Just an early note from me that there will be no blog tomorrow night, ahead of the four-day game against Leicestershire.
My daughter and I are going to an eagerly-awaited Laurel and Hardy night at Glasgow's Panopticon Theatre, which was where Stan Laurel made his theatrical debut in 1906. No, we're not going in fancy dress, though doubtless I'd have to be Oliver Hardy if we did...
It will be interesting to see the squad for the game and I will naturally be commenting throughout.
In response to a couple of messages overnight - and having checked myself this time - I can confirm that both Ben Cotton and Harvey Hosein are contracted for next year at this stage, which is reassuring with two young cricketers of such talent.
Another who looked to have the world at his feet a year or two back was released by Lancashire today.
Luis Reece looked a really class act when he first burst onto the scene a few years back but has struggled with a knee problem and failed to cement a place of late. A left arm seamer and opening bat, there's a good cricketer in there if someone was prepared to take a chance, though I firmly believe that Derbyshire's greater need is players of more experience at this stage.
It is sad to find today that there are two months of the season left and we only have five matches in that time.
Such is the cost of failure, eh?
I'll be back soon.
Thinking of next year
ReplyDeleteRelease... White Cork Rutherford Durston
Recruit..... Neesham ( all cricket) Buck ( not playing at Lancs) Mustard ( released Durham) Corey Anderson (t20 NZ) plus spinner
Neesham Davis Buck Cotton Palladino gives CC options ... Mustard to open in OD straight replacement for Wes ... Anderson to add mid innings firepower
Fair ideas Paul though Buck's fitness record would be a concern. Neesham will likely get an IPL deal next year and may not fancy 6 months here. Anderson a good call and Mustard fits the bill well. Anyone else with thoughts? All depending on contracts and money of course..
DeleteFair ideas Paul though Buck's fitness record would be a concern. Neesham will likely get an IPL deal next year and may not fancy 6 months here. Anderson a good call and Mustard fits the bill well. Anyone else with thoughts? All depending on contracts and money of course..
DeleteIn his interview on Monday, John Sadler said that Rutherford would be back as the overseas player for the Leics match, which creates an interesting selection problem. Either in their recent 4 day form (as far as we have any in this dislocated season) or 1 day performances, Godleman, Hughes (assuming he's fit and was just being rested for the one day cup matches), Madsen, Broom and Slater all deserve a place. Thakor (or Alex Hughes) has to play for balance, and we need Mellor and three bowlers. Rutherford is actually the one with no recent form to fall back on, but seems from Sadler's comment to be expected to play. I'd much rather see us backing the players with some form and who we expect to be here next year.
ReplyDeleteIt also sounded from his comments as if Will Davis is injured and may not be available, which doesn't leave too many options in the bowling.
Cant argue...Davis is injured and we look low on bowlers right enough...
DeleteCant argue...Davis is injured and we look low on bowlers right enough...
DeleteHope you both have a great night tonight, saw the Laurel and Hardy stage play about 4 years ago, and it was nothing short of brillant. If it ends with Lonesome Pine I bet the hairs on the back of your neck will be standing.
ReplyDeleteOk, already vouched Messrs Wilson, Mustard, Eckersley for wicketkeeper....how about one Monty Panesar for a year to see if he can recapture form, fitness and enthusiasm and at least to mentor Critchley on the art of a spinner...and a shout for Luke Ronchi as T20 overseas next year
ReplyDeleteThink Monty is done mate. Ronchi decent but if we are signing a better keeper/bat I dont think we need another for T20 personally
DeleteThink Monty is done mate. Ronchi decent but if we are signing a better keeper/bat I dont think we need another for T20 personally
Delete