As I wrote last week, Steve Kirby was duly announced as Derbyshire's assistant and bowling coach on Friday and the team that will hopefully take us forward is now in place.
A busy old week has prevented me blogging until now, but truth be told, there is little of importance at this stage.
The club appears to be doing well off the pitch, with a sell out Diwali event last night and a fireworks extravaganza coming up, though I don't expect to hear too much of playing activity in the near future.
The new coaching team will get to know each other and there may well be offers getting put together for a player or two, but these things tend to move quite slowly. Agents will want the best deal for the players they represent and will take all the time they need to find the right one.
If we don't end up with Duanne Olivier as overseas, or a Kolpak, I wouldn't be surprised to see an Aussie or New Zealander in that role, given John Wright's role in things. He will know players from that part of the world very well and will hopefully come up with something special, if required.
Before that, in all likelihood, the fixtures will be out and I can start planning my trips, like all of you, in 2019.
Back soon, as news and time permits!
Sunday, 28 October 2018
Sunday, 21 October 2018
New bowling coach almost there
Unless there is considerable crossing of wires, Steve Kirby, currently head coach at the MCC, will become our new bowling coach sometime in the course of the next week.
It would represent quite a coup for the club, as he has a growing reputation in coaching circles and has worked with the MCC Young Cricketers and Academy with a positive impact. He would come with a number of contacts and when I heard the name, it made a lot of sense .
He will be well known to Dave Houghton, of course, from his own time at Lord's and our Head of Cricket will know he can work with him. Presumably a move back up north will suit him too, as well as an opportunity to get into the county circuit.
Though born in Bury, Kirby made his name playing for Yorkshire. He was released by Leicestershire after an injury and was taken on, to great success, by the white rose county after success in the Lancashire leagues.
After success there he moved first to Gloucestershire and then to Somerset, enjoying a successful, though injury-plagued career in which he took almost 800 wickets between first-class, List A and T20 cricket. He was a regular pick for England Lions too, but never got the full England call that might have come in his best summers.
He was a combative player and if he signs and can mould one or two in his own image there will be few complaints.
Doubtless all will be revealed in the coming days.
Sunday, 14 October 2018
Interesting news on Tom Wood from Australia
WOOD FIRES IN OZ!!Derbyshire cricketer Tom Wood has got off to a flying start in his third tour of duty in the land down under.
Playing for Frankston Peninsula CC for the second year running, Wood started the campaign with a 96 in the grade A Victorian premier league, one level below state cricket. He backed it up this weekend with 141 in the 50 over competition, helping Frankston record their first win in the campaign. The out of contract ex-Derbyshire batsman played last season for the county in the second eleven, in an attempt to get another contract, amassing 1089 runs across all three formats.
In addition he scored 1103 runs for his club side Ticknall, helping the south Derbyshire club to their first ever premier league and cup double. With no contract available at his home county, Wood remains far from despondent. “The season was ultimately a failure, as my main aim was to force my way into the first team and a second county contract. Unfortunately that did not work out. However there were many highlights for both club and county with the top one being part of Ticknall's league and cup double.
I think Tom deserves an opportunity next year, when he will doubtless score a lot of runs again at those levels. He hasn't had much in the way of first team opportunity and perhaps a prolific winter and a good start back home might see him get that chance.Dave Houghton has offered me the chance to play for the 2s again next season and if I work hard on my game throughout the winter and get the required runs for the seconds next year who knows? My only dream is to be a first class cricketer and I’ll keep working hard to achieve that goal. It’s nice to get the new campaign off to a good start and repay Frankston's faith in me as their overseas pro.'
He averaged over a hundred in 2016, with several major innings for the second team and the Unicorns and while it dropped in 2017, it was far from a disaster and he had a couple of injuries, which didn't help.
2192 runs in all cricket last year suggests a bloke who must surely be worthy of opportunity, perhaps before we bring in someone from another county on loan.
After all, if he never gets the opportunity, how will we ever know if he can hack it at county level? He will be 25 next May and at the stage where he has pretty much worked out what he can and can't do. By the sound of it, there's more of the former than the latter.
It is hard to argue against those statistics and I wish him well.
Work to be done as 3aaa ceases trading
I have had two or three emails and messages asking if Derbyshire County Cricket Club has major issues now that Aspire, Achieve, Advance (3aaa) has announced that it has ceased trading.
The short answer is 'no'. I feel sorry, as we all do, for those whose careers and lives are impacted by this closure, but from a cricket perspective it is no different than if a deal with a sponsor comes to an end.
The county will need to find both a new ground and shirt sponsor, but I have no doubt that they will already be on the case and speaking to people about this.
Whether the two end up being the same company is a moot point, but there will be companies out there who want to work with and have their name associated with a top sports club.
From our perspective, this couldn't have happened, if it had to do so, at a better time, as they now have around six months to sort things ahead of the 2019 season.
They will.
The short answer is 'no'. I feel sorry, as we all do, for those whose careers and lives are impacted by this closure, but from a cricket perspective it is no different than if a deal with a sponsor comes to an end.
The county will need to find both a new ground and shirt sponsor, but I have no doubt that they will already be on the case and speaking to people about this.
Whether the two end up being the same company is a moot point, but there will be companies out there who want to work with and have their name associated with a top sports club.
From our perspective, this couldn't have happened, if it had to do so, at a better time, as they now have around six months to sort things ahead of the 2019 season.
They will.
Thursday, 11 October 2018
Bowling coach appointment 'imminent'
It has been another quick week and one without a lot of news from a Derbyshire cricket angle.
Doubtless there has been plenty going on behind the scenes as Dave Houghton gets his feet firmly 'under the table' and I understand that news on the appointment of a bowling coach is imminent.
I have heard a name and as it has come from three separate sources I don't doubt the veracity of the information. It is not for me, however, to set a hare around the park and announce someone ahead of the official announcement for very good reasons.
First up, legal niceties will need to be adhered to and the person concerned will need to work a period of notice in his current role. He already has a good job and it would be quite a coup for the club to have a man of such quality.
Second and most importantly, Dave Houghton and the club have done all the work on this and deserve the credit and the publicity that the announcement of the name will bring. In the years I have done the blog I have never once broken news ahead of a club announcement, though once or twice have second guessed a signing with the application of common sense.
All I can say about this one is that the apparent successful candidate had a very good county career and has a growing reputation as a coach. I would deem it quite a coup for Dave to get him through the door on that basis.
More on that when the news breaks, but otherwise it is all quiet on the western front, as players take well-earned breaks.
Earlier in the week, someone wondered whether we might have been in for Billy Root, who moved from Nottinghamshire to Glamorgan.
I would have been surprised. He would have been on a good earner at Trent Bridge, one higher than we would have wanted to match. He is a talented lad, but I'm not sure he would have been worth it, an average of thirty no better than we already have. He may go on to a fine county career, but it didn't seem a good 'fit' for us.
In the absence of a move for an experienced Kolpak (and the money with which to do so) someone like Andy Umeed, who has also been mentioned in recent comments, might be a better option. Capable of batting in the middle order or open, he has shown potential at Warwickshire and might be worthy of further opportunity at the age of 22.
Finally, to respond to a couple of emails, Chesney Hughes? He played some big innings in the second team this summer and will be known to Dave Houghton from his time as batting coach.
Could I see him getting another deal? Yes, but only if his agent realised that he wasn't in a strong position to ask for silly money. At 27 he could be seen as coming into his prime, but conversely could be seen to be a boat that has sailed.
Like many other things in professional sport, most of it is only conjecture until announced by the club concerned.
We will see in the months ahead.
Doubtless there has been plenty going on behind the scenes as Dave Houghton gets his feet firmly 'under the table' and I understand that news on the appointment of a bowling coach is imminent.
I have heard a name and as it has come from three separate sources I don't doubt the veracity of the information. It is not for me, however, to set a hare around the park and announce someone ahead of the official announcement for very good reasons.
First up, legal niceties will need to be adhered to and the person concerned will need to work a period of notice in his current role. He already has a good job and it would be quite a coup for the club to have a man of such quality.
Second and most importantly, Dave Houghton and the club have done all the work on this and deserve the credit and the publicity that the announcement of the name will bring. In the years I have done the blog I have never once broken news ahead of a club announcement, though once or twice have second guessed a signing with the application of common sense.
All I can say about this one is that the apparent successful candidate had a very good county career and has a growing reputation as a coach. I would deem it quite a coup for Dave to get him through the door on that basis.
More on that when the news breaks, but otherwise it is all quiet on the western front, as players take well-earned breaks.
Earlier in the week, someone wondered whether we might have been in for Billy Root, who moved from Nottinghamshire to Glamorgan.
I would have been surprised. He would have been on a good earner at Trent Bridge, one higher than we would have wanted to match. He is a talented lad, but I'm not sure he would have been worth it, an average of thirty no better than we already have. He may go on to a fine county career, but it didn't seem a good 'fit' for us.
In the absence of a move for an experienced Kolpak (and the money with which to do so) someone like Andy Umeed, who has also been mentioned in recent comments, might be a better option. Capable of batting in the middle order or open, he has shown potential at Warwickshire and might be worthy of further opportunity at the age of 22.
Finally, to respond to a couple of emails, Chesney Hughes? He played some big innings in the second team this summer and will be known to Dave Houghton from his time as batting coach.
Could I see him getting another deal? Yes, but only if his agent realised that he wasn't in a strong position to ask for silly money. At 27 he could be seen as coming into his prime, but conversely could be seen to be a boat that has sailed.
Like many other things in professional sport, most of it is only conjecture until announced by the club concerned.
We will see in the months ahead.
Saturday, 6 October 2018
Houghton interview gives interesting pointers
Yesterday's interview with Dave Houghton on the club website gave some interesting pointers for the future.
“We will look at a couple of loanees, but we need to up-skill our youngsters. If you recruit you can often block the path for youngsters and we’ve got some good youngsters coming through" said the Head of Cricket.
He is absolutely right and the potential in the likes of Gleadall, Conners, Taylor and Qadri is without question. Yet it would be naive, I think, for supporters to expect them to step into first team cricket and make an impression when second team cricket, for most, has proven a challenge.
As it was always going to, of course. While Qadri is the most advanced, the others have all had injury challenges. The potential of Gleadall with bat and ball was obvious at Durham this summer, but he needs to be wary of pushing his young body too much, as they all do. They are only 17/18, so need to be carefully monitored.
