled from a ball that apparently 'stopped'on him. It happens, but there'll be plenty of good days from the talented Kiwi.
As always, we'll not know how good a score this is until they bat on it. There's plenty of talent down their order and Mark Ramprakash will want to possibly bow out from Derbyshire grounds with a good score.
Yet we're very much in this game and ahead at present. Another 50-75 runs tomorrow would be nice and then we'll see where the game goes from there - if the weather allows it, of course.
Again though, top marks for the boys today. You can't fault the battling spirit and it augurs well for the rest of the campaign.
And those who, when we slipped to 16-2 with both openers back in the pavilion, thought we'd struggle to stay batting at tea? The ball was moving around with the odd one lifting and others keeping a little low. Surrey must have fancied their chances.
That being the case, to close on 375-7 represents another fine day's cricket from Derbyshire, watched for some of the time by Geoff Miller. He cannot fail to have been impressed by the precocious talents of Messrs Hughes and Redfern, who rallied the innings after Wes Durston helped Hughes turn 16-2 to 107-3 at lunch.
In the afternoon the two young left-handers batted beautifully and although there was a flurry of wickets post-tea, another stand of 50 between the most experienced players in the side, skipper Luke Sutton and Steffan Jones saw us to a thoroughly satisfactory close.
It was a fine effort by Chesney Hughes, a player of extraordinary talent who is still closer to his 20th birthday than 21st. The youngsters cannot fail to have impressed the watching Martin Guptill, who started his county career with a hooked six then fell to a caught and bowled from a ball that apparently 'stopped'on him. It happens, but there'll be plenty of good days from the talented Kiwi.
As always, we'll not know how good a score this is until they bat on it. There's plenty of talent down their order and Mark Ramprakash will want to possibly bow out from Derbyshire grounds with a good score.
Yet we're very much in this game and ahead at present. Another 50-75 runs tomorrow would be nice and then we'll see where the game goes from there - if the weather allows it, of course.
Again though, top marks for the boys today. You can't fault the battling spirit and it augurs well for the rest of the campaign.
Saturday, 28 May 2011
Derbyshire v Surrey preview
If the weather allows it, Derbyshire have an opportunity tomorrow to improve a league position that in no way reflects the quality of cricket that they have been playing. Surrey, a side who haven't really got going are the opponents but we cannot afford to underestimate a side with some good players.
The big names are, of course, Mark Ramprakash and Steven Davies, but Chris Adams has been bringing young players through and they have plenty of them. Jason Roy has been in good form, as has skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown. The toss, as it has been so far at the County Ground, is likely to be crucial.
I don't see many changes in the Derbyshire side, unless one of the seamers is rested to allow Steffan Jones or Mark Turner an outing. Martin Guptill will replace Usman Khawaja and make his debut and I think we'll see the following Derbyshire side tomorrow:
Guptill, Madsen, Hughes, Durston, Redfern, Smith, Sutton, Clare, Rafiq, Groenewald, Palladino
Guptill and Madsen promises to be an excellent opening pairing and I look forward to seeing their understanding develop as the season progresses.
A good result in this one will see us into the T20 with a spring in our step. If the weather keeps out of it we'll have every chance.
The big names are, of course, Mark Ramprakash and Steven Davies, but Chris Adams has been bringing young players through and they have plenty of them. Jason Roy has been in good form, as has skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown. The toss, as it has been so far at the County Ground, is likely to be crucial.
I don't see many changes in the Derbyshire side, unless one of the seamers is rested to allow Steffan Jones or Mark Turner an outing. Martin Guptill will replace Usman Khawaja and make his debut and I think we'll see the following Derbyshire side tomorrow:
Guptill, Madsen, Hughes, Durston, Redfern, Smith, Sutton, Clare, Rafiq, Groenewald, Palladino
Guptill and Madsen promises to be an excellent opening pairing and I look forward to seeing their understanding develop as the season progresses.
A good result in this one will see us into the T20 with a spring in our step. If the weather keeps out of it we'll have every chance.
Friday, 27 May 2011
Kent v Derbyshire day 4
The weather once again intervened today and meant that any prospects of a good finish were fairly quickly quashed, but nothing should detract from another very good, polished and professional performance by Derbyshire.
Only the most churlish fan could dispute the fact that we have been playing some very good cricket this season, in all forms of the game. It has thus far been an impressive campaign with only a few dips in form and everyone is to be congratulated on some very good cricket. With better luck with the weather we'd have won the last two Championship matches and been in a good position at the halfway stage.
