Tomorrow is the big game at Chesterfield, as if any of you needed reminding of that...
Wayne Madsen has, as expected, been rested for this one after a poor run and Dan Redfern is the logical replacement. I expect Chesney Hughes to open the batting as he did on Sunday, although Karl Krikken must have thought about bringing in Matt Lineker.
For me, the last place is likely to be between Mark Footitt and Tom Knight, depending on how the wicket is expected to go. Clare, Palladino and Groenewald are a fine seam trio, while Greg Smith offers spin and seam options. The Derbyshire 12 in full is:
Martin Guptill, Chesney Hughes, Wes Durston, Greg Smith, Dan Redfern, Ross Whiteley, Luke Sutton, Jonathan Clare, Tim Groenewald, Tony Palladino, Tom Knight and Mark Footitt.
Our visitors are missing opening bowler Jack Brooks, but welcome Durham batsman Kyle Coetzer for a debut on loan, with a view to a permanent move at the end of the season. He goes straight into a side that bats a long way down, Andrew Hall and Niall O'Brien at 7 and 8 averaging over and just under 50 respectively this season. Their bowling relies heavily on Sri Lankan veteran Chaminda Vaas and there will be an added burden on him in the absence of the talented Brooks.
As I wrote last night, I expect a result track, as wickets can always go at Chesterfield. I find predicting a result very difficult as the two teams are fairly well matched, but Derbyshire are a focused side at present. They will give it 100% without doubt and we will need to wait and see if that is enough. The visitors will, of course, be happy with a draw and almost certainly will offer us little. The onus is on our lads to be aggressive with bat and ball, hold their catches and enjoy their fair share of luck, both on the pitch and with the weather.
If that happens, this season of great promise could yet have a late, astonishing twist...
No return for North to the shire, Peakfan and Katich looks likely to be heading south. I think the overseas birth for 2012 is going to need some serious research.
ReplyDeleteWith the international calendar as it is and involvement in IPL as yet unknown I don't expect it to happen any time soon MV!
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to see Guptill and Khwaja back again. They say Guptill is OK for the first part of the season so maybee Khwaja could take over from him?
ReplyDeleteBen
I think we should have signed North and we may live to regret not doing. He,s as good as anyone we are likely to attract, but we,ve missed the boat. I only hope Mr Grant has something up his sleeve that will surprise us all.
ReplyDelete