The interest in a return for Duanne Olivier was worthy of note, but as I have previously mentioned, other counties will be keen on his services and Houghton referred to 'other irons in the fire'. One would assume that the likeliest source of these would be South Africa and New Zealand, given the county links with those countries.
There was no mention of a Kolpak signing, though that may be considered if deals were reached to release either Ravi Rampaul and/or Hardus Viljoen. There are one or two from South Africa who may consider such an offer, especially those in their thirties whose international opportunities may be coming to an end.
Such players as Farhaan Behardien and Chris Morris may be among them, but the key factor is the qualification ruling. Unless a foreign player has an EU passport, they cannot be signed as an overseas or Kolpak unless they have played either one Test match or 15 one-day/Twenty20 internationals in the two years prior to the official application for paperwork. That would exclude a few others who came to my mind and South Africa are getting canny in not giving Test caps indiscriminately, then risking losing the player.
As for loans, they would make sense in our current financial state. There is an obvious 'in' at Middlesex, where Houghton has spent the last few seasons, while Surrey must surely be an option for a loan bowler, given they have so many. Two Currans, Morkel, Clark, Clarke, Dernbach, Plunkett, McKerr and Meaker is an embarrassment of riches. They might even go for Olivier...
Don't discount our dear neighbours in Nottingham either. Their signing of three batsmen and a bowler in the season's closing weeks looks like leaving a few players facing second team cricket and players like Jake Libby, Chris Nash and Billy Root will struggle for regular first team chances.
We'll see.
Enjoy your weekend.
“We will look at a couple of loanees, but we need to up-skill our youngsters. If you recruit you can often block the path for youngsters and we’ve got some good youngsters coming through" said the Head of Cricket.
He is absolutely right and the potential in the likes of Gleadall, Conners, Taylor and Qadri is without question. Yet it would be naive, I think, for supporters to expect them to step into first team cricket and make an impression when second team cricket, for most, has proven a challenge.
As it was always going to, of course. While Qadri is the most advanced, the others have all had injury challenges. The potential of Gleadall with bat and ball was obvious at Durham this summer, but he needs to be wary of pushing his young body too much, as they all do. They are only 17/18, so need to be carefully monitored.
The interest in a return for Duanne Olivier was worthy of note, but as I have previously mentioned, other counties will be keen on his services and Houghton referred to 'other irons in the fire'. One would assume that the likeliest source of these would be South Africa and New Zealand, given the county links with those countries.
There was no mention of a Kolpak signing, though that may be considered if deals were reached to release either Ravi Rampaul and/or Hardus Viljoen. There are one or two from South Africa who may consider such an offer, especially those in their thirties whose international opportunities may be coming to an end.
Such players as Farhaan Behardien and Chris Morris may be among them, but the key factor is the qualification ruling. Unless a foreign player has an EU passport, they cannot be signed as an overseas or Kolpak unless they have played either one Test match or 15 one-day/Twenty20 internationals in the two years prior to the official application for paperwork. That would exclude a few others who came to my mind and South Africa are getting canny in not giving Test caps indiscriminately, then risking losing the player.
As for loans, they would make sense in our current financial state. There is an obvious 'in' at Middlesex, where Houghton has spent the last few seasons, while Surrey must surely be an option for a loan bowler, given they have so many. Two Currans, Morkel, Clark, Clarke, Dernbach, Plunkett, McKerr and Meaker is an embarrassment of riches. They might even go for Olivier...
Don't discount our dear neighbours in Nottingham either. Their signing of three batsmen and a bowler in the season's closing weeks looks like leaving a few players facing second team cricket and players like Jake Libby, Chris Nash and Billy Root will struggle for regular first team chances.
We'll see.
Enjoy your weekend.
Friday, 5 October 2018
Weekend warmer
The opening week of David Houghton's return to Derbyshire is coming to an end and supporters must be very happy with the way things are going so far.
All of those that players would see as key personnel have had contracts extended, while both Anuj Dal and Matt McKiernan have been rewarded for summers of promise by one-year deals.
Only Matt Critchley has still to have a contract extended and we can only hope that this is imminent. While not an academy product, Matt has come through our ranks and will become a major player in the next three or four summers.
Yesterday we saw Alex Hughes sign a new deal and I fully expect to see his continued development with bat and ball. His bowling can be better utilised, especially in early season, and I expect to see him used more next year.
So what next?
Well, the release of Gary Wilson, with a year of his deal to go, has set precedent and I wouldn't be surprised if similar deals were not being considered, at the very least, for both Ravi Rampaul and Hardus Viljoen. Both had summers that would be deemed as acceptable for home-grown players, but not for overseas signings who are high earners. If similar deals could be struck with them both, would many supporters be disappointed? While both have the talent to win matches, they didn't do so too many times in 2018.
Viljoen frustrates me. That he can bowl quickly and trouble batsmen is beyond doubt. That he doesn't do it often enough is equally true. For both players, returns closer to those of Tony Palladino should have been attainable, and while Hardus' inconsistency frustrates, the concerns over Ravi Rampaul's fitness will not go away. Missing matches with breathing issues suggests an underlying health issue, but while we all hope that he is well, the bottom line is that we need players who will offer more for the county.
I think this is where John Wright's winter role will kick in.
Is there, for example, a player who might be a better option in a Kolpak role than these two players? Or is there a player out there with a British passport who could fill a gap in the side?
Realistically, I think we would be looking more at bowlers. If money could be freed up, we wouldn't need to spend a fair chunk of it to improve on the batting. Godleman, Reece, Madsen, Hughes, Critchley and Hosein will be six of the first choice top seven, as we wouldn't spend money on extending contracts for them to play second team cricket.
The window for Kolpak status will close with Brexit and there will be players in South Africa who could do a very good job. That country's policy of playing different elevens in the game's different forms potentially makes more players available and there might be a few options available. Many will know that for all their talent they will not be regular internationals, so for the right player a deal while exchange rates are favourable might hold considerable appeal.
We'll see. I have no doubt the agents of several available players have sent their details to Dave Houghton for perusal. There may be one or two names among those announced as released so far will be of interest, but I am happy to leave those names in my own personal pile named 'conjecture'.
I think we may utilise the loan market, for obvious reasons, but a key signing is likely to be the next, that of bowling coach.
If we can find someone who can develop the young academy prospects, upskill the existing talent and galvanise new players, they will be worth their weight in gold.
More from me soon.
All of those that players would see as key personnel have had contracts extended, while both Anuj Dal and Matt McKiernan have been rewarded for summers of promise by one-year deals.
Only Matt Critchley has still to have a contract extended and we can only hope that this is imminent. While not an academy product, Matt has come through our ranks and will become a major player in the next three or four summers.
Yesterday we saw Alex Hughes sign a new deal and I fully expect to see his continued development with bat and ball. His bowling can be better utilised, especially in early season, and I expect to see him used more next year.
So what next?
Well, the release of Gary Wilson, with a year of his deal to go, has set precedent and I wouldn't be surprised if similar deals were not being considered, at the very least, for both Ravi Rampaul and Hardus Viljoen. Both had summers that would be deemed as acceptable for home-grown players, but not for overseas signings who are high earners. If similar deals could be struck with them both, would many supporters be disappointed? While both have the talent to win matches, they didn't do so too many times in 2018.
Viljoen frustrates me. That he can bowl quickly and trouble batsmen is beyond doubt. That he doesn't do it often enough is equally true. For both players, returns closer to those of Tony Palladino should have been attainable, and while Hardus' inconsistency frustrates, the concerns over Ravi Rampaul's fitness will not go away. Missing matches with breathing issues suggests an underlying health issue, but while we all hope that he is well, the bottom line is that we need players who will offer more for the county.
I think this is where John Wright's winter role will kick in.
Is there, for example, a player who might be a better option in a Kolpak role than these two players? Or is there a player out there with a British passport who could fill a gap in the side?
Realistically, I think we would be looking more at bowlers. If money could be freed up, we wouldn't need to spend a fair chunk of it to improve on the batting. Godleman, Reece, Madsen, Hughes, Critchley and Hosein will be six of the first choice top seven, as we wouldn't spend money on extending contracts for them to play second team cricket.
The window for Kolpak status will close with Brexit and there will be players in South Africa who could do a very good job. That country's policy of playing different elevens in the game's different forms potentially makes more players available and there might be a few options available. Many will know that for all their talent they will not be regular internationals, so for the right player a deal while exchange rates are favourable might hold considerable appeal.
We'll see. I have no doubt the agents of several available players have sent their details to Dave Houghton for perusal. There may be one or two names among those announced as released so far will be of interest, but I am happy to leave those names in my own personal pile named 'conjecture'.
I think we may utilise the loan market, for obvious reasons, but a key signing is likely to be the next, that of bowling coach.
If we can find someone who can develop the young academy prospects, upskill the existing talent and galvanise new players, they will be worth their weight in gold.
More from me soon.
Wednesday, 3 October 2018
Chris Wilkins - an obituary
The passing of Chris Wilkins, announced today, at the age of 74 is the passing of part of my childhood.We all have our heroes, and the South African batsman was the first that I recall. He was usurped, on a permanent basis, by Eddie Barlow, but the thought of his cricket has always brought sunshine memories to the darkest days.
I started watching Derbyshire in 1967 and batsmen didn't so often bat against the clock so much as the sundial. 'He'll never die of a stroke' said my Dad about more than one regular. Attrition was the order of the day, an occasional shot a relief from the ongoing tedium.
I'd make honourable exception for Mike Page and also for Peter Gibbs, who came from university to play shots we were not used to seeing, especially through the covers. You wouldn't, however, go home saying you'd just seen an amazing innings by Ian Hall/Derek Morgan/David Smith et al. Worthy players all, but they ground it out and accumulated.
Then came Chris Wilkins.
Derbyshire were late in the overseas market and didn't sign one until the 1970 season. Only we and Yorkshire held firm, the latter because they had a very good team, didn't need one and - well, were Yorkshire. Us because we barely had the money to pay our own.
Essex had Keith Boyce, Glamorgan had Majid Khan, Gloucestershire had Mike Procter, Hampshire had Barry Richards - the list went on. Nottinghamshire signed the big cheese himself , the great Sobers.
And we signed a South African that no one had heard of called Chris Wilkins.