Its goodbye to Usman Khawaja, who finished with an average of just under 40 thanks to his century against Kent and impressed everyone with his willingness to be one of the boys, even if the runs didn't always come in the quantities he'd have wanted. For a young man in his first taste of English conditions it was a decent effort however, and no one could accuse Khawaja of anything but 100% commitment.
Now it's hello to Martin Guptill and I'm sure we all look forward to seeing how he does in English conditions. I'd guess batting first on Sunday might not be high on his list of things to do before you die, especially after the first morning of games this season. Hopefully the skipper has a two headed coin with him and gets an early shout in...
More tomorrow.
Only the most churlish fan could dispute the fact that we have been playing some very good cricket this season, in all forms of the game. It has thus far been an impressive campaign with only a few dips in form and everyone is to be congratulated on some very good cricket. With better luck with the weather we'd have won the last two Championship matches and been in a good position at the halfway stage.
Its goodbye to Usman Khawaja, who finished with an average of just under 40 thanks to his century against Kent and impressed everyone with his willingness to be one of the boys, even if the runs didn't always come in the quantities he'd have wanted. For a young man in his first taste of English conditions it was a decent effort however, and no one could accuse Khawaja of anything but 100% commitment.
Now it's hello to Martin Guptill and I'm sure we all look forward to seeing how he does in English conditions. I'd guess batting first on Sunday might not be high on his list of things to do before you die, especially after the first morning of games this season. Hopefully the skipper has a two headed coin with him and gets an early shout in...
More tomorrow.
Thursday, 26 May 2011
Finally tonight
I still don't see us signing another player for the T20, but...
If I was signing a player on the back of the IPL and omitting the bigger names on ground of cost and the Indians because they'll be here soon, I'd go for one of two players, assuming they'd come.
Shaun Marsh - average 42 or James Hopes - average 39 and steady overs with the ball.
That's my thoughts, but don't hold your breath on it guys...
If I was signing a player on the back of the IPL and omitting the bigger names on ground of cost and the Indians because they'll be here soon, I'd go for one of two players, assuming they'd come.
Shaun Marsh - average 42 or James Hopes - average 39 and steady overs with the ball.
That's my thoughts, but don't hold your breath on it guys...
Kent v Derbyshire day 3
The way that Wayne Madsen and Usman Khawaja were batting at tea today, they could both have been lining up centuries in each innings by the end of the dayThey could yet get there, but rain has taken a lot out of this game and there must surely be a contrived finish to get any positive result. Kent's long and fairly illustrious batting line-up eased them past the follow on but Derbyshire's bowlers stuck to their task well and by the day end there was a useful lead of 185.
If the weather allows it, Derbyshire will be wanting to set something like 340-350 in around seventy overs tomorrow. To win they must, of course risk defeat and Luke Sutton will be wary of their stuttering batting suddenly firing on all cylinders. 150 in around 30 overs is do-able and then it will be game on, if both skippers are willing to make a game of it.
In other news today, Tim Groenewald is going to speak to other counties, which is his right as he nears the end of a contract. He says, encouragingly, that he wants to stay and much will depend on how realistic his demands are. I would hope that we can retain a man who is a very good cricketer, but the club has a limited budget and, as we saw with Graham Wagg and may do with Greg Smith, it can only stretch so far.
Welcome Martin - and good luck!
Seconds deserve credit
Those of you who, like me, peruse the web for all sorts of news of the club will have read of the success of the Second XI in the twenty over competition. Two games against Durham, both won, were followed by two games against Yorkshire, which were also won.
The squad for the Yorkshire games?
Borrington
Lineker
Poynton
Hughes
Whitely
Needham
Durham
Sheikh
Knight
Burgoyne
Footit
Fletcher
Twelve lads, ten of who have come through or are still in the Academy, plus Matt Lineker and Mark Footitt.
Four out of four takes some doing against good opposition. Full credit to the lads concerned, to AJ Harris for a fine start as coach to the Seconds and to Karl Krikken and Howard Dytham for their hard work.
Good form throughout the club - great work guys!
The squad for the Yorkshire games?
Borrington
Lineker
Poynton
Hughes
Whitely
Needham
Durham
Sheikh
Knight
Burgoyne
Footit
Fletcher
Twelve lads, ten of who have come through or are still in the Academy, plus Matt Lineker and Mark Footitt.
