Masood call up is double-edged sword

Still basking in the thought that we really might make the knock out stages of the Blast, Derbyshire supporters heard today that should we do so we will be without our inspirational skipper, Shan Masood.

The reward for 1400 all-format runs this season is a recall to the Pakistan squad for their series against Sri Lanka. My understanding is that he will be available for the remaining group games and the trip to Sussex, but then will miss the knockout stages of the competition, returning for the RLODC and the remaining four-day games.

It is a double-edged sword. He has earned selection on the back of astonishing form for Derbyshire. Had his form been less impressive, he would be staying but we would be less concerned.

I am pleased for him, as in every way he has fulfilled the requirements of overseas player - and then some.

It would be galling, however, if he ended up merely carrying drinks. He is too good for that, but the squad is packed with talent and there are no guarantees his form will get him into the side. 

As for a replacement, Mickey Arthur said a few weeks back that his departure would afford opportunity to other people. That may still be the case, although the only obvious batting replacement would be Anuj Dal. With Tom Wood unavailable and Billy Godleman rested for this competition, there is no 'like for like' on the staff.  Harry Came most likely, unless Hayden Kerr replicates his Australian summer and moves up to pinch hit

In fairness, those comments came before qualification for the knock outs became a strong possibility. I am sure that the Head of Cricket will make enquiries to see who might be available at short notice, but in an ideal world it would be someone already here and used to the wickets. I have no idea who that might be, but I am sure that Mickey or the club might let us know in the coming days what the plans will be.

I don't see much point in flying someone halfway around the world for one game, potentially. But I am happy to hear other opinions on that.

Anyway, tomorrow we take the short trip to Trent Bridge, where victory would pretty much seal our involvement in the next stage, while ending any lingering hopes that Nottinghamshire hold, after a poor competition.

I don't see any change to our team, while our hosts last night fielded this side:

Hales, Clarke, Duckett, Moores, Mullaney, Christian, Patel, Harrison, Carter, Fletcher, Patterson.

I think we can beat them. In our current form I would say that about most sides and only a special innings by Alex Hales at Derby saw us lose that game. 

As we saw last night, take out the big guns of the opponent early and you maximise your chances of winning.

We'll see tomorrow.