To be fair, good judges in that country suggested him 'better than Barry Richards'. That was not fair, as there have been few in the history of the game batted better than the imperious South African opener. And when Wilkins appeared over here and was first photographed swathed in sweaters at photo calls, which made him look the size of Colin Milburn, we wondered what we had let ourselves in for.
The first few damp weeks did little to dispel doubters. Wilkins opened the batting and struggled against the moving ball, making few scores above 30. It was decided to move him down the order to number four. Then it happened.
Wilkins showed himself to be a brilliant striker of a ball. You would turn up for matches hoping that Gibbs and Smith might make a start but that Smith wouldn't stay too long, as he wasn't, to my young and uneducated eyes, very exciting. Then Mike Page might get going and get a few, but you hoped, really hoped, that they'd see enough shine off the new ball for Wilkins to come in and play his shots.
I considered myself his lucky mascot, as I never saw him make less than 35. There was the usual 'ooh' when the second wicket went down, but it was as much a noise of anticipation as disappointment. As the outgoing batsman made his way to the pavilion gates, you would see people sitting up in their seats, others putting down newspapers and more hurrying back from the bar or the loo as we waited for Wilkins to make his way from the pavilion, arms swinging and eyes blinking to acclimatise to the light. To my young eyes he was the greatest thing I had ever seen.
The thing was, and it could be his downfall, Wilkins was as likely to go for the bowling first ball as any other time. In his superb book on cricket captaincy, Mike Brearley recounted how his arrival at the crease always required mid off and mid on to go deeper, the ball likely to sting their hands or clear them in a normal position. He played HIS game, sometimes with scant disregard for the match situation and I could imagine the frustration of team mates if he gave it away early. Yet when it came off...
I vividly remember several innings by him, one on a turning wicket at Chesterfield in 1970 where Northamptonshire spinners (Breakwell, Swinburne and Steele) were causing problems. Wilkins twice went down the track and hit off spinner John Swinburne into the boating lake, making it all look so easy. Finally perishing after a very brisk 68. he exceeded this in the second innings with the fastest century of the season, from seventy-odd balls.
At Derby in the John Player League there was a flawless 50 against Surrey, with one six over mid-wicket that just missed Dad's Ford Anglia. Then at Buxton, we were slaughtered by Jack Bond's marauding Lancashire, with Frank Hayes, Faroukh Engineer and John Sullivan putting them way out of our reach.
Still, Wilkins went down fighting. That day he hit Clive Lloyd's medium pace for a straight six that is still the biggest I have ever seen. Batting at the pavilion end, it was still rising as it left the arena, and another ball was required.
Chris Wilkins was not the best overseas player we've had by a long way. His average was OK (30-40) but nothing spectacular. You couldn't play in that style and average over fifty though. In the modern era he would have made a fortune.
Don't get the idea he was like Shahid Afridi, all slog and little substance. He could play, but often chose to go with the muse and regularly chose the aerial route. He was a useful right arm medium pacer (he got Boycott once on 99 - how many have done that?!), a brilliant fielder in the covers, an excellent first slip and a stop gap keeper. He also once dismissed Zaheer Abbas while bowling slow left arm... Alan Hill told me that he was also the first player he saw play a switch hit, in the nets at Derby, when he hit David Wilde, no slouch, a country mile from a left-handed position. All things indicative of natural talent, even if it wasn't always applied.
Two more memories to close. At Ilkeston we were chasing a Hampshire score of around 170 in the 40-over John Player League and weren't too confident. They had a fair side and their opening bowlers were "Butch" White, a lively handful for any side, and the legendary Derek Shackleton, one of the game's most economical bowlers.
This was the day that David Smith went berserk. After a slow start where we despaired of any sort of challenge, he took on Shackleton and hit him to all parts. Well, mainly over mid wicket, with pulls, sweeps, hoiks and cow shots. He made 80 in the time he'd usually reserve for reaching double figures, then got out with only ten needed.
In came Wilkins. Bam! Bam! One four, one six, two balls, game won.
Finally a Sunday televised game against Hampshire. Barry Richards made a quite breathtaking 80 for them that day, but when it came our turn to bat.so did Chris Wilkins. We won on the last ball and at the end of the game it appeared that those good judges were right.
On that afternoon, at least, there really was nothing between them.
Rest in Peace, Chris Wilkins.
You entertained us royally.
Hosein contract reinforces his choice as 'the one'
Yesterday's news of a new two-year contract for Harvey Hosein, taking him to the end of 2020, reinforces the opening day of his tenure statement by David Houghton.
The role seems to be going to a young man who has looked likely to fill it for a number of summers now, but at last seems to have a clear run at making the job his own.
I have no problem with this at all. As a batsman I have always rated him highly and think we would get the best out of him batting higher than the more usual seven in the order. He has a very orthodox technique and has showed an ability to play straight and stay in when wickets are tumbling around him.
I would see him batting at six, but could make an argument for him at five, where his preferred method would enjoy the support of 'proper' batsmen at the other end. He is still very slight in build, of course, and as he fills out the boundary shots will become more frequent.
I thought him improved as a keeper when I saw him at the end of the season and he would look better still if we had more bowlers whose radar was more than a thing for only occasional use. The acid test will come in his work with the spinners and his standing up to Messrs Critchley, Qadri and McKiernan over the next summer or two will determine his long term suitability for the gloves.
As I said the other day, I would let him work with Daryn Smit over the winter and let Smit mentor his glove work. Indeed, let Smit skipper and mentor the seconds, available for the first team as required, because we all know his quality behind the stumps. His genial personality will work well with younger cricketers and trialists too.
No one will complain at this, though. Like the rest of you, I hope he makes the role his own and we can all celebrate long term success.
Well done Harvey!
The role seems to be going to a young man who has looked likely to fill it for a number of summers now, but at last seems to have a clear run at making the job his own.
I have no problem with this at all. As a batsman I have always rated him highly and think we would get the best out of him batting higher than the more usual seven in the order. He has a very orthodox technique and has showed an ability to play straight and stay in when wickets are tumbling around him.
I would see him batting at six, but could make an argument for him at five, where his preferred method would enjoy the support of 'proper' batsmen at the other end. He is still very slight in build, of course, and as he fills out the boundary shots will become more frequent.
I thought him improved as a keeper when I saw him at the end of the season and he would look better still if we had more bowlers whose radar was more than a thing for only occasional use. The acid test will come in his work with the spinners and his standing up to Messrs Critchley, Qadri and McKiernan over the next summer or two will determine his long term suitability for the gloves.
As I said the other day, I would let him work with Daryn Smit over the winter and let Smit mentor his glove work. Indeed, let Smit skipper and mentor the seconds, available for the first team as required, because we all know his quality behind the stumps. His genial personality will work well with younger cricketers and trialists too.
No one will complain at this, though. Like the rest of you, I hope he makes the role his own and we can all celebrate long term success.
Well done Harvey!
Monday, 1 October 2018
Gary Wilson leaves Derbyshire
The departure from Derbyshire, announced today, of Gary Wilson comes as no real surprise.
I had a feeling, when he was left out of the squad for the closing matches of the season, that a parting of the ways was on the cards. For both player and club, I think it is absolutely the right thing.
Especially in his time at Surrey, Gary was a solid county cricketer. I think he was more mobile then and he proved a good choice as captain for that county in a time of some turmoil. He took them to T20 finals day too and there were plenty of well-wishers from that county when he moved to Derbyshire, two years ago.
It didn't work out for him at Derbyshire. Partly because he was one of three wicket-keepers on a small staff and, by general consensus, wasn't in the top two, yet was vice-captain. With team selection done by the 'senior group' any drop in form was going to lead to accusations of players 'looking after each other', even when that wasn't the case.
With Daryn Smit the best glove man and Harvey Hosein the local lad that many wanted to see earn early promotion, it didn't make for an easy spell for any of them. When none was able to produce the consistency that was required to make the role their own, it became obvious that something had to give.
Wilson led the team through two T20 campaigns. Last year he played two or three pugnacious knocks to close out wins, but this season his batting drew criticism. He wasn't quick between the wickets, but he seemed to need longer to get going and ate up valuable deliveries before he got his eye in.
Nor was his captaincy innovative enough for a demanding format. A top captain would have thought on his feet when Afridi opened for Hampshire in last year's quarter-final, tore up the plan and changed the bowling order. Gary didn't, nor was he especially sharp with field placings or his batting order. Maybe that was more the coach's decision, but the man who leads the side on the field normally has a major call in such things.
The club statement today, in which Dave Houghton is quoted as saying 'we decided to give the wicket-keeper batsman duties to someone with a long term future at Derbyshire' suggests that Harvey Hosein is due his opportunity next year.
That being the case, I could see a lot of merit in using Daryn Smit's experience and coaching nous with the second eleven next year, available as required for first team duties. As things stand, it would allow Mal Loye to spend more time with the academy and both elevens would likely benefit as a result.
In closing, thanks to Gary for his efforts over the past two years.
It didn't really work out as all parties hoped, but he gave of his best and I am sure we all wish him well in his next venture, back in Ireland and with the Irish national side.
And for what it is worth, with precedent being set, I don't think this will be the last such departure this close season...
I had a feeling, when he was left out of the squad for the closing matches of the season, that a parting of the ways was on the cards. For both player and club, I think it is absolutely the right thing.
Especially in his time at Surrey, Gary was a solid county cricketer. I think he was more mobile then and he proved a good choice as captain for that county in a time of some turmoil. He took them to T20 finals day too and there were plenty of well-wishers from that county when he moved to Derbyshire, two years ago.
It didn't work out for him at Derbyshire. Partly because he was one of three wicket-keepers on a small staff and, by general consensus, wasn't in the top two, yet was vice-captain. With team selection done by the 'senior group' any drop in form was going to lead to accusations of players 'looking after each other', even when that wasn't the case.
With Daryn Smit the best glove man and Harvey Hosein the local lad that many wanted to see earn early promotion, it didn't make for an easy spell for any of them. When none was able to produce the consistency that was required to make the role their own, it became obvious that something had to give.
Wilson led the team through two T20 campaigns. Last year he played two or three pugnacious knocks to close out wins, but this season his batting drew criticism. He wasn't quick between the wickets, but he seemed to need longer to get going and ate up valuable deliveries before he got his eye in.