Four out of four takes some doing against good opposition. Full credit to the lads concerned, to AJ Harris for a fine start as coach to the Seconds and to Karl Krikken and Howard Dytham for their hard work.
Good form throughout the club - great work guys!
Book Review - Spirit on the Water: XI extraordinary cricket tours by Mike Harfield
The latest book that I have been sent for review is Mike Harfield's account of eleven cricket tours, three of them by his own club side. The author is well known for his previous offering, Not Dark Yet, which shares with Michael Simkins' Fatty Batter the Peakfan award of most amusing cricket book ever.For me, the problem with this book is that it falls between two stools, in being part bona fide cricket tour account and part humour. Those who like one or another may not find it firmly enough in their camp for taste, although I would have to qualify that comment by saying that I found it an enjoyable read.
Within its 206 pages we read of the all-conquering West Indies tours of England in 1963 and 1984; of the Australian tour of India in 2001 and the West Indian tour of Australia under Frank Worrell in 1960-61. There's also the England tours of Australia in 1928-9 and of South Africa in 1913-14, the latter a tour de force by the great, yet cantankerous and curmudgeonly Sydney Barnes.
Puzzlingly there's also the first Aborigine tour of England in 1868, which shows good research but is perhaps of less interest to modern cricket fans than had the chapter been given over to the Australian tour of South Africa in 1969-70. That series saw a good Australian side thrashed 4-0 by a near great South African side with the likes of Barlow, Pollock, Procter and Richards in it.
That is a minor and personal point, but the book has much to commend it, with rich anecdotes and amusing observations "Tony prowled the dance floor with a glint in his eye that was part child in a sweet shop and part lion stalking a herd of wildebeest."
There are a few irritations. Bruce Pairaudean (sic) shouldn't have got through and Ryan Sidebottam definitely shouldn't among several typos, while the author's puzzlement at Geoff Boycott playing for the Minor Counties against the West Indies in 1963 is easily answered (he was not yet a first team regular and their Seconds played in the Minor Counties at that time).
Also surprising is attributing Walter Hammond's ill health in 1925-26 to a mosquito bite in the groin.The author cites David Foot's biography of the player in the bibliography, a book which laid the blame fairly and squarely on the England great contracting syphillis in the Caribbean, an ailment that affected him for years.
On balance though, I would recommend this book. If you're going on holiday and are looking for something light to while away time on the plane or beach, there's much to be said for it. With cricket writing increasingly incestuous, it is nice to see a different take on things and the author has done a good job overall. Credit too to the publisher for a clean, attractive cover and a typeface that doesn't need binoculars.
Spirit on the Water is published by Loose Chippings Books and is currently priced just £8.55 on Amazon
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Kent v Derbyshire day 2
While the eventual first innings total was below last night's expectations, Derbyshire are still in a good position going into day three against Kent.
With the hosts 262 runs behind, Kent still have work to do, but with Darren Stevens and Azhar Mahmood in next they could still get close to our first innings. We need a morning tomorrow similar to they had today and could then work our way into a strong position by this time tomorrow.
There's a lot of comments on the blog regarding signing another overseas player for the T20. Fair enough as a concept and you'll get no arguments from me if we attracted a big name, but I'll reiterate my comment from last night. Why would they come? When the big name players are earning £500K plus for their IPL stints and are in all likelihood millionaires after playing there for several years, what incentive do they have to play here for six weeks? If we somehow put together £40,000 that is small change for these guys, but a fortune for us, with no guarantee of success.
Delhi Daredevils spent a fortune on Dave Warner, Virender Sehwag, Andre McDonald, James Hopes and Morne Morkel this year. They came bottom. Jesse Ryder, mentioned on here by someone the other night and a cricketer of fairly modest talent, went for £100,000 and such money has completely skewed the market for county sides. Loots Bosman has also been mentioned tonight, but for all the splendour of his assault on Yorkshire at Headingley last year, Bosman was not a huge success. I'll accept he had a knee problem, sustained at Chesterfield, for part of the campaign, but the wickets here are not conducive to Bosman's full throttle assault from ball one.
I am confident that Martin Guptill will score much more heavily this season and I'll not argue that another big name would be useful. Yet in a restricted market, I can't really see where that player will come from. Comments along the lines that 'John Morris would know' are unhelpful, as are suggestions that Luke Sutton won't have the contacts. It is not his role! If Karl Krikken decides another overseas player is required, he and Chris Grant will have contacts among players and agents of their own. It is a small business and if there's a will, there's a way.
