Morris has plenty to do

There's a well thought out reply to my Graeme Wagg post last night from Master Villain, a regular and appreciated contributor to this blog.

He makes a few comments on our bowling attack for next season (or potential lack of one) and also addresses the question of overseas player, should Chris Rogers be unable to return. There's little doubt that John Morris will have a lot of work to do this winter as he addresses the potential loss of Graham Wagg, Chris Rogers and Robin Peterson. If you take the best batsman and bowler out of any team, as well as the star all-rounder for the past few seasons, it leaves a lot of work to do in bringing that side back up to standard.

As I've written before, I think John Morris may wait as long as possible before looking to replace Rogers, as available players of his calibre are few and far between. He will hope, like we all do, for an Ashes recall for the skipper. I had entertained ideas, like Master Villain, that someone like Phil Hughes could be lured for a season in England that might attract the attention of the Australian selectors. Alternatively, an all-rounder like James Hopes would have been worthwhile, or perhaps even Marcus North for another stint, giving us a batsman of ability as well as a much-improved spinner.

The reality of the international cricket calendar is that next summer Australia host Zimbabwe in June and July, followed by a trip to Sri Lanka in August and September. That would, on the face of it, rule out most Australians of note and with the regulations as they stand, there would be no possibility of bringing over a young tyro keen to make a reputation, as he wouldn't get a work visa without international experience. So it is unlikely that you'd see the equivalent of a Greg Chappell, Andrew Symonds, Adam Voges or Michael/David Hussey, all of who made their name and honed their game over here on the county circuit.

As it stands at present, the only countries with no international commitments during the 2011 season after the World Cup in April are South Africa and New Zealand. It is unlikely that Cricket South Africa would want their big names burned out on the county circuit, while the bigger names in New Zealand would likewise be wrapped in cotton wool. I'm not sure where that leaves John Morris, to be perfectly honest, but I hope it highlights the fact that team building is a long way removed from a cricket simulation on the computer...

Given his recent stress fracture of the back, I would be surprised if Friedel de Wet was encouraged to undertake a county stint, though I'd agree with Master Villain that he would probably take wickets here. So too would Juan Theron, who has an excellent first class record but sadly wouldn't get a visa without international experience.

To be honest, if we can't have Buck I'd prefer an all-rounder who bats in the middle order, though don't ask me who. North or Hopes would have been my choice, but that appears unlikely if they remain in the international frame. For one thing, such a player would give us balance and for another I would like to see Paul Borrington given a chance to open. I'm sure the jury is out on Bozza at present, but he has seldom had an opportunity to take his preferred place in the order. As one of our brighter prospects, we need to see if he can cut it at county level and give him the best opportunity to do so. If he fails to take it that is one of those things, but there's a big difference in opening and batting at three, four or five.

Even at club level you see it. If I had a fiver for every time I've asked someone if they'd like to open and they've said no thanks, I'd be typing this at my Caribbean beach retreat right now. It is a specialist job and I think we should give an extended trial to a young player who could make a fist of it.

For what it is worth, my first choice Derbyshire side for next season at present would read something like:

Borrington/Hughes
Madsen
Park
Smith
Durston
Hughes/Redfern
X
Clare
Goddard
Groenewald
X

Of course, much will depend on winter recruitment and the above is a very young and inexperienced side. With such an eleven would come inconsistency and periodic struggles, but some may step forward and take on additional responsibility. I would also hope that fans might see the bigger picture and be supportive of an important transitional phase in the county's development. Think of your own work if it helps. Take out the person who runs the IT service and the one who leads on development, together with your most experienced and reliable employee and it will give you an idea of the challenge facing Morris this winter. Anyone expecting a trophy next summer might as well stock up on the vitriol now, as there's only Smith in that side has more than fifty first-class matches under his belt...

If Morris loses the big names, one would assume he would have a reasonable amount of money for improvements. I suspect a busy winter ahead which might change a few things. Naturally I'll keep you updated here on the blog!