Nor was his captaincy innovative enough for a demanding format. A top captain would have thought on his feet when Afridi opened for Hampshire in last year's quarter-final, tore up the plan and changed the bowling order. Gary didn't, nor was he especially sharp with field placings or his batting order. Maybe that was more the coach's decision, but the man who leads the side on the field normally has a major call in such things.
The club statement today, in which Dave Houghton is quoted as saying 'we decided to give the wicket-keeper batsman duties to someone with a long term future at Derbyshire' suggests that Harvey Hosein is due his opportunity next year.
That being the case, I could see a lot of merit in using Daryn Smit's experience and coaching nous with the second eleven next year, available as required for first team duties. As things stand, it would allow Mal Loye to spend more time with the academy and both elevens would likely benefit as a result.
In closing, thanks to Gary for his efforts over the past two years.
It didn't really work out as all parties hoped, but he gave of his best and I am sure we all wish him well in his next venture, back in Ireland and with the Irish national side.
And for what it is worth, with precedent being set, I don't think this will be the last such departure this close season...
Saturday, 29 September 2018
Fantasy Cricket a huge success
Thirty-six teams were in this summer's Peakfan Blog League, the biggest number ever and I hope that you all enjoyed it.
I see my role as the facilitator, not just because I came third bottom, but because I seldom have time from mid-summer onwards to do anything with it. This is evidenced by my having thirteen available player transfers remaining at summer's end, as well as twenty captaincy switches...
Still, a lot of you have the skills of the game mastered and this year's overall winner was Paul Donkersley, who edged out Clive Whitmore by just 248 points. They came 123rd and 164th nationally, which was an excellent effort.
Perennial challenger Dean Doherty was third and sixth with two teams, while Paul was also fourth with his other team. David Aust, a past winner, came in fifth.
As they do every year, The Telegraph provide medals for various categories and I have been sent them. If the winners can mail me at peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk their address details, I can get these in the post.
Those winners are:
Overall winner - Paul Donkersley
Top run scorer - Clive Whitmore
Top wicket taker - Dean Doherty
Thank you to all of you for your involvement and I hope you are all involved again next year!
I see my role as the facilitator, not just because I came third bottom, but because I seldom have time from mid-summer onwards to do anything with it. This is evidenced by my having thirteen available player transfers remaining at summer's end, as well as twenty captaincy switches...
Still, a lot of you have the skills of the game mastered and this year's overall winner was Paul Donkersley, who edged out Clive Whitmore by just 248 points. They came 123rd and 164th nationally, which was an excellent effort.
Perennial challenger Dean Doherty was third and sixth with two teams, while Paul was also fourth with his other team. David Aust, a past winner, came in fifth.
As they do every year, The Telegraph provide medals for various categories and I have been sent them. If the winners can mail me at peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk their address details, I can get these in the post.
Those winners are:
Overall winner - Paul Donkersley
Top run scorer - Clive Whitmore
Top wicket taker - Dean Doherty
Thank you to all of you for your involvement and I hope you are all involved again next year!
End of season review
The 2018 season marked the end of the Kim Barnett era, who left mid-season yet can reflect on two summers in which more games were won than in any year since 2011.
There should have been more, too and a frustration for supporters, and challenge for new Head of Cricket Dave Houghton, is to turn more positions of dominance into victories. That said, there have been years where positions of dominance were few and far between, so the 'Barnett model', giving greater responsibility to the captain and senior group, can not be said to have failed.
Houghton can take this on and still allow his captain a degree of freedom. Where it fell down was in the leadership 'group'. Such a group is a laudable idea and some thrive upon it, but where ours fell down was that we had too many senior players who contributed far less than they should have, given their reputation and, one assumes, salary.
There are good cricketers in the Derbyshire squad, some of them very good indeed. The nucleus of Madsen, Godleman, Palladino, Reece, Hughes and Critchley is something that could be quite special, but fresh, better contributing blood is needed around them. The feeling hasn't gone away that we are a batsman light, though the above names, less Palladino, would likely make up five of the top six. The addition of such a player would afford greater balance and confidence that match-winning scores can be made, though there is still a question mark on the resourcing of such a signing for a county that hardly identifies with the word 'affluent'.
On a small staff with, bizarrely, three wicket-keepers, none made the role their own, despite opportunities. The side's need for a wicket-keeper who could make game-changing runs at number seven remains, though Harvey Hosein now looks the most likely bet. A lengthy run in the side would either confirm his talent or highlight frailties in his glove work which are still evident at times. Gary Wilson was a disappointment with the bat and is only a functional keeper, while Daryn Smit, excellent with the gloves, continued to struggle to score the requisite runs. Filling that role properly will be a challenge for 2019, a James Pipe or Luke Sutton the great need.
The bowling was better, but largely because of a golden summer for its oldest member. Tony Palladino took wickets when conditions helped and kept things quiet when they were less in his favour. A new two-year deal followed at the end of the summer, just reward for a player who is hugely respected both inside and outside the county.
Both Hardus Viljoen and Ravi Rampaul disappointed. While both bowled good spells in the Vitality Blast, in four-day cricket they were expensive, erratic and not especially penetrative. Viljoen could occasionally be fast and hostile, but too often lapsed into direction that was shockingly poor at this level. Rampaul's fitness came into question around the ground and, if both players are still at the club next year, a massive improvement is needed in both for us to progress further.
Duanne Olivier was the overseas player for the first half of the summer and proved a great success. Most supporters would be keen to see him return, even keener were he to take up a Kolpak deal. Yet his success will have been noticed elsewhere, his ability to move the ball both ways at good pace, as well as a skiddy bouncer that caused countless problems a prized asset. Watching him bowl, long arms generating unexpected 'whip', I was reminded of descriptions of Bill Copson. Duanne would not be upset with such comparisons with a county legend and his quiet, friendly persona would be welcomed back in the Derbyshire dressing room.
Lockie Ferguson did a sterling job in the T20 Blast, then was less successful, though whole-hearted, in the four-day game. In the short form, his combination of yorkers and short of a length bowling was a potent weapon, though more predictable from a batting perspective in the long form. His fitness enabled him to bowl long spells without his pace dropping though and he was a popular addition to the squad after arriving at short notice.
The spinners? Matt Critchley did better and a season's work in all formats of just short of a thousand runs and forty-four wickets was a good effort. Both his skill sets can improve still further and hopefully Houghton's coaching will turn a batsman who looks to have so much time into one who makes the big scores consistently. He had a golden week at Chesterfield and it is important that the club reward his talent and obvious potential with a deal that offers him medium term security.
Hamidullah Qadri had few opportunities but has plenty of time on his side and is not yet eighteen. His time will come and, like a few others, the appointment of the right bowling coach will see his game continue to develop. When he played he let no one down and his support bowling to Critchley at Chesterfield was perhaps overlooked at the time.
As for the batsmen, Madsen again passed a thousand runs and 1500 in all forms. His new four-year deal gives confidence for the future, as does the one signed by Billy Godleman. His one-day form was outstanding this year and his four-day form returned to the norm once he returned to his rightful place at the top of the order. Luis Reece was sorely missed for most of the summer and Alex Hughes came within sixty of his breakthrough 2017 tally, but at reduced average. His bowling came on dramatically, however and his value to the club could increase still further, as he turned 27 today and has his best years ahead.
Hughes had a tremendous Vitality Blast with the ball and the way in which Wahab Riaz mentored his bowling in the T20 should not be overlooked. The Pakistan international bowled with pace and nous at the top and tail of the innings, as well as playing some handy innings. His smiling demeanour made him a popular figure and many would be pleased to see him return in 2019.
My verdict on the summer? One of progress. Perhaps not as fast as some supporters would wish, but I like to base my expectations on reality, rather than fantasy. Pre-season I was one of few who saw them as better than bottom in the four-day game and also-rans in the short forms. We ended up mid-table across the board, which was about right. Yet three wins were there for the taking in the four-day game and had they done so would have finished in third place.
There is plenty to do in the winter. To allow for squad improvements, I wouldn't be surprised to see negotiated releases of some players from contracts, because we need much more from those who are the best rewarded. We need a batsman of quality and one, perhaps two bowlers who can be relied upon, but we are moving in the right direction.
The budget is the key factor and such additions do not come cheap. Thus the ongoing and stated development of our own talent is crucial and that will take time.
There were plenty of golden moments to look back on over the winter, however. That has to be worth something and sets us up for a hopefully exciting 2019.
Your thoughts?
There should have been more, too and a frustration for supporters, and challenge for new Head of Cricket Dave Houghton, is to turn more positions of dominance into victories. That said, there have been years where positions of dominance were few and far between, so the 'Barnett model', giving greater responsibility to the captain and senior group, can not be said to have failed.
Houghton can take this on and still allow his captain a degree of freedom. Where it fell down was in the leadership 'group'. Such a group is a laudable idea and some thrive upon it, but where ours fell down was that we had too many senior players who contributed far less than they should have, given their reputation and, one assumes, salary.
There are good cricketers in the Derbyshire squad, some of them very good indeed. The nucleus of Madsen, Godleman, Palladino, Reece, Hughes and Critchley is something that could be quite special, but fresh, better contributing blood is needed around them. The feeling hasn't gone away that we are a batsman light, though the above names, less Palladino, would likely make up five of the top six. The addition of such a player would afford greater balance and confidence that match-winning scores can be made, though there is still a question mark on the resourcing of such a signing for a county that hardly identifies with the word 'affluent'.
On a small staff with, bizarrely, three wicket-keepers, none made the role their own, despite opportunities. The side's need for a wicket-keeper who could make game-changing runs at number seven remains, though Harvey Hosein now looks the most likely bet. A lengthy run in the side would either confirm his talent or highlight frailties in his glove work which are still evident at times. Gary Wilson was a disappointment with the bat and is only a functional keeper, while Daryn Smit, excellent with the gloves, continued to struggle to score the requisite runs. Filling that role properly will be a challenge for 2019, a James Pipe or Luke Sutton the great need.
The bowling was better, but largely because of a golden summer for its oldest member. Tony Palladino took wickets when conditions helped and kept things quiet when they were less in his favour. A new two-year deal followed at the end of the summer, just reward for a player who is hugely respected both inside and outside the county.
Both Hardus Viljoen and Ravi Rampaul disappointed. While both bowled good spells in the Vitality Blast, in four-day cricket they were expensive, erratic and not especially penetrative. Viljoen could occasionally be fast and hostile, but too often lapsed into direction that was shockingly poor at this level. Rampaul's fitness came into question around the ground and, if both players are still at the club next year, a massive improvement is needed in both for us to progress further.
