Derbyshire V Australia A preview

The Derbyshire twelve for the game against Australia A at Derby tomorrow is largely as expected.

As Dave Houghton said after the defeat against Lancashire, all the batsman were keen to play and only Luis Reece misses out, presumably to protect his ankle and give him a breather after a lot of bowling recently.

Fynn Hudson-Prentice looks set to make his county debut in his place and I look forward to seeing a talented young cricketer at this level. If he makes that final, important step, Fynn and his all-round capabilities will be very important in the next few years.

There is also a place for Mark Watt, who took four wickets for the second team in the week.

The squad:

Billy Godleman
Tom Lace
Wayne Madsen
Leus du Plooy
Alex Hughes
Matt Critchley
Fynn Hudson-Prentice
Harvey Hosein
Anuj Dal
Mark Watt
James Taylor
Sam Conners

I won't attempt to second guess who misses out, but the game presents an opportunity for young players on the fringe of the first team to state a case for inclusion.

As for the visitors, it is a similar situation. All of them will want to play a part in the forthcoming Ashes series and some have a very good chance to do so.

Their squad:

Travis Head (c), Matthew Wade, Will Pucovski, Peter Handscomb, Ashton Turner, Mitch Marsh, D’Arcy Short, Kurtis Patterson, Ashton Agar, Michael Neser, James Pattinson, Josh Hazlewood, Sean Abbott

There are exciting quick bowlers and dashing batsmen in the squad, although few of the latter have much experience of English conditions.

Even with a below strength home side, the game should make for fascinating watching. I hope that Derbyshire will continue the excellent streams of home games and also that those who are able to do so turn up to support the boys.

Logic suggests the visitors will come out on top, but perhaps this once the result is of less importance than individual performances.

We will find out soon enough.