All things being equal and barring a collapse that would be shocking by even our 'off day' standards, Derbyshire should wrap up victory over Gloucestershire sometime before lunch tomorrow. The weather may yet play a part, but the forecast doesn't look too bad.
The attack did a professional job today, well backed up in the field. Mark Turner again played a leading role and while opinions are divided on the paceman there is no doubt that he has the pace to worry batsmen and especially tail-enders. As Corporal Jones used to say in Dad's Army, they don't like it up 'em you know...
He reminds me of a right handed Peter Hacker, who some of you will remember. Hacker spent most of his career at Nottinghamshire before moving to Derbyshire and was capable of bowling consecutive balls of garbage and genius. He always got wickets though, but ultimately at too great a cost. With hard work over the winter, Turner could be a genuinely potent weapon next year.
A win would set up a battle royal against Northamptonshire at Chesterfield next week and in the intervening period Karl Krikken has some decisions to make. The failure of both Wayne Madsen and Chesney Hughes again has put additional pressure on the two of them with Matt Lineker and Dan Redfern both chasing elevation to the senior side.
Both are fine players and will come again, but now is the time to pull them from the firing line. While Greg Smith is not in prime batting form, his all round ability and greater experience may see Krikken choose him over Hughes. Conversely, Hughes likes Chesterfield's pace and bounce and may do well there again. It is big decision time and I'll tell you what I think in the next few days...
Madsen now needs a break and there are two opening batsmen in the Seconds deserving an opportunity. For me, Matt Lineker is now in poll position and should surely make a senior debut on a ground he will know well from the Premier League.
I hope so, but it is all irrelevant if we fail to win tomorrow.
Let's wrap it up professionally lads. Third place beckons.
I actually thought that Madsen was a little unlucky to get out in the way he did today. It seemed to me that he was shouldering arms so-to-speak, expecting the ball not to rise as sharply as it did, and from what I thought I saw it struck him either on upstretched arms, or his upper body, before it dropped back onto the stumps. Did anyone else see this more clearly than I did?
ReplyDeleteI missed seeing Chesney dismissed, as I left just before 6pm, so can't comment on his dismissal.
Well done to "Tina" Turner today, he thorougly deserved his wickets!
One other comment - only four extras in the Gloucestershire second innings, a major improvement on previous games!!
Madsen and Hughes look like they need half an hour in the nets with Andy Brown. Lets not have a go though, they are both quality players and they'll come good again.
ReplyDeleteBen
Does anyone know why DCCC keeping playing Denby's Aussie Jake Sherriff in the seconds? Surely there are other lads within the county set up that would benefit from playing 2's cricket, particular at this time of the year when there are no school/exam commitments.
ReplyDeleteNo idea Bob,unless he,s the future landmark signing!. Can only conclude that someone must see some potential in him.
ReplyDeleteSherriff is playing because he's doing well. He's not English qualified but injuries to most of the new ball bowlers have left the cupboard bare and they have to be competitive.
ReplyDeleteI could understand him playing a game or two in that case but not to be a regular. Are there no rules on overseas players in second team cricket? Would seem very inconsistent of the ECB if not with their keeness to make county cricket more accessible to young English qualified players. There must be quite a few 17-21 year old seamers within the county age groups or from the clubs that could do just a good a job as a young Aussie who is steady at best.
ReplyDeleteOnly common sense ones Bob. When we once had Kirsten, Le Roux and Lamb in our 2s it was maybe over the score, but a pretty good team!
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