Duanne Olivier was the overseas player for the first half of the summer and proved a great success. Most supporters would be keen to see him return, even keener were he to take up a Kolpak deal. Yet his success will have been noticed elsewhere, his ability to move the ball both ways at good pace, as well as a skiddy bouncer that caused countless problems a prized asset. Watching him bowl, long arms generating unexpected 'whip', I was reminded of descriptions of Bill Copson. Duanne would not be upset with such comparisons with a county legend and his quiet, friendly persona would be welcomed back in the Derbyshire dressing room.
Lockie Ferguson did a sterling job in the T20 Blast, then was less successful, though whole-hearted, in the four-day game. In the short form, his combination of yorkers and short of a length bowling was a potent weapon, though more predictable from a batting perspective in the long form. His fitness enabled him to bowl long spells without his pace dropping though and he was a popular addition to the squad after arriving at short notice.
The spinners? Matt Critchley did better and a season's work in all formats of just short of a thousand runs and forty-four wickets was a good effort. Both his skill sets can improve still further and hopefully Houghton's coaching will turn a batsman who looks to have so much time into one who makes the big scores consistently. He had a golden week at Chesterfield and it is important that the club reward his talent and obvious potential with a deal that offers him medium term security.
Hamidullah Qadri had few opportunities but has plenty of time on his side and is not yet eighteen. His time will come and, like a few others, the appointment of the right bowling coach will see his game continue to develop. When he played he let no one down and his support bowling to Critchley at Chesterfield was perhaps overlooked at the time.
As for the batsmen, Madsen again passed a thousand runs and 1500 in all forms. His new four-year deal gives confidence for the future, as does the one signed by Billy Godleman. His one-day form was outstanding this year and his four-day form returned to the norm once he returned to his rightful place at the top of the order. Luis Reece was sorely missed for most of the summer and Alex Hughes came within sixty of his breakthrough 2017 tally, but at reduced average. His bowling came on dramatically, however and his value to the club could increase still further, as he turned 27 today and has his best years ahead.
Hughes had a tremendous Vitality Blast with the ball and the way in which Wahab Riaz mentored his bowling in the T20 should not be overlooked. The Pakistan international bowled with pace and nous at the top and tail of the innings, as well as playing some handy innings. His smiling demeanour made him a popular figure and many would be pleased to see him return in 2019.
My verdict on the summer? One of progress. Perhaps not as fast as some supporters would wish, but I like to base my expectations on reality, rather than fantasy. Pre-season I was one of few who saw them as better than bottom in the four-day game and also-rans in the short forms. We ended up mid-table across the board, which was about right. Yet three wins were there for the taking in the four-day game and had they done so would have finished in third place.
There is plenty to do in the winter. To allow for squad improvements, I wouldn't be surprised to see negotiated releases of some players from contracts, because we need much more from those who are the best rewarded. We need a batsman of quality and one, perhaps two bowlers who can be relied upon, but we are moving in the right direction.
The budget is the key factor and such additions do not come cheap. Thus the ongoing and stated development of our own talent is crucial and that will take time.
There were plenty of golden moments to look back on over the winter, however. That has to be worth something and sets us up for a hopefully exciting 2019.
Your thoughts?
Friday, 28 September 2018
Contracts keep coming at Derbyshire
Safely returned to the bosom of my family near Glasgow today, I have a little time to offer my thoughts on the new contracts for Anuj Dal, Matt McKiernan and Luis Reece and the departure of Will Davis.
Departures are always sad and especially when it is a player who at one point looked to be something quite special. Will Davis burst on to the scene, bowled some spells of serious pace and looked to be a bowler with a big future. To be fair, so did Tom Taylor, Ben Cotton and Greg Cork in their time and questions need to be asked as to why our academy bowlers are not kicking on such as, for example, the ones at Worcestershire or Leicestershire. Whatever Dave Houghton does when he comes into post, he needs to get a handle on why academy progression is really an oxymoron.
For some young players, premature departure from clubs is down to some combination of attitude, indiscipline, poor fitness, limited skill set or lack of opportunity. No one can deny that Will Davis has a bucket load of talent, but now, after becoming the latest Derbyshire player to end up on the conveyor belt to Leicester, he needs to find his own answers to why it didn't work out at Derbyshire.
The bottom line is that he didn't play enough cricket. There are similarities with Alan Ward, also slight in physique and who also headed down to Leicester with less success than he had at his home county. Last winter Davis had his own personalised fitness programme, apparently looked really good in the nets, but probably played less cricket than in previous summers, when to be fair he didn't play a lot either.
He is unlucky, because at 22 he is nowhere near developed physically, but perhaps the mental side of fast bowling needs addressed too. Ask any quick bowler worth his salt and they will tell you they are rarely pain-free, but you have to learn to handle it until, perhaps in your mid-twenties, your body is better able to cope. Both Wahab Riaz and Lockie Ferguson said as much before a T20 game this summer and it is just a shame that our finances do not allow more time for youthful prodigies. If Davis can overcome his physical frailties, he could still be a very good bowler. By the same token, I don't blame Derbyshire for releasing him, because there is an expectation, after several summers on the staff, that a player should be better able to play cricket.
Will Davis wasn't and while it is a shame to see him go, I don't blame the club for releasing him to better use the money elsewhere. I wish him well at Leicestershire and will follow his progress with interest.
A direct beneficiary of his departure is likely to be Matt McKiernan, as well as Anuj Dal, I would be surprised - and very impressed - if our financial situation as it stands allows for major recruitment this winter, but both of these players did well in limited opportunities. Both are all rounders, though Dal hardly bowled in his first team opportunities this year. I could have understood the decision whichever way it had gone, because he didn't make the most of his opportunities in weight of runs. But enough has been seen in his fast hands and feet to think that Dave Houghton may polish up a gem over the winter.
Dal can defend and attack well. What he needs to do now is build on composed twenties and thirties and turn them into big scores. Was there, or will there be consideration of Chesney Hughes, who scored a lot more runs in the second team than him? Maybe his boat has sailed, but Anuj is young enough to develop still further. By the same token, perhaps at 27 Chesney is coming to his peak...
McKiernan is a good cricketer and as a leg-spinning all rounder will give us another option on turning tracks next year. Earlier in the summer I watched a Glamorgan player clump him into the vegetation at Belper, before perishing two balls later, trying to repeat the shot from a similar, but more flighted delivery. He bowls a good length and turns his googly impressively, while his batting ability will do him no harm. Maybe he is also a plan B, just in case Matt Critchley is tempted elsewhere, but I hope Critch realises that his game can come on much more playing regular cricket at Derbyshire than being a more peripheral figure at a 'bigger' county.
As for Luis Reece, a new deal was a no brainer. He is a class act and was sorely missed for the majority of the summer. In adding him to those on extended deals, the club has secured one of the country's best all-rounders.
I expect to see him cement that title in the coming years and thoroughly enjoy watching him, whether batting or bowling. He makes things happen and, crucially, goes about his game with a smile on his face.
The lot of a professional cricketer is one that many aspire to, but few have the skills to achieve. Reece has those skills in spades and looks like he enjoys every single minute.
There's something for others around the country to aspire to, right there.
Departures are always sad and especially when it is a player who at one point looked to be something quite special. Will Davis burst on to the scene, bowled some spells of serious pace and looked to be a bowler with a big future. To be fair, so did Tom Taylor, Ben Cotton and Greg Cork in their time and questions need to be asked as to why our academy bowlers are not kicking on such as, for example, the ones at Worcestershire or Leicestershire. Whatever Dave Houghton does when he comes into post, he needs to get a handle on why academy progression is really an oxymoron.
For some young players, premature departure from clubs is down to some combination of attitude, indiscipline, poor fitness, limited skill set or lack of opportunity. No one can deny that Will Davis has a bucket load of talent, but now, after becoming the latest Derbyshire player to end up on the conveyor belt to Leicester, he needs to find his own answers to why it didn't work out at Derbyshire.
The bottom line is that he didn't play enough cricket. There are similarities with Alan Ward, also slight in physique and who also headed down to Leicester with less success than he had at his home county. Last winter Davis had his own personalised fitness programme, apparently looked really good in the nets, but probably played less cricket than in previous summers, when to be fair he didn't play a lot either.
He is unlucky, because at 22 he is nowhere near developed physically, but perhaps the mental side of fast bowling needs addressed too. Ask any quick bowler worth his salt and they will tell you they are rarely pain-free, but you have to learn to handle it until, perhaps in your mid-twenties, your body is better able to cope. Both Wahab Riaz and Lockie Ferguson said as much before a T20 game this summer and it is just a shame that our finances do not allow more time for youthful prodigies. If Davis can overcome his physical frailties, he could still be a very good bowler. By the same token, I don't blame Derbyshire for releasing him, because there is an expectation, after several summers on the staff, that a player should be better able to play cricket.
Will Davis wasn't and while it is a shame to see him go, I don't blame the club for releasing him to better use the money elsewhere. I wish him well at Leicestershire and will follow his progress with interest.
A direct beneficiary of his departure is likely to be Matt McKiernan, as well as Anuj Dal, I would be surprised - and very impressed - if our financial situation as it stands allows for major recruitment this winter, but both of these players did well in limited opportunities. Both are all rounders, though Dal hardly bowled in his first team opportunities this year. I could have understood the decision whichever way it had gone, because he didn't make the most of his opportunities in weight of runs. But enough has been seen in his fast hands and feet to think that Dave Houghton may polish up a gem over the winter.
Dal can defend and attack well. What he needs to do now is build on composed twenties and thirties and turn them into big scores. Was there, or will there be consideration of Chesney Hughes, who scored a lot more runs in the second team than him? Maybe his boat has sailed, but Anuj is young enough to develop still further. By the same token, perhaps at 27 Chesney is coming to his peak...
McKiernan is a good cricketer and as a leg-spinning all rounder will give us another option on turning tracks next year. Earlier in the summer I watched a Glamorgan player clump him into the vegetation at Belper, before perishing two balls later, trying to repeat the shot from a similar, but more flighted delivery. He bowls a good length and turns his googly impressively, while his batting ability will do him no harm. Maybe he is also a plan B, just in case Matt Critchley is tempted elsewhere, but I hope Critch realises that his game can come on much more playing regular cricket at Derbyshire than being a more peripheral figure at a 'bigger' county.
