Varying opportunities for Durston and Wainwright

There's a nice opportunity for Wes Durston, today, as he is announced as skipper of the MCC side to tour South Africa in the early new year.

It may not be an 'official' tour, but it is due recognition for a man whose career has turned around completely since joining Derbyshire, following his release by his native Somerset. At that stage, when he was playing for the Unicorns, such an accolade must have seemed a pipe dream, but the player has become a key member of the Derbyshire squad.

Especially in the one-day game, which makes up the majority of the short tour. Durston's ability in short form cricket is never in doubt and he has been head and shoulders our best one-day batsman over the past five years. He usually gives an innings early impetus, while his bowling is canny and more than useful.

He is, in short, a very good cricketer and perhaps our insurance policy at number seven this year in the four-day game, where his spin variation as the summer progresses will be invaluable.

Meanwhile, David Wainwright will join Karl Krikken at Shropshire in the Minor Counties, where he will undoubtedly do well. His best season in the first-class game was under Krikk and will doubtless hope that the resumption of the partnership will rejuvenate his career.

While it would appear unlikely that he will be seen in the first-class game again, he could enjoy several good summers in the Minor Counties. I wish him well, as I am sure you all do.

Finally tonight, good to see Martin Guptill back in the runs for New Zealand, with 156 against Sri Lanka in the first Test match. 

It would have been special to watch, like all of his innings are.