It has been long-awaited but yesterday saw the arrival at the Incora County Ground of the new Head of Cricket.
People will warm to him quickly, his ready smile and bubbly personality likely to enthuse players, staff and supporters alike. He knows his cricket, of course and we are lucky to have him.
I am confident that his arrival will see an upsurge in fortunes, but will be wary of making wildly optimistic predictions. After all, we are but two solid overseas signings from a squad that struggled last year, but if Arthur can get more from a talented group, we may surprise a few.
Comparisons with the arrival of Eddie Barlow are understandable, but let's not forget that team had Hendrick, Taylor, Miller and Ward, as well as John Wright. We don't have THAT class at present, though there are reasons for optimism.
I spent some time yesterday watching one of them, Leus Du Plooy.
In what will be on of his final innings in South Africa, he is currently unbeaten on 183 for South Western District against Northern Cape Heat. It has been a fine innings in hot weather and a thing that struck me was what appeared a modified technique.
Last season, when he struggled in red ball cricket, he had a lot of 'triggers' at the crease, a lot of movements before the bowler released. It likely accounted for early dismissals, because the timing of these could vary.
Yesterday he was much more still, albeit in better batting conditions and a lesser attack and reaped the rewards.
A top five of Godleman, Masood, Reece, Madsen and Du Plooy has the potential to be a run-fest.
If Mickey Arthur can see them all back to their best form, his chances of an improved season will increase considerably.
Finally today, I have watched both the South African and Pakistani T20 domestic competitions in recent weeks.
The one in Pakistan is of a much higher standard, with overseas players enhancing a very broad base of domestic talent.
The South African one has been of more variable quality, though the games have been good and played on wickets where batsman and bowler alike has a chance.
What has surprised me is the poor fielding in the latter. South Africa always prided itself on a fine fielding side, but I have lost count of chances going down. Not just half chances either, but some that your average club player would fancy.
Hopefully Derbyshire are more akin to the glory days in the field this year.
I suspect we will be.
Unsure if we're still in the market for overseas players (I'd like to think so given Leicestershire have signed 4 across the various formats) but a few, overseas and not I'd not mind seeing us look at:
ReplyDeleteFakhar Zaman - In prodigious form in the PSL, mates with Masood and known to Arthur. Could be a game changer with the bat in the Blast, of course would mean resting Lakmal or Masood (who has been more than handy in the PSL too) so perhaps an unlikely acquisition.
Gareth Delaney - A player I liked the look or when he played in the Blast for Leicestershire. I don't think he'd break the bank and would add both power hitting and a very useful slow option to our lineup. Again would require leaving one of our current overseas out but would his economic leg spin be useful enough to make that worthwhile?
Mark Watt - I think we're a spin bowler short in the Blast and I don't think there is a better player available who wouldn't count as an overseas signing than Watt. A very, very good t20 spinner these days.
Ben Compton - Released by Notts and currently scoring runs for fun in Zimbabwe after topping the 2nd XI Championship last season. I think he could be worth a look and given we may need to plan for Godleman's departure after this season I think he could be a decent successor at the top of the order in the Championship (I think both Wood and Reece's future lie further down and Came and Wagstaff remain unknowns in red ball cricket).
James Baird - We need a backup wicketkeeper in case Guest breaks down in the warm up and I think Baird could be tempted up from Somerset who have the established Davies, exciting Banton and the very promising Rew coming through, played a solitary game for our second XI at the tail end of the season too.
Some good shouts here mate. Zaman is superb but unlikely as you say. Unless I misinterpreted him, Mickey is bringing in someone 'not overseas' for T20, which may suggest Watt, though Delaney will be overseas.
DeleteCompton is a decent shout, but for a trial, rather than contract, as we can't afford to have players on the staff who won't play. Always wary of runs scored in Zimbabwe as the standard isn't high..
Baird would be a good option as back up and MA will doubtless look at the wk situation.
Nice post, thank you!
You won't get Compton...except maybe on loan. He's playing for Kent.
ReplyDeleteHenry A
Ah hadn't realised he'd moved to Kent. Scratch that then!
ReplyDelete