As for Luis Reece, a new deal was a no brainer. He is a class act and was sorely missed for the majority of the summer. In adding him to those on extended deals, the club has secured one of the country's best all-rounders.
I expect to see him cement that title in the coming years and thoroughly enjoy watching him, whether batting or bowling. He makes things happen and, crucially, goes about his game with a smile on his face.
The lot of a professional cricketer is one that many aspire to, but few have the skills to achieve. Reece has those skills in spades and looks like he enjoys every single minute.
There's something for others around the country to aspire to, right there.
Thursday, 27 September 2018
Reece extends contract as Davis leaves
Yesterday's news that Luis Reece has signed an improved and extended contract that sees him remain at the club until the end of 2021 is welcome and very exciting.
Today's news that Will Davis is leaving the club is sad, but tinged with an inevitability that doesn't make it such a surprise.
Both are worthy of more time than I have at present, when I am at my parents with things to do.
I travel home tomorrow and will give both the time and space that they deserve over the course of the weekend.
Today's news that Will Davis is leaving the club is sad, but tinged with an inevitability that doesn't make it such a surprise.
Both are worthy of more time than I have at present, when I am at my parents with things to do.
I travel home tomorrow and will give both the time and space that they deserve over the course of the weekend.
Wednesday, 26 September 2018
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 3
Derbyshire 184 and 157
Gloucestershire 163 and 179-8 (Howell 58, Ferguson 4-59)
Gloucestershire won by two wickets
The final day of the county cricket season, as day three was always going to be after the cascade of wickets on day one, dawned sunny and cold. On my approach to the ground, a lengthy queue on Sir Frank Whittle Road suggested a large crowd to witness the closing sessions of cricket for another summer.
Alas, 'twas not so but a reasonable smattering of hardy souls were scattered around the ground in a mixture of summer and (more commonly) winter jackets, most of them hoping to see a home win to rival that of Derby County at Old Trafford last night.
Yet when Tony Palladino and Lockie Ferguson opened the bowling this morning, there appeared to be less movement than yesterday. The work of the roller, to some extent, plus the wicket having dried out, but the bowlers didn't help themselves with too much loose bowling, overpitched and on the batsman's legs.
Both Hammond and Howell batted well, as you had to do to stay in on this wicket. Palladino looked the most likely to get the breakthrough and eventually did, but an earlier opportunity to remove Hammond than was eventually taken was put down. Ferguson put down a hard and fast chance that was straight at him, Palladino's frustration both visible and audible.
At lunch the result looked like going the way of the visitors and afterwards they progressed towards victory with a haste somewhat unseemly in the context of the match. Benny Howell continued to play some splendid shots and the fastest balls that Ferguson could muster came to naught.
Hosein moved up to the stumps for Palladino, in an attempt to disturb the batting equilibrium, but nothing happened until the belated introduction of Matt Critchley to the attack. Howell's attempt to hit him into the middle distance resulted in an outside edge, well caught by Hughes at backward point. Charlesworth was then leg before and Ferguson, bowling at great pace, removed Higgins and Taylor, the latter brilliantly caught by the diving Godleman.
Ten were needed from the last two wickets and Critchley was kept on to bowl to Miles. A long hop went down to fine leg for four and then a powerful straight drive went through his outstretched hands for the winning boundary.
It was a fine game of cricket, played on the best kind of track you could wish for. Batsmen could make runs with sound technique and due diligence, while bowlers felt that they could get something out of it by bending their backs.
At the end of it all, another twenty runs might have made a difference. Those first innings extras were unnecessarily generous and came back to bite us today.
It was the third game this summer - after the away games at Durham and Glamorgan - where we had eased ourselves into a position of strength, only to blow it when it mattered.
Something to work on over the winter.
I'll be back with an end of season report over the weekend.
Gloucestershire 163 and 179-8 (Howell 58, Ferguson 4-59)
Gloucestershire won by two wickets
The final day of the county cricket season, as day three was always going to be after the cascade of wickets on day one, dawned sunny and cold. On my approach to the ground, a lengthy queue on Sir Frank Whittle Road suggested a large crowd to witness the closing sessions of cricket for another summer.
Alas, 'twas not so but a reasonable smattering of hardy souls were scattered around the ground in a mixture of summer and (more commonly) winter jackets, most of them hoping to see a home win to rival that of Derby County at Old Trafford last night.
Yet when Tony Palladino and Lockie Ferguson opened the bowling this morning, there appeared to be less movement than yesterday. The work of the roller, to some extent, plus the wicket having dried out, but the bowlers didn't help themselves with too much loose bowling, overpitched and on the batsman's legs.
Both Hammond and Howell batted well, as you had to do to stay in on this wicket. Palladino looked the most likely to get the breakthrough and eventually did, but an earlier opportunity to remove Hammond than was eventually taken was put down. Ferguson put down a hard and fast chance that was straight at him, Palladino's frustration both visible and audible.
At lunch the result looked like going the way of the visitors and afterwards they progressed towards victory with a haste somewhat unseemly in the context of the match. Benny Howell continued to play some splendid shots and the fastest balls that Ferguson could muster came to naught.
Hosein moved up to the stumps for Palladino, in an attempt to disturb the batting equilibrium, but nothing happened until the belated introduction of Matt Critchley to the attack. Howell's attempt to hit him into the middle distance resulted in an outside edge, well caught by Hughes at backward point. Charlesworth was then leg before and Ferguson, bowling at great pace, removed Higgins and Taylor, the latter brilliantly caught by the diving Godleman.
Ten were needed from the last two wickets and Critchley was kept on to bowl to Miles. A long hop went down to fine leg for four and then a powerful straight drive went through his outstretched hands for the winning boundary.
It was a fine game of cricket, played on the best kind of track you could wish for. Batsmen could make runs with sound technique and due diligence, while bowlers felt that they could get something out of it by bending their backs.
At the end of it all, another twenty runs might have made a difference. Those first innings extras were unnecessarily generous and came back to bite us today.
It was the third game this summer - after the away games at Durham and Glamorgan - where we had eased ourselves into a position of strength, only to blow it when it mattered.
Something to work on over the winter.
I'll be back with an end of season report over the weekend.
Tuesday, 25 September 2018
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 2
A 5.30am departure from home in Glasgow got me to the 3aaa County Ground in time to hear the cheers as Lockie Ferguson removed overnight batsman Drissell with a trademark fast and straight delivery this morning.
Thereafter it was largely the Luis Reece show again, with the all-rounder completing figures of 7-20, the most economical for a seven wicket haul for the county since the legendary, nay infamous, Bill Bestwick at Burton on Trent in 1920. It is fair to say that the two are somewhat diametrically opposed as personalities and Luis is a considerably better batsman than Bill. Mind you, Bill took 1457 wickets for the county, so Luis has some way to go with a ball in his hand...
Today he bowled another spell of immaculate line and length, the batsmen seemingly unaware how to combat his left arm swing. When Lockie Ferguson held on to catch at mid wicket to take the seventh, he was instantly surrounded by his team mates, who had been commendably upbeat and chipper all morning. It was a superb spell of controlled swing bowling, yet in marked contrast to two dreadful overs bowled by Hardus Viljoen before he was withdrawn from the attack. In a low-scoring game, 34 extras conceded, sixteen byes and ten wides, is unacceptable at this level and I attribute little blame to the wicket-keeper. One ball that went to the fence would have challenged a wide leg slip to take and it is so frustrating to see. Ironically, Viljoen produced a beauty with his final ball to dismiss Higgins, there being little that the batsman could do before the catch was pouched expertly at slip by Wayne Madsen.
A lead of 21 could have been more with less profligate bowling by the fast bowlers and it seemed to me that our best chance of winning this in the final innings will be for the bulk of the bowling to be done by Messrs Palladino, Reece and Hughes. Runs will be at a premium and we can ill afford to give away freebies as we did first time around.
The batting procession continued as our second innings began, the skipper's final knock of the summer lasting just three balls before being given leg before. Madsen and Reece saw it through to lunch but both went soon afterwards, at 32-3 the home side in danger of giving away their fine work earlier.
The Gloucestershire bowlers did well again. I particularly liked the look of Ryan Higgins, who bristled aggression though not really having the pace for it. He nipped it around as he has all season, as did David Payne, a bowler I have admired for some time and the ball fizzed past the bat and rapped the pad with uneasy frequency.
Yet Alex Hughes and Tom Lace showed commendable fortitude and no little skill in adding a painstaking partnership. It was proper, attritional, fascinating county cricket. Alex always looks good in such situations and sells his wicket dearly, while my first 'proper' sighting of Lace was enjoyable. He showed sound technique against a moving ball and got his head down again after a nasty blow on the arm from one that lifted from a length. Probably not what he wanted to be on the end of, but for the watching Derbyshire bowlers, something that may have brought a smile to their faces.
Of course, on such a wicket danger lurks in every delivery and Lace fell leg before to Howell for a hard-earned seventeen. It was nothing impressive in the score book, but worth more in the context of the game. At 66-4, there was more rebuilding to be done. As they had done in the first innings, Critchley and Hughes added a few, but on 84 Critchley made room against the off spinner Drissell and was bowled. In the context of the game it was a cheap wicket to lose.
Hosein didn't last long, well-taken at slip and the decent-sized crowd, basking in sunshine and doubtless contemplating a long winter without their cricket 'fix' realised that this game was very much in the balance. Derbyshire were only 106 ahead and more were needed, beyond doubt.
After tea Hughes went on the attack, a square cut for four and then a sashay down the track and a six over long on. At the other end Anuj Dal was again busy and tidy, quick footwork and fast hands seeing him look as comfortable as anyone, as the nicks fell short or went wide of the slips but many more were met with a resolute straight bat until he was caught at slip after a stand of 29.
There were a couple of lusty blows from Hardus Viljoen, but the innings subsided to 157 all out. The 195 minute vigil of Alex Hughes was a magnificent effort, his unbeaten 55 when no one else made more than 17 was priceless for the cause.
179 to win became 150 by the close, but Gloucestershire lost their skipper to the first ball and Bracey clean bowled, both to Ferguson in that time.
The visitors will need to bat very well to win this, on a wicket that offers the bowlers plenty of help.
