Season prospects - four day cricket

Let's be honest, even for perennially positive Peakfan, 2021 was pretty horrible for Derbyshire supporters.

There appeared to be no game plan, no hand on the tiller, no consistent way of playing. Individuals rose from the mire, but as seasons go it was quickly filed in a folder labelled 'eminently forgetable'.

The loss of Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Matt  Critchley and Harvey Hosein, three of the more consistent performers, suggested that 2022 would be some way from fun, even if the inevitable (for me) departure of Dave Houghton at least meant the 'under new management' sign could hang over the club entrance.

And yet.. 

Somehow we start the season with a world-renowned coach in Mickey Arthur, who has persuaded two solid international cricketers to join him in Derbados for the full summer. Pakistan's Shan Masood will lead the batting, while Sri Lankan Suranga Lakmal will lead an otherwise young attack for the next two seasons.

Both should do well and have extensive experience overseas. Masood's arrival should allow Luis Reece a less stressful time when he returns to full fitness, dropping down at least one place in the order. If Reece, Godleman, Madsen and Du Plooy bat to their talent, their heads and techniques cleared by a top coach and man manager, runs should not be an issue. Alex Hughes, Tom Wood and Harry Came will push for opportunity, though their greater involvement may come in one-day cricket. 

Brooke Guest is the sole wicket keeper and can add good runs and quality with the bat at three or six, while everyone will hope Anuj Dal can carry his end of season form into a fresh summer. There is an all round cricketer of genuine talent in there, one who may blossom with an established role in the side. If he doesn't, Hughes will push for that role. 

There are concerns in the spin department, with Alex Thomson and Mattie McKiernan having less first-class career wickets than Critchley took last summer alone. But they will get opportunity and cannot complain if their chance isn't taken. Both are good cricketers and their development will be eagerly watched.

The seam attack is the most intriguing and holds real potential. Lakmal should thrive on early season tracks and will offer crucial control, while Sam Conners looks lithe and lively pre-season. I rate him highly and his whippy pace and tight lines will make him a handful.

Then there's Ben Aitchison. If I can see echoes of Harold Rhodes in Conners, Aitchison is more of a Mike Hendrick, not fast, but probing, accurate, almost metronomic. If they stay fit they can go a long way in the game.

Nor should we discount the two fastest bowlers in the club, George Scrimshaw and Mikey Cohen. Both have had injury challenges but have that extra nip to trouble batsmen when things are right. Throw in the as yet untried but promising Nick Potts and soon to be English- qualified Dusty Melton and there is a depth of seam bowling talent at the disposal of Mickey Arthur.

While Nottinghamshire should stroll division two, there is no reason why we shouldn't challenge for the second promotion slot. We have seen before with Eddie Barlow and Dean Jones how someone of great self-belief and motivational skills can galvanise the club.

While this side is a transitional mixture of youth and experience, with few seasoned county pros in the middle, they are not without talent. A lot of talent.

The side will again be captained by Billy Godleman, who will soon have only five ahead of him among those captaining the county the most. He has become a Derbyshire man and will be proud to lead an emergence from the doldrums. 

Prediction? I am going for top four. More than that will need good luck with injuries, better fortune with the weather and our holding more catches than we did at times last year. 

Even in 2021 we bowled sides out. With an improved batting effort, who knows?