Today's breaking news that Matt McKiernan has signed a contract extension at Derbyshire may fly under the radar with some people.
He is not yet a big name, nor indeed a new one, having played for our second team last season. He did so with some success, scoring useful runs and taking wickets with his leg spin variations. His displays earned him a call up to the senior side for one T20 match, when he let no one down.
That he has impressed over the winter months is no real surprise, as Matt is a very talented young player. He played in a successful Leigh Cricket Club team alongside Luis Reece, and has also played with success for Cumberland. His all round talents will make him a useful player for Derbyshire and I could see him being particularly effective in the T20.
By the same token, it is never a bad thing to have a player in your side worthy of selection as either a batting or bowling specialist, who can slot into the side and give depths two both disciplines. As the summer progresses we could quite easily see Matt in the same team as his namesake, the talented Mr Critchley.
With Hamidullah Qadri also on the staff, Derbyshire has a trio of exciting young spin bowlers. Depending on the fitness of our seam attack as the summer progresses, they may each get plenty of bowling opportunities in 2019.
Matt has worked hard at lower levels of the game to get to this stage. Don't be surprised if that level of commitment and willingness to work hard takes him on still further.
Like the rest of you, I wish him well.
Interesting timing. Mckiernan is the sort of signing I like, young & English. Nothing against Kolpaks & overseas but they should be limited to a few who will bring immediate added quality. The problem with the Mckiernan type of signings is that not all are going to become first team regulars. A success rate of over 50% is good going.
ReplyDeleteStrange how they gave him a 1 year deal at the end of the season then just on basis of pre season decided gave him another year. Could argue it’s good management if they really rate him but I saw someone say elsewhere let’s hope it’s not due to some news about our other leg spinner who perhaps could have said he is not interested in staying? Totally 2+2 = 5 but it could be the case
ReplyDeleteI think it is canny succession planning on one level, but also a confirmation of how he has worked and impressed over the winter.
ReplyDeleteCritch will want to see if the county's ambitions match his own and if there is to be stability and support at the club. Young players need that and his Indian trip should prove its value for him.
We now have three young spinners of promise, which is good to see!