I'm not holding my breath though. I expect us to go with what we have. Any more is a bonus.
In closing I was amused to see 'Lotsie' Tsotsobe's rant on Twitter about his stint at Essex and his disappointment at being dropped. Today it resulted in his contract being terminated. Tales of his attitude, lack of fitness and insular personality are out there and five wickets at 77 tells a story that does him no favours whatsoever.
I suspect we'll not see him back as an overseas player. Call me Sherlock if you will...
With the hosts 262 runs behind, Kent still have work to do, but with Darren Stevens and Azhar Mahmood in next they could still get close to our first innings. We need a morning tomorrow similar to they had today and could then work our way into a strong position by this time tomorrow.
There's a lot of comments on the blog regarding signing another overseas player for the T20. Fair enough as a concept and you'll get no arguments from me if we attracted a big name, but I'll reiterate my comment from last night. Why would they come? When the big name players are earning £500K plus for their IPL stints and are in all likelihood millionaires after playing there for several years, what incentive do they have to play here for six weeks? If we somehow put together £40,000 that is small change for these guys, but a fortune for us, with no guarantee of success.
Delhi Daredevils spent a fortune on Dave Warner, Virender Sehwag, Andre McDonald, James Hopes and Morne Morkel this year. They came bottom. Jesse Ryder, mentioned on here by someone the other night and a cricketer of fairly modest talent, went for £100,000 and such money has completely skewed the market for county sides. Loots Bosman has also been mentioned tonight, but for all the splendour of his assault on Yorkshire at Headingley last year, Bosman was not a huge success. I'll accept he had a knee problem, sustained at Chesterfield, for part of the campaign, but the wickets here are not conducive to Bosman's full throttle assault from ball one.
I am confident that Martin Guptill will score much more heavily this season and I'll not argue that another big name would be useful. Yet in a restricted market, I can't really see where that player will come from. Comments along the lines that 'John Morris would know' are unhelpful, as are suggestions that Luke Sutton won't have the contacts. It is not his role! If Karl Krikken decides another overseas player is required, he and Chris Grant will have contacts among players and agents of their own. It is a small business and if there's a will, there's a way.
I'm not holding my breath though. I expect us to go with what we have. Any more is a bonus.
In closing I was amused to see 'Lotsie' Tsotsobe's rant on Twitter about his stint at Essex and his disappointment at being dropped. Today it resulted in his contract being terminated. Tales of his attitude, lack of fitness and insular personality are out there and five wickets at 77 tells a story that does him no favours whatsoever.
I suspect we'll not see him back as an overseas player. Call me Sherlock if you will...
Tuesday, 24 May 2011
Kent v Derbyshire day 1
An impressive batting display by Derbyshire at Canterbury today saw them amass 370-3 against Kent, with Wayne Madsen and Usman Khawaja reeling off impressive centuries to put us in the driving seat.
Chesney Hughes got the innings off to a flyer, but the 231 run stand for the second wicket gave us a stranglehold on this game.
Where it goes from now will be interesting. We have scored at almost four an over and will presumably be looking to declare before tea tomorrow, unless things go pear-shaped in the morning. Anything over 500 is a psychological barrier, with 550 leaving the opposition 400 to simply save the follow on.
Of course, we must suppose that batting conditions are pretty good and that their talented line-up will also enjoy a hit on such a track. Bowling them out twice to win the game will not be easy and I have a feeling that young Mr Rafiq may have a role to play before the game is out.
Still, that's all for the future. For now, let's enjoy as competent, confident batting display and another good effort from our boys.
Once again in what is turning out a pretty decent season, we couldn't have asked for more.
Chesney Hughes got the innings off to a flyer, but the 231 run stand for the second wicket gave us a stranglehold on this game.
Where it goes from now will be interesting. We have scored at almost four an over and will presumably be looking to declare before tea tomorrow, unless things go pear-shaped in the morning. Anything over 500 is a psychological barrier, with 550 leaving the opposition 400 to simply save the follow on.
Of course, we must suppose that batting conditions are pretty good and that their talented line-up will also enjoy a hit on such a track. Bowling them out twice to win the game will not be easy and I have a feeling that young Mr Rafiq may have a role to play before the game is out.
Still, that's all for the future. For now, let's enjoy as competent, confident batting display and another good effort from our boys.
