Derbyshire 307 and 286-8
Leicestershire 247 and 301-8 (Cosgrove 110, Palladino 4-64, Davis 2-45, Parkinson 2-76)
Match drawn
The last day of county cricket at the 3aaa County Ground this year was like many of those that preceded it. Derbyshire huffed and puffed but, like the wolf in the fairy tale, couldn't manage to blow the final house or two down.
There was a spell where it looked like they could lose, when Horton and Cosgrove were piling up runs to take them to 122-2, then when Neil Dexter helped to take them to 200-3. The dismissal of the talented Cosgrove triggered a collapse, but Sayer and Jones held on through the last twenty overs and the quest for the elusive first win goes in to the final match. A season without a home championship win is not one to look back on with great fondness, although we played some good cricket at times.
The evergreen Tony Palladino took four more wickets and remains the 'go to' bowler of the side. Will Davis again showed his potential, as did Callum Parkinson, but the side's need for another experienced seamer and a spinner who can bowl out sides on the last day is massive. No criticism of Parkinson intended, as he has done a very good job in his handful of outings, but it is unrealistic to expect to bowl sides out twice when two of your main bowlers are just 19 and 20.
And so to Worcester for the last game of the summer. An opportunity to go into the winter with some runs and wickets under the belt and look forward to a winter of massive work, both in the nets and in the offices...
Thanks again to Rachel for the typing!
Very good point about Derbyshire's bowling lacking penetration, Peakfan - a recurring theme this summer. Rather sad to see Groenewald and Footitt performing so well in the current matches.
ReplyDeleteHarvey Hosein is one of the most promising players in the country and must be allowed to develop without having to fight for his place at the start of next season, as Bob Taylor was back in 1961 at the same age. On which note, is Bob available to help with coaching and advice for Harvey?
Incidentally, when was the last season Derbyshire had seven batsmen averaging over forty? It still hasn't prevented us from achieving fewer batting points than any other county. Good to see Neil Broom among the leading bowlers. What was that about lies and statistics?
Couldn't agree more Old Supporter. With regards to Harvey, it wouldn't surprise me if Derbyshire shoot themselves in the foot when it comes to his development. We await to see who they sign up but I sincerely hope it's not a similar situation to Steve Davies moving from Surrey to Somerset....ie where a guaranteed wicketkeeping position is part of the deal.
ReplyDeleteAlastair
I wouldn't be against signing the Saffa as a multi skilled option who could take the gloves but HH's continuing development has to be a priority. He will become a very very good county cricketer.
ReplyDelete