Season Preview

I have been doing a season preview for Derbyshire County Cricket Club since 2009, but I have never before written it at the end of July. Come to think of it, I never expect to again, either.

It is frustrating, because I was (and am) very bullish about our prospects. Yes, I am a perennial optimist, as those who have been with me over the years will testify, but I think that optimism is shared with most of the fan base these days.

It would have been even higher had things gone to plan and we were adding Ben McDermott and Sean Abbott to the squad. Both are still on the playing staff, according to the club site, but we must wait until next season (hopefully) to see them in the county colours.

That same web site fuels my enthusiasm, especially where our prospects lie for the Vitality Blast. It lists only four of the playing staff as out and out batsmen, with two of those being Wayne Madsen and Leus du Plooy. Since they have both turned their arms over to good effect, one could justifiably add them to the impressive collection of seven all-rounders listed. This depth offers much in one-day cricket, both in variety with the ball and depth in batting. With the services of talented young players secured for the coming seasons, there is every right to be positive, especially when few, if any counties will be bolstered by overseas players this time around.

The top four of Godleman, Reece, Madsen and du Plooy is as good as there is anywhere, with three left-handers ensuring bowlers need to adjust their natural lines. All can score quickly, but have proven that they can dig in when the need arises. The limitation on first innings to 120 overs in the Bob Willis trophy will see a first innings conclude at lunch on the second day, if not before, with ninety overs maximum in a day.

The likely first choice engine room may be Hughes, Critchley and Hosein, who as the only keeper on the staff will likely play all formats. There will be opportunities for Tom Wood to show what he has to offer, while Nils Priestley is likely get a game or two in the T20. Expect Fynn Hudson-Prentice to push up the order too, building on an excellent first season impression, while Anuj Dal is a likely fixture in the T20, offering brilliant fielding, fast running between the wickets and useful medium pace. Mattie McKiernan will also push for inclusion, with his leg spin a dangerous option on the right tracks and his batting capable of adding quick runs.

As for the bowling, it is a likely last hurrah for Ravi Rampaul, whose Kolpak status will end with the season. We could engage him as the permitted second overseas for next year, but whether he or we would consider that in twelve months time is a moot point. Tony Palladino will again let no one down and will remain as metronomically accurate as ever.

Perhaps the greatest excitement and curiosity is in the seam attack. Dustin Melton will also become an overseas player at the end of the summer, but if his pace can harness greater accuracy he will keep batsmen hopping around, while Michael Cohen's left arm seam has reportedly been measured in excess of 90mph. They don't like it up 'em...

Then there is the bounce and movement one would expect from the tall Sam Conners, fresh from his new contract award, and Ben Aitchison, engaged to the end of the summer but with every possibility of a considerably longer stay after impressing in Australia and in the Minor Counties.

Another reason for optimism is that I couldn't honestly call our strongest side just now. We haven't seen them in action or in the nets and the eighteen-man playing squad could line up in plenty of ways. More important is that it gives pointers for 2021 and I would love to see what the short-term recruits could potentially do for the future.

With Rampaul not back from Trinidad in time for the first game, I will hazard a guess at the following line up for Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge on Saturday, barring injuries in the friendly that starts against Lancashire tomorrow:

Godleman
Reece
Madsen
du Plooy
Hughes
Hosein
Critchley
Hudson-Prentice
Palladino
Connors
Cohen

Love to hear your thoughts on that team and your thoughts on prospects. It is a one-season four-day trophy, with a five-day final between the two teams finishing on the most points. We have a tough group, with Lancashire, Yorkshire, Durham, Warwickshire and Worcestershire all having home advantage on us, with the Incora County Ground in use by England Ladies.

It is worth winning though and my final sign of progress is that I look at those counties and fear no one.

Bring it on.