With county friendlies being announced around the country at the end of July, the thinking money is that there will be some proper cricket to enjoy from the start of August.
Enjoyed at a distance, it is fair to say, as I see no likelihood of crowds being allowed this summer, so we must all be dependent on the excellent streams around the country, together with whatever coverage Sky can put together of the tournaments played.
Like the rest of you, I will be fascinated to see the fixture lists and hope that I am able to see a lot of what is played, whether working from home or on my days off.
I also understand that the county is interested in acquiring the services of Tim Bresnan, who recently announced that he was leaving Yorkshire at the end of 2020. It will be quite a wrench for the player, who has spent his entire career with the white rose county, but he appears to be looking for a new challenge and would be a fine asset to Derbyshire in 2021 and beyond.
It would be an excellent signing but there will be stiff opposition around the country. If it becomes a bidding war, then he won't be making a short journey south, because we simply cannot compete on those terms. If, however, the player values staying where he is and not moving home, as well as a challenge of taking the club on to the next level, then there will be appeal in the Derbyshire offer.
Other options may well be Durham, also handy for the player, as well as Sussex, where he could link up again with his old county coach, Jason Gillespie.
He will not lack offers, that's for sure.
Presumably our interest suggests that this will be the final year for Ravi Rampaul, who will be 36 when next summer starts. He showed last summer that he was still a force to be reckoned with, but time moves on and two years can make a big difference to a seam bowler. His contract is up at the end of the summer, but it would be surprising to see him return in 2021, especially with Sam Conners and Michael Cohen needing opportunity to allow their undoubted potential to flourish.
His Kolpak status will end with that contract and we have already said that this year's signings for the overseas roles, Ben McDermott and Sean Abbott will return in 2021 (Covid and commitments permitting).
Postscript: the club has now announced that pre-season training will start next week, with a hoped for season start of the beginning of August.
Encouraging news!
Bresnan will also be 36 when next season starts.
ReplyDeleteIt would seem to be a bit unwise financially to sign someone new, for a season maybe lasting 6 weeks at most.
Martin H
It would be for next year, Martin. Take your point, but Tony Palladino is a similar age and likely still has something to offer. Bresnan is a good player, offers with bat and ball and will not lack offers.
ReplyDeleteI would be surprised if he ended up at at Derbyshire, but depends on his motivation and desire to relocate.
If he doesn't want to do that, then we or Durham would be his best bet
Apart from getting the counties to play some friendlies what does the ECB hope to achieve starting the season in August?
ReplyDeleteWell, it depends what they can arrange. But if they get cricket on it maintains interest and that is massive, compared to deeming the season null and void.
ReplyDeleteConcur,
DeleteSome cricket is better than nowt..
I cant wait tbh.
On the BBC website it has states that Derbyshire have got three one day matches and five first class marches in August and September are the OD games apart of a cup competition?Also are all the teams playing five FC games and if so will this constitute a league with promotion and relegation leading to hopefully a full season in 2021?
ReplyDeleteFingers xd ranger!
DeleteTo my knowledge no fixtures have been released yet, Ranger. Certainly there are none on the club site and I would take that as the accurate info.
ReplyDeleteMy understanding is that a one off regional championship will be contested with 3 regions and five long form games each. But whether four days, or three hasn't been announced.
Probakly in the coming week, would be my guess..
The Telegraph suggests the championship would be an ideal opportunity for crowds to be allowed to sporting events although you’d think the age profile might make that a struggle!
ReplyDeleteThinking about will Bresnan be value for money? I personally think its a gamble signing as sure be on 2 year contract. He would have to be well managed like we have with our older players. Whenever you read that bowlers have Back injuries like Bresnan had one last year. It very common because of repetition of the action and what they put there body through. Mark Footitt example who career looks like it sadly limp to an end he was quality player. I think at age 36 if he fit and plays there no doubt he get wickets and runs. I personally think at this moment with everything that happened off the field with Covid 19 I would prefer club to save money.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
ReplyDeleteWots going to happen with Cohen, deploy, if we are having 2 Aussies next year with the no kolpack rule. My understanding is two overseas and no Kolpacks
ReplyDeleteAnswered in my piece today, John!
DeleteIf there is going to be some county cricket this year is it going to be streamed live?because if not nobody will see any county cricket this season
ReplyDeleteYes Ranger, my understanding is that a lot of whatever cricket is played will be streamed for supporters to watch at home
ReplyDeleteI cant wait to hear the dulcit tones
ReplyDeleteOf dave "fletch", thb.
It will add some semblance of "normality" ..just saying
For me anyway..
On the subject of live streaming, it has been confirmed at the forums that members will benefit from live streams. Reading between the lines I'm wondering if there looking into the possibility of some kind of subscription for others, as a way of raising some much needed revenue.
ReplyDeleteWhatever the outcome it would be a nice gesture if non members made some kind of voluntary financial contribution to help keep the club afloat. There as been talk of how members could be refunded, however as far I am aware most have told the club to keep the money. It's worth remembering that members who pay annually by direct debit have provided the club with an interest free loan since last November. Which from our household alone amounts to £300. Those who took out the early bird scheme actually paid in September 2019. Refunding people presents a problem , if all membership money is refunded it ceases to be a club as it technically has no members. Anyway here's looking forward to some interesting cricket wether it's 50 over a four day seems to depend on the hotel situation, especially as Pakistan are taking over the one at the County Ground.