Good points in e mails

I got a couple of very interesting and well thought out e mails last night, both in support of John Morris and both making good suggestions about Derbyshire’s future.


Paul suggested that all counties would benefit from experienced overseas players who are not likely to play for their countries again. ‘They will have a beneficial impact upon the younger players at a county and perhaps even help more experienced players to find new dimensions to their game as well. Counties are not just buying playing ability but also a presence in the dressing room, training and coaching.’

I can’t argue. The influence of Langeveldt, Peterson and Rogers will continue long after they have left the club, as did the work done by Eddie Barlow. Each has helped young players with the mindset, as well as the technique of the game.

Paul also suggested that Marcus North would be a good option as overseas player and that is likewise an excellent call. North did well for us a few seasons back in a brief spell and could potentially be a victim of the precocious skills of Steven Smith in the Australian setup. The latter is well thought of in Australia and North’s role would perhaps be the one that he is aiming for. Much will depend on the Ashes, but should he fall from favour, Marcus North would be an excellent choice for the middle order berth I highlighted last night.

As would Garry’s suggestion of Adam Voges. I’m unaware of Nottinghamshire’s plans for next season, but if they plump for David Hussey as overseas player, Voges would be an excellent option. He has also done well for Nottinghamshire and also has useful slow left arm as an option. As always though, any knowledge of their availability would lead to a bidding war that I wouldn’t expect us to win.

I also had a look at top South Africans who have played international cricket recently but do not currently have a central contract. I came up with three names – Alviro Petersen, Ryan McLaren and Makhaya Ntini. A batsman, all-rounder and fast bowler.

I don’t think many would quibble at them. Ntini looks to be finished at international level, but at 33 did a great job for Kent in the early season, as too did McLaren in his stint for them as a Kolpak. Petersen is a solid batsman who can either open or play in the middle order, while interestingly Roelof van der Merwe, who I mentioned last night, doesn’t currently have a central contract. Paul Harris does, while Johan Botha will be a staple in the one-day side as captain. Could van der Merwe be tempted with a county deal?

Looking at his first class batting average, I perhaps did him a disservice in not according him all round status. It sits a shade under thirty, which suggests he can handle a bat. He might just see it as an opportunity to further his experience.

It may, of course be that John Morris chooses to go down a non-Kolpak route this winter, but such players as those above may well be in his mind should he decide to do so. Much will depend on availability and his success in this country.