Conversely, Derbyshire will need to bowl badly and bowl the wrong people to lose it.
It should make for an absorbing couple of sessions of cricket and I look forward to seeing the dying embers of an excellent summer's entertainment.
Thereafter it was largely the Luis Reece show again, with the all-rounder completing figures of 7-20, the most economical for a seven wicket haul for the county since the legendary, nay infamous, Bill Bestwick at Burton on Trent in 1920. It is fair to say that the two are somewhat diametrically opposed as personalities and Luis is a considerably better batsman than Bill. Mind you, Bill took 1457 wickets for the county, so Luis has some way to go with a ball in his hand...
Today he bowled another spell of immaculate line and length, the batsmen seemingly unaware how to combat his left arm swing. When Lockie Ferguson held on to catch at mid wicket to take the seventh, he was instantly surrounded by his team mates, who had been commendably upbeat and chipper all morning. It was a superb spell of controlled swing bowling, yet in marked contrast to two dreadful overs bowled by Hardus Viljoen before he was withdrawn from the attack. In a low-scoring game, 34 extras conceded, sixteen byes and ten wides, is unacceptable at this level and I attribute little blame to the wicket-keeper. One ball that went to the fence would have challenged a wide leg slip to take and it is so frustrating to see. Ironically, Viljoen produced a beauty with his final ball to dismiss Higgins, there being little that the batsman could do before the catch was pouched expertly at slip by Wayne Madsen.
A lead of 21 could have been more with less profligate bowling by the fast bowlers and it seemed to me that our best chance of winning this in the final innings will be for the bulk of the bowling to be done by Messrs Palladino, Reece and Hughes. Runs will be at a premium and we can ill afford to give away freebies as we did first time around.
The batting procession continued as our second innings began, the skipper's final knock of the summer lasting just three balls before being given leg before. Madsen and Reece saw it through to lunch but both went soon afterwards, at 32-3 the home side in danger of giving away their fine work earlier.
The Gloucestershire bowlers did well again. I particularly liked the look of Ryan Higgins, who bristled aggression though not really having the pace for it. He nipped it around as he has all season, as did David Payne, a bowler I have admired for some time and the ball fizzed past the bat and rapped the pad with uneasy frequency.
Yet Alex Hughes and Tom Lace showed commendable fortitude and no little skill in adding a painstaking partnership. It was proper, attritional, fascinating county cricket. Alex always looks good in such situations and sells his wicket dearly, while my first 'proper' sighting of Lace was enjoyable. He showed sound technique against a moving ball and got his head down again after a nasty blow on the arm from one that lifted from a length. Probably not what he wanted to be on the end of, but for the watching Derbyshire bowlers, something that may have brought a smile to their faces.
Of course, on such a wicket danger lurks in every delivery and Lace fell leg before to Howell for a hard-earned seventeen. It was nothing impressive in the score book, but worth more in the context of the game. At 66-4, there was more rebuilding to be done. As they had done in the first innings, Critchley and Hughes added a few, but on 84 Critchley made room against the off spinner Drissell and was bowled. In the context of the game it was a cheap wicket to lose.
Hosein didn't last long, well-taken at slip and the decent-sized crowd, basking in sunshine and doubtless contemplating a long winter without their cricket 'fix' realised that this game was very much in the balance. Derbyshire were only 106 ahead and more were needed, beyond doubt.
After tea Hughes went on the attack, a square cut for four and then a sashay down the track and a six over long on. At the other end Anuj Dal was again busy and tidy, quick footwork and fast hands seeing him look as comfortable as anyone, as the nicks fell short or went wide of the slips but many more were met with a resolute straight bat until he was caught at slip after a stand of 29.
There were a couple of lusty blows from Hardus Viljoen, but the innings subsided to 157 all out. The 195 minute vigil of Alex Hughes was a magnificent effort, his unbeaten 55 when no one else made more than 17 was priceless for the cause.
179 to win became 150 by the close, but Gloucestershire lost their skipper to the first ball and Bracey clean bowled, both to Ferguson in that time.
The visitors will need to bat very well to win this, on a wicket that offers the bowlers plenty of help.
Conversely, Derbyshire will need to bowl badly and bowl the wrong people to lose it.
It should make for an absorbing couple of sessions of cricket and I look forward to seeing the dying embers of an excellent summer's entertainment.
Madsen's new deal completes good end of season work by Derbyshire
They are the best three players at the club, so it is simple. Whatever else Dave Houghton decides to do when he comes into his new role next week, he can rest assured that his two best batsmen and his most reliable bowler are with him for the foreseeable future.
Madsen's deal, taking him to the end of 2022, is effectively one that puts an end to any links with other counties. He will be 38/39 when this contract finishes; young enough perhaps to warrant one more at the county he has served so loyally and so well, but too old, one would think, to warrant the clamour of other counties.
As regular readers will know, I never gave real credibility to stories linking him with Yorkshire, likely the work of a canny agent trying to work the best deal for his client. He would still walk into any side in the country though and, for all that our dear neighbours have picked up Ben Slater, Ben Duckett and Joe Clarke, I don't think many Derbyshire supporters would swap Wayne for any of them.
The return of Dave Houghton, as he revealed in an interview with The Cricketer today, was a major factor in his signing the new deal. I know how highly he rates Houghton as a batting coach and we might even see the runs output increase next year as a result, even though he again eased past the thousand run mark for the season in this game.
In all likelihood, by the time he has finished this contract, only Kim Barnett will be ahead of Wayne in the Derbyshire batting records, if he maintains his current runs output. Additionally, with one eye on the future, his reputation as a legend of the club will be unsullied by a departure to a longstanding rival and his sports coaching business with his wife, Kyla can only benefit.
Then again, so could Derbyshire, because when he decides to call it a day, sometime in the future, one would have thought him a strong contender for a coaching role at the club. He will know that the move into such a role from playing doesn't always work well - look at Glen Chapple and Andrew Gale for examples - but he would be in a strong position, without doubt.
I'm thrilled. In watching John Morris, Chris Adams and Kim Barnett I saw what was the pinnacle of Derbyshire batting. Wayne has joined that group and, in all weathers and conditions, is up there just behind Barnett for me.
Enjoy the majesty of his batting for another four years, ladies and gentlemen.
Like all of our heroes, he will be a long time gone, so it is important to celebrate and enjoy his considerable talents while we can. Whatever the ECB do to our domestic game, that will now be for at least the next four years.
And, when you have done and said all, makes today a rather special one for all county supporters.
Happy Tuesday, everyone.
Monday, 24 September 2018
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire day 1
Derbyshire 184 (Reece 59)
Gloucestershire 100-5 (Reece 4-15)
Derbyshire lead by 84 runs
On day one of what is theoretically a four-day game, Luis Reece pretty much changed my plans for the next few days single-handed.
I will be at Derby for the next two days, which at today's rate will likely see the denouement, one way or the other, of this game on a wicket that seems to offer plenty of help for the bowlers. Like recent tracks at Derby, the movement seems to come once the roller's effect has gone off and both sides made decent starts before the collapse.
I just hope that Derbyshire don't come to regret the disappointing generosity that gifted Gloucestershire 25 runs in extras. On a day where there were a combined 22 byes, I would guess that there was some variable bounce which made life awkward for the wicket-keepers, but I would be disappointed with that number of free runs were I Derbyshire skipper.
Harvey Hosein's dropping of Chris Dent off Lockie Ferguson could have been costly, but the dismissal of the visiting skipper before the close was a key wicket, one of four for Luis Reece on a day that clearly showed what we have missed this summer.
As I have said before, seam bowling opening batsman are far from common and Reece took full advantage of the conditions by getting his swing going. With support at the other end from Tony Palladino, who took his fiftieth wicket of a fine summer, Derbyshire survived a collapse of their own after lunch to end the day slightly ahead.
Reece, together with a fifty stand between Alex Hughes and Matt Critchley , gave Derbyshire the upper hand and I would doubt the visitors would want to chase more than 200 in the final innings of the summer. A lead tomorrow would be handy and I hope to be down in time to see the end of the Gloucestershire innings, even allowing for that 10.30am start.
Here's hoping we can force home the slender advantage tomorrow, then end the summer on a high.
In closing, warm congratulations to Wayne Madsen, who passed the thousand run mark for the county for the fifth time in six summers.
What a modern day colossus he has been for us. I have no idea what we would be like without his considerable ability.
Let's hope it is some years before we find out.
Gloucestershire 100-5 (Reece 4-15)
Derbyshire lead by 84 runs
On day one of what is theoretically a four-day game, Luis Reece pretty much changed my plans for the next few days single-handed.
I will be at Derby for the next two days, which at today's rate will likely see the denouement, one way or the other, of this game on a wicket that seems to offer plenty of help for the bowlers. Like recent tracks at Derby, the movement seems to come once the roller's effect has gone off and both sides made decent starts before the collapse.
I just hope that Derbyshire don't come to regret the disappointing generosity that gifted Gloucestershire 25 runs in extras. On a day where there were a combined 22 byes, I would guess that there was some variable bounce which made life awkward for the wicket-keepers, but I would be disappointed with that number of free runs were I Derbyshire skipper.
Harvey Hosein's dropping of Chris Dent off Lockie Ferguson could have been costly, but the dismissal of the visiting skipper before the close was a key wicket, one of four for Luis Reece on a day that clearly showed what we have missed this summer.
As I have said before, seam bowling opening batsman are far from common and Reece took full advantage of the conditions by getting his swing going. With support at the other end from Tony Palladino, who took his fiftieth wicket of a fine summer, Derbyshire survived a collapse of their own after lunch to end the day slightly ahead.
Reece, together with a fifty stand between Alex Hughes and Matt Critchley , gave Derbyshire the upper hand and I would doubt the visitors would want to chase more than 200 in the final innings of the summer. A lead tomorrow would be handy and I hope to be down in time to see the end of the Gloucestershire innings, even allowing for that 10.30am start.
Here's hoping we can force home the slender advantage tomorrow, then end the summer on a high.
In closing, warm congratulations to Wayne Madsen, who passed the thousand run mark for the county for the fifth time in six summers.
What a modern day colossus he has been for us. I have no idea what we would be like without his considerable ability.
Let's hope it is some years before we find out.