Once again in what is turning out a pretty decent season, we couldn't have asked for more.
Tuesday thoughts
Alas poor Khawaja. We knew him quite well. But not for long enough…
The vagaries of the international cricket calendar were brought home again today with the Australian cricket authorities recalling Usman Khawaja for a training camp prior to a tour to Zimbabwe. I’m well aware that it is all in the name of bonding and engendering team spirit, but one would have thought runs in England might have been of greater benefit to Khawaja’s long term development than shuttle runs with his mates and a hit or two in the nets.
It is disappointing but I would think no one more disappointed than the player, who has had a low-key spell with the club until today. He will, I'm sure, have hoped for more from his stint than one major score against Worcestershire in the Pro 40. I am convinced that he will go on to be a fine player for his country, but lining up the ball in England during April and May has been beyond a lot of big names in the past and Khawaja has simply become the latest name on a long list. Had he been able to play through the season I am convinced he would have blossomed on the later season tracks.
The good news is that Martin Guptill should hopefully ensure a seamless transition and be available for the next match, assuming that he is not jet-lagged or seized up after a marathon flight from New Zealand. The club’s stance is that we now seem likely to go with one overseas player in the T20, although tentative enquiries have been made about a replacement.
I can see the logic in that. Unless you are bringing in a top player, where is the merit in leaving out someone already being paid? It would be fantastic to see a name who is currently lighting up the IPL, of course and no one would fail to be excited at the prospect of a Gayle, Kallis, de Villiers, Marsh or Pathan. I just can’t see any of these players being up for it though. Why would they, when they have just earned a king’s ransom in return for fairly modest effort? The thought of another six weeks away from home at county rates can have little merit for someone who has just banked a few hundred thousand pounds…
Bringing in a lesser light simply sees us return to my earlier point of leaving out players on the staff. With respect to those concerned, the likes of Jon Moss, Travis Birt and Chris Harris were not substantially better than we already had when we signed them and I’d go on the side of fiscal propriety and bringing on the kids if we couldn’t aspire to better than that.
Indeed, if there was a need for reinforcements, why not simply engage one of a couple of players living locally for the tournament? If we need another batsman, sign Usman Afzaal or if we need a bowler engage either New Zealander Iain O’Brien or Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq. There would be no flights to pay, since they are all playing their cricket in the local leagues at present and the first two may welcome the opportunity to put themselves back in the shop window. Mushtaq’s knee wouldn’t stand up to full time cricket these days and may not even stand up to T20, but all these players know English conditions and might well be a better bet than Johnny Average, flown in from far away climes on a costly deal.
Some may suggest (I’d be surprised if they didn’t…) that the Chairman could finance a deal, but I don’t think it fair to expect Chris Grant to stand at the pavilion entrance holding a fistful of dollars.. The club must be self sufficient and live within its budget. If Mr Grant chooses to help at times it is welcome and appreciated, but it should not become expected by the fans. As I’ve said before it is his money to use as he chooses and unfair for any of us to suggest otherwise.
The vagaries of the international cricket calendar were brought home again today with the Australian cricket authorities recalling Usman Khawaja for a training camp prior to a tour to Zimbabwe. I’m well aware that it is all in the name of bonding and engendering team spirit, but one would have thought runs in England might have been of greater benefit to Khawaja’s long term development than shuttle runs with his mates and a hit or two in the nets.
It is disappointing but I would think no one more disappointed than the player, who has had a low-key spell with the club until today. He will, I'm sure, have hoped for more from his stint than one major score against Worcestershire in the Pro 40. I am convinced that he will go on to be a fine player for his country, but lining up the ball in England during April and May has been beyond a lot of big names in the past and Khawaja has simply become the latest name on a long list. Had he been able to play through the season I am convinced he would have blossomed on the later season tracks.
The good news is that Martin Guptill should hopefully ensure a seamless transition and be available for the next match, assuming that he is not jet-lagged or seized up after a marathon flight from New Zealand. The club’s stance is that we now seem likely to go with one overseas player in the T20, although tentative enquiries have been made about a replacement.
