Derbyshire 363-8 and 255-2 declared (Madsen 80 not, Godleman 65 retired, Reece 58, Smit 18 not)
Loughborough UCCE 388 all out (Reece 3-22)
Today was a good final workout for Derbyshire, before they start the season proper at the 3aaa County Ground against Northamptonshire on Friday. It will be a tough test, the visitors having soundly thrashed Glamorgan in their own opening game of the season.
The home side batted on today and the last wicket was taken by Luis Reece, whose performance in this game will have given the selection panel at the club plenty to think about . There is a lot to like in a young player with the technique to open the batting and the ability to bowl skiddy medium pace from his left hand. For the angle alone, he represents an interesting option and I think he will have played his way into the opening side here.
I am unsure of Ben Slater's fitness, though he was nursing a knock, but Reece is a valid alternative 'up top' or could go at three. Then again, with Shiv Thakor supposedly getting a run at first drop, he may need to drop down the order - well down - in what, assuming no injuries, may be this team:
Godleman
Slater
Thakor
Madsen
Smit
Mendis
Wilson
Reece
Palladino
Viljoen
Davis
There's an option to play Tom Milnes, on form in this game, and I suspect that he and Tony Palladino may sub in and out of the side through the summer, but that eleven offers depth to the batting and six bowlers - seven, once Smit is fit to bowl in a few weeks time. Even eight, if one includes the mighty Madsen.
Billy scored another fifty today and added 125 with Reece before retiring. Luis reached a measured fifty and then hit out and got out, as did Shiv Thakor, but Wayne Madsen cruised to an unbeaten 80 from 71 balls and Daryn Smit spent useful time in the middle as Derbyshire batted out time.
They will face better teams this season, but had a solid test and there was good match play for everyone. Derbyshire can be quite happy with the state of individual games at this stage.
With Hardus Viljoen suggesting on Twitter that he is ready to roll and Jeevan Mendis due over this week, there's a rugged look to our side, competition for places and six months of county cricket to look forward to.
I can't wait...
looking ahead Northampton will be a tough game. The last game they batted as far down as 8. In all honesty if we going to compete we need to bowl teams out cheaply. I would like to see how team does with 4 bowlers and 3 alrounders. Gives plenty bowling options. I think key Derbyshire dont put to much on Vijeon shoulders so early. He needs time like Smit to adjust to county cricket. I think put Hughes and play him ar 7 dont think top 4 yet and think could gi up order like Thakor but this where batting places to be at stake. Excited but cautious as Nortampton got some goid players.
ReplyDeleteGodleman
Reece
Madsen
Smit
Wilson
Thakor
Hughes
Mendis
Paladino
Vijoen
Davis
Who's our best winter signing going to be?. My money's on Viljoen, i think he'll prove to be the most effective.
ReplyDeleteI think that I would go for Milnes ahead of Alex Hughes, he will contribute more with the ball and is still handy with the bat down 8/9. It should, weather permitting, be a close game as both sides are pretty equal when up to full strength and it will be an interesting test for the season.
ReplyDelete