Sunday, 23 September 2018
Derbyshire v Gloucestershire preview
This is it. The final game in a season where Derbyshire's cricket has at times touched excellence, but at others has fallen frustratingly short. It will not escape the player's notice that had strong winning positions been converted we could have been playing for third place here, which would have been a special effort. As it is they could finish anywhere between fourth and seventh and it should be mentioned that in a possible new format eight-team division two that would be a second place finish. Not bad at all...
The Derbyshire squad is as follows:
Billy Godleman
Tom Lace
Luis Reece
Wayne Madsen
Alex Hughes
Matt CritchleyHarvey Hosein
Anuj Dal
Tony Palladino
Hardus Viljoen
Lockie Ferguson
James Taylor
Hamidullah Qadri
Tom Lace returns after missing the Middlesex match as loans usually work, his employers not wanting him to embarrass them with a big score. Looking at their batting, it would be no real surprise to see this as a possible top seven for next summer, as a season in division two would undoubtedly be better for his development than one in second team cricket.
The final place would appear to be between Qadri, Dal and Taylor, depending on the look of the wicket.So no Rampaul, no Gary Wilson, no Daryn Smit and again, no Will Davis.
Our visitors could, with a win, swap places with us and travel with the following squad:
Dent (c), Hammond, Bracey, Howell, Roderick, Cockbain, J.Taylor, Higgins, Charlesworth, Miles, Payne, M.Taylor, Drissell.
Chris Dent has a fine record against us, while Miles Hammond has restored a famous name to the county ranks and had a very good first summer. Ryan Higgins has proved an inspired signing from Middlesex and they will fight for the positive result.
I look forward to seeing a good amount of the cricket from the second day onwards, around family commitments and, with a good weather forecast for the work, expect to see a positive result.
I will stick my neck out and predict a Derbyshire win, sending us all into the winter in good heart.
Postscript - Somerset today announced the release of Fin Trenouth, who at nineteen would appear very likely to pick up a deal elsewhere. A hard-hitting middle-order batsman who can keep wicket if required, he would be a good pick up for a discerning county.
Having played in our last game of the second team summer, he must be on our radar and may be worth a shout, at the right age to get better and a price we should be able to afford.
I would think there would be plenty of interest in the former England under-nineteen.
We'll see.
The Derbyshire squad is as follows:
Billy Godleman
Tom Lace
Luis Reece
Wayne Madsen
Alex Hughes
Matt CritchleyHarvey Hosein
Anuj Dal
Tony Palladino
Hardus Viljoen
Lockie Ferguson
James Taylor
Hamidullah Qadri
Tom Lace returns after missing the Middlesex match as loans usually work, his employers not wanting him to embarrass them with a big score. Looking at their batting, it would be no real surprise to see this as a possible top seven for next summer, as a season in division two would undoubtedly be better for his development than one in second team cricket.
The final place would appear to be between Qadri, Dal and Taylor, depending on the look of the wicket.So no Rampaul, no Gary Wilson, no Daryn Smit and again, no Will Davis.
Our visitors could, with a win, swap places with us and travel with the following squad:
Dent (c), Hammond, Bracey, Howell, Roderick, Cockbain, J.Taylor, Higgins, Charlesworth, Miles, Payne, M.Taylor, Drissell.
Chris Dent has a fine record against us, while Miles Hammond has restored a famous name to the county ranks and had a very good first summer. Ryan Higgins has proved an inspired signing from Middlesex and they will fight for the positive result.
I look forward to seeing a good amount of the cricket from the second day onwards, around family commitments and, with a good weather forecast for the work, expect to see a positive result.
I will stick my neck out and predict a Derbyshire win, sending us all into the winter in good heart.
Postscript - Somerset today announced the release of Fin Trenouth, who at nineteen would appear very likely to pick up a deal elsewhere. A hard-hitting middle-order batsman who can keep wicket if required, he would be a good pick up for a discerning county.
Having played in our last game of the second team summer, he must be on our radar and may be worth a shout, at the right age to get better and a price we should be able to afford.
I would think there would be plenty of interest in the former England under-nineteen.
We'll see.
Saturday, 22 September 2018
One game to go
Four more days of cricket to go for Derbyshire, weather permitting, then the players can go away on hard earned holidays, while Dave Houghton arrives at the club and gets his bearings.
Signing Billy Godleman and Tony Palladino to new deals is good work already. Hopefully a new contract for Wayne Madsen isn't far behind, his current deal finishing at the end of 2019. With Luis Reece, Matt Critchley and Alex Hughes all contracted to the end of 2020, the nucleus of the squad that most would envisage in a first choice line up is in place.
That's the good news. The bad is that of the others there are no certainties to be with us in two summers time, not to mention 2019.
There's the wicket-keeping situation first of all. Harvey Hosein may have done enough, especially with his match-winning innings at Northampton, to secure a new deal. Yet that would be dependent on Dave Houghton's understanding of his worth. I think his glove work was better at the end of the summer, the result of hard work, but only time will tell if he can maintain a high standard throughout a long summer.
Of course, he needs opportunity to do that and my guess would be that unless there is a hidden gem elsewhere in county second team cricket he will get that chance next year. Neither Daryn Smit or Gary Wilson have done enough with the bat to take precedence, though we all know the former's ability with the gloves. In the season's closing weeks he has appeared a peripheral figure, however and one of Houghton's early jobs is to look at his wicket keepers and see what can be done. If Smit could score the runs he managed in South Africa, his glove work would make him a shoo-in, but he hasn't done that.
Nor has Gary Wilson. He is a nice bloke, but the reality is that our vice-captain has scored two half centuries, highest score 66, in all cricket this year. Given that he has spent a fair part of it in the top five, it isn't enough by some distance.
Then there's the seam bowling. We are bowling sides out now, something we singularly failed to do in the pre-Barnett era, but there are question marks against both Hardus Viljoen and Ravi Rampaul. Both are among our highest earners, but Viljoen's 36 wickets at 32 isn't, for me, a strong argument on being value for money. There have been some hostile spells, but more dreadful ones than we should expect at this level. Pace without direction is no use and when Hardus goes off kilter it is generally spectacular.
As for Rampaul, thirteen wickets at 50 is a dismal return and the recurrence of his breathing issues at Lord's is worrying for his first-class future. At times he can bowl some canny deliveries, but too often he has looked worryingly ordinary and not especially fit.
As for the younger players, I'd be confident that Hamidullah Qadri has a long term future, one that I hope can be secured, but for others things are less clear cut. Will Davis played one first-class match all summer, which tells its own story. I would be surprised to see him retained, even more so if someone else didn't give him a try.
There's a good bowler in there, but maybe the mental side of the first-class game isn't yet right. Were it so he was surely worth more senior cricket than he got. Perhaps a change of environment will see him prosper. Maybe if his too fragile body bulks up he could do it, but it doesn't look good for a lad who has a lot of talent.
I think Brodrick and Gleadall will get opportunities, in time, but I don't think Anuj Dal has done enough to be retained. He seems a really nice lad, is terrific in the field and like a whippet between the wickets, but he hasn't scored enough runs, either in the second or first team. He always looks classy and stylish, as I have written before, but that counts for nothing if there are no runs in the scorebook.
We do need competition in the middle order and I would like to see at least one batsman and one bowler come in over the winter, aside from the change in overseas players that each season seems to bring.
As it stands the opening eleven for 2019 is a long way from completion.
Signing Billy Godleman and Tony Palladino to new deals is good work already. Hopefully a new contract for Wayne Madsen isn't far behind, his current deal finishing at the end of 2019. With Luis Reece, Matt Critchley and Alex Hughes all contracted to the end of 2020, the nucleus of the squad that most would envisage in a first choice line up is in place.
That's the good news. The bad is that of the others there are no certainties to be with us in two summers time, not to mention 2019.
There's the wicket-keeping situation first of all. Harvey Hosein may have done enough, especially with his match-winning innings at Northampton, to secure a new deal. Yet that would be dependent on Dave Houghton's understanding of his worth. I think his glove work was better at the end of the summer, the result of hard work, but only time will tell if he can maintain a high standard throughout a long summer.
Of course, he needs opportunity to do that and my guess would be that unless there is a hidden gem elsewhere in county second team cricket he will get that chance next year. Neither Daryn Smit or Gary Wilson have done enough with the bat to take precedence, though we all know the former's ability with the gloves. In the season's closing weeks he has appeared a peripheral figure, however and one of Houghton's early jobs is to look at his wicket keepers and see what can be done. If Smit could score the runs he managed in South Africa, his glove work would make him a shoo-in, but he hasn't done that.
Nor has Gary Wilson. He is a nice bloke, but the reality is that our vice-captain has scored two half centuries, highest score 66, in all cricket this year. Given that he has spent a fair part of it in the top five, it isn't enough by some distance.
Then there's the seam bowling. We are bowling sides out now, something we singularly failed to do in the pre-Barnett era, but there are question marks against both Hardus Viljoen and Ravi Rampaul. Both are among our highest earners, but Viljoen's 36 wickets at 32 isn't, for me, a strong argument on being value for money. There have been some hostile spells, but more dreadful ones than we should expect at this level. Pace without direction is no use and when Hardus goes off kilter it is generally spectacular.
As for Rampaul, thirteen wickets at 50 is a dismal return and the recurrence of his breathing issues at Lord's is worrying for his first-class future. At times he can bowl some canny deliveries, but too often he has looked worryingly ordinary and not especially fit.
As for the younger players, I'd be confident that Hamidullah Qadri has a long term future, one that I hope can be secured, but for others things are less clear cut. Will Davis played one first-class match all summer, which tells its own story. I would be surprised to see him retained, even more so if someone else didn't give him a try.
There's a good bowler in there, but maybe the mental side of the first-class game isn't yet right. Were it so he was surely worth more senior cricket than he got. Perhaps a change of environment will see him prosper. Maybe if his too fragile body bulks up he could do it, but it doesn't look good for a lad who has a lot of talent.
I think Brodrick and Gleadall will get opportunities, in time, but I don't think Anuj Dal has done enough to be retained. He seems a really nice lad, is terrific in the field and like a whippet between the wickets, but he hasn't scored enough runs, either in the second or first team. He always looks classy and stylish, as I have written before, but that counts for nothing if there are no runs in the scorebook.
We do need competition in the middle order and I would like to see at least one batsman and one bowler come in over the winter, aside from the change in overseas players that each season seems to bring.
As it stands the opening eleven for 2019 is a long way from completion.
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