I can see the logic in that. Unless you are bringing in a top player, where is the merit in leaving out someone already being paid? It would be fantastic to see a name who is currently lighting up the IPL, of course and no one would fail to be excited at the prospect of a Gayle, Kallis, de Villiers, Marsh or Pathan. I just can’t see any of these players being up for it though. Why would they, when they have just earned a king’s ransom in return for fairly modest effort? The thought of another six weeks away from home at county rates can have little merit for someone who has just banked a few hundred thousand pounds…
Bringing in a lesser light simply sees us return to my earlier point of leaving out players on the staff. With respect to those concerned, the likes of Jon Moss, Travis Birt and Chris Harris were not substantially better than we already had when we signed them and I’d go on the side of fiscal propriety and bringing on the kids if we couldn’t aspire to better than that.
Indeed, if there was a need for reinforcements, why not simply engage one of a couple of players living locally for the tournament? If we need another batsman, sign Usman Afzaal or if we need a bowler engage either New Zealander Iain O’Brien or Pakistan’s Saqlain Mushtaq. There would be no flights to pay, since they are all playing their cricket in the local leagues at present and the first two may welcome the opportunity to put themselves back in the shop window. Mushtaq’s knee wouldn’t stand up to full time cricket these days and may not even stand up to T20, but all these players know English conditions and might well be a better bet than Johnny Average, flown in from far away climes on a costly deal.
Some may suggest (I’d be surprised if they didn’t…) that the Chairman could finance a deal, but I don’t think it fair to expect Chris Grant to stand at the pavilion entrance holding a fistful of dollars.. The club must be self sufficient and live within its budget. If Mr Grant chooses to help at times it is welcome and appreciated, but it should not become expected by the fans. As I’ve said before it is his money to use as he chooses and unfair for any of us to suggest otherwise.
Monday, 23 May 2011
Kent v Derbyshire
A squad of fourteen has headed down to the Garden of England for the clash against Kent. Hope its drier than the garden of Peakfan, which is currently wind and rain lashed after winds registering 110mph at times. Unreal...
With a doubt over Dan Redfern's knee, Paul Borrington could make a delayed season debut, while there will be a decision to make over the seamers, with Mark Footitt raring to go. My guess is that we'll narrow it down to the following 12:
Wayne Madsen, Paul Borrington, Chesney Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Wes Durston, Greg Smith, Luke Sutton (Captain), Jonathan Clare, Azeem Rafiq, Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino and Mark Footitt.
There's a tough call. The extra pace of Footitt or the established trio of Clare, Dino and Timmy G? Do you play all four and drop the increasingly impressive Rafiq? It will, as always, depend on the state of the wicket.
Kent have had a nightmare start in this competition, which is hard to believe with the likes of Key, Jones, Van Jaarsveld, Tredwell, Denly and "I'm in a dancing" Mahmood in the side. If that was the Derbyshire side, can you imagine the fuss at under achievement?
Denly returns from injury in the following Kent side:
Key, Denly, Northeast, van Jaarsveld, Jones, Stevens, Mahmood, Tredwell, Coles, Shaw, Saker.
I've seen it described as crucial or season-defining. A win would certainly take us up the table and another good one against Surrey would send us into the T20 having had a good first half of season. Second in the pro 40 and midway in the Championship is a world better than last year.
C'mon the shire. Lets go get 'em!
With a doubt over Dan Redfern's knee, Paul Borrington could make a delayed season debut, while there will be a decision to make over the seamers, with Mark Footitt raring to go. My guess is that we'll narrow it down to the following 12:
Wayne Madsen, Paul Borrington, Chesney Hughes, Usman Khawaja, Wes Durston, Greg Smith, Luke Sutton (Captain), Jonathan Clare, Azeem Rafiq, Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino and Mark Footitt.
There's a tough call. The extra pace of Footitt or the established trio of Clare, Dino and Timmy G? Do you play all four and drop the increasingly impressive Rafiq? It will, as always, depend on the state of the wicket.
Kent have had a nightmare start in this competition, which is hard to believe with the likes of Key, Jones, Van Jaarsveld, Tredwell, Denly and "I'm in a dancing" Mahmood in the side. If that was the Derbyshire side, can you imagine the fuss at under achievement?
Denly returns from injury in the following Kent side:
Key, Denly, Northeast, van Jaarsveld, Jones, Stevens, Mahmood, Tredwell, Coles, Shaw, Saker.
I've seen it described as crucial or season-defining. A win would certainly take us up the table and another good one against Surrey would send us into the T20 having had a good first half of season. Second in the pro 40 and midway in the Championship is a world better than last year.
C'mon the shire. Lets go get 'em!
Sunday, 22 May 2011
County players do well in Premier League
It is good to see that some of Derbyshire's fringe players are working hard in their league commitments to keep in the frame for the senior side.
Saturday's cricket saw Paul Borrington make an unbeaten century for Ticknall, while Ross Whiteley made an unbeaten 136 for Swarkestone. Meanwhile Mark Footitt took 5-38 for Stainsby Hall as they cantered to a win.
Mind you, one of the strongest sides in the East Midlands must be the West Indian Cavaliers in the Nottinghamshire Premier League. Their batting is currently headed by Usman Afzaal, too good a player to be out of the county game, while their bowling is spearheaded by Alex Tudor and Saqlain Mushtaq.
Three Test players in one club side. Impressive!
Saturday's cricket saw Paul Borrington make an unbeaten century for Ticknall, while Ross Whiteley made an unbeaten 136 for Swarkestone. Meanwhile Mark Footitt took 5-38 for Stainsby Hall as they cantered to a win.
Mind you, one of the strongest sides in the East Midlands must be the West Indian Cavaliers in the Nottinghamshire Premier League. Their batting is currently headed by Usman Afzaal, too good a player to be out of the county game, while their bowling is spearheaded by Alex Tudor and Saqlain Mushtaq.
Three Test players in one club side. Impressive!
Saturday, 21 May 2011
Something for the weekend
So that's the poll done and dusted.
81% of you felt that Chris Grant made the right decision based on our current knowledge of the John Morris situation. That's an overwhelming vote of support for the chairman and is obviously based on the facts as we know them at present.
If you have followed this blog from its beginnings, you will know that I was and am an admirer of John Morris and what he did for the club. I will maintain to anyone that the squad he has left behind is considerably stronger, bar for one or two individuals who are missed, than the one he inherited. Anyone in any walk of life can only aspire to do their job to that standard.
No, we don't know all the facts. We may never do, if Morris and Andrew Brown accept that whatever happened was justified, or we will do should any legal case ensue. Only time is going to answer that one, but the club and we as fans now need to put it behind them and move on. There's a lot of important cricket to play in the coming weeks and the players and club need to be 100% focused on it.
I will be running no further polls on the situation unless there is a genuine reason to do so and I can't envisage what that might be. Nor will I be writing about it, as there's nothing more to comment on at this stage.
So please don't keep covering old ground in your comments. You may not like what has happened and that's your prerogative, but nothing will bring John Morris and Andrew Brown back. Time to focus on the cricket.
Which is this week's poll. How do you expect the T20 campaign to go this year?
In closing, I'm delighted to see Peter Gadsby involved at the County Ground and offering the players incentives for a successful campaign. The more financial muscle and business acumen we get involved at the club the better and Mr Gadsby has been a major backer of Derby County over the years.
The current regime at the football club leaves him little room for manoeuvre, but I'm delighted to see him involved at the cricket club and it can only be of long-term benefit to all concerned.
For now - have a good weekend!
81% of you felt that Chris Grant made the right decision based on our current knowledge of the John Morris situation. That's an overwhelming vote of support for the chairman and is obviously based on the facts as we know them at present.
If you have followed this blog from its beginnings, you will know that I was and am an admirer of John Morris and what he did for the club. I will maintain to anyone that the squad he has left behind is considerably stronger, bar for one or two individuals who are missed, than the one he inherited. Anyone in any walk of life can only aspire to do their job to that standard.
No, we don't know all the facts. We may never do, if Morris and Andrew Brown accept that whatever happened was justified, or we will do should any legal case ensue. Only time is going to answer that one, but the club and we as fans now need to put it behind them and move on. There's a lot of important cricket to play in the coming weeks and the players and club need to be 100% focused on it.
I will be running no further polls on the situation unless there is a genuine reason to do so and I can't envisage what that might be. Nor will I be writing about it, as there's nothing more to comment on at this stage.
So please don't keep covering old ground in your comments. You may not like what has happened and that's your prerogative, but nothing will bring John Morris and Andrew Brown back. Time to focus on the cricket.
Which is this week's poll. How do you expect the T20 campaign to go this year?
In closing, I'm delighted to see Peter Gadsby involved at the County Ground and offering the players incentives for a successful campaign. The more financial muscle and business acumen we get involved at the club the better and Mr Gadsby has been a major backer of Derby County over the years.
The current regime at the football club leaves him little room for manoeuvre, but I'm delighted to see him involved at the cricket club and it can only be of long-term benefit to all concerned.
For now - have a good weekend!
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