Despite the county making what I understand was a very competitive offer, we will always struggle to compete when the 'big counties' - those with Test grounds and budgets - come to the table.
It is frustrating, but we have no option but to accept it and move on. Masood put himself in the shop window this summer and has served us very well indeed. He can leave with his head held high and has conducted himself admirably throughout the summer.
For Derbyshire, the search for a replacement is already underway. Whether they can find an overseas with the same willingness to lead by example and to take the weight from others in the side is a moot point, but Mickey Arthur may or may not opt for a like for like replacement.
The one uncertainty in our side this summer, however, has been the opening batting. Neither Billy Godleman nor Luis Reece has scored the weight of runs to stake their claim for permanence in the role, while Harry Came, despite looking classy at the crease, has frustratingly found ways of getting out when well set. Perhaps next year will see him emerge, as this year has seen Brooke Guest and Anuj Dal seize opportunities with both hands.
So there will be a change next summer, as was always possible. I wish Masood well, wherever he ends up, but life and Derbyshire will go on. His season with us has been memorable and those who saw him enjoyed the experience. Sadly, like Michael Di Venuto before him, I never saw him make three figures 'in the flesh', but thanks to the excellent streams these days I have throughly enjoyed the remote experience.
There is no news as I write about his destination, but were I a betting man my money would be on Yorkshire or Warwickshire. The former because post-racism scandal they will be keen to sign an Asian player to hopefully engage with the local ethnic communities, the latter because they seem to be signing left, right and centre, with money to burn.
Whoever it is will get a fine player.
I have no doubts that Derbyshire will do the same in due course.
Massive blow for Derbyshire. In 50 years of watching, one of the best overseas I’ve seen albeit only one season sadly. I assume the offer of captaincy was made and declined and he is moving for the money.
ReplyDeleteI hope it’s not Notts and as he mentions strong inclusivity at Derbyshire I would be surprised if it’s Yorkshire as they are seen as anything but inclusive ! In any case is there not a strong possibility they will be relegated if and when there disrepute charge is eventually heard? Bearing in mind we lost two points for tape on a bat surely their punishment needs to be substantial!? Not that I’m bitter !!
We will do extremely well to match him with our replacement but we have to trust in MA who must be intensely frustrated by this decision
Paul
He's had a decent season but he's nowhere near the level of the likes of Kirsten, Wright,Azharuddin,Jones probably somebody he would be comparable to would be Darryl Cullinan
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but I'd assumed Masood would be with is next season, given how much he seemed to have been enjoying his time at Derbyshire. He's contributed massively, not just in the runs he's scored, but boosting the confidence of some of the other players.
ReplyDeleteMickey now has a major problem to solve when it comes to who should open. I agree with you, Steve, about Billy and Reece. Billy's had a shocker of a season and Reece, despite his excellent Royal London century, he's been inconsistent. Openers need to be consistent and to make big scores. Reece has only hit seven centuries in 153 first class innings. Compare this to Guest, five centuries in forty-three innings, and Dal, four centuries in 57 innings. Next season might be the breakthrough season for Came. He's certainly got talent. Or he might not. When it comes to specialist batsmen, we are in desperate need of recruitment. Guest and Dal have had a fantastic season with the bat, yet, technically, neither count as specialist batsman. Guest is a keeper and Dal a number seven all rounder.
I know Tom Wood's had a difficult time with the ban, but I'm yet to be convinced he has what it takes to stake a claim to a regular spot. I'd love to see him succeed, as he's a local lad, but he only averages just over 10 in 19 innings. That's not a lot of cricket, I know, but even so, as a specialist batsman, he should be averaging at least 30.
We know about Mickey's contact book. Perhaps he might look for a promising young overseas batsman. With the kind of buzz Mickey has created at Derbyshire, we will look an attractive county for English players out of contract. Let's remember that Guest was rejected by Lancs, Dal by Notts, and Scrimshaw by Worcestershire. So let's take heart from knowing that there's going to be some quality players on offer.
I am not surprised or even shocked. If the (strategically placed) leaks of the Strauss report (due 9 September) are accurate, we’ll be a first class county in name only as from 2024.
ReplyDeleteShan absolutely beyond any criticism for wanting to improve his lot if so. Or even not if not , he’s been a superb player and role model all season and I wish him every success.
And when it comes to counties voting on the reported proposals, I assume it will be 12 to 14 children voting for Xmas versus 4-6 potential turkeys voting against Xmas.
The kids win, I’m afraid, every time. Hope and pray I’m wrong.
Anyway, let’s enjoy the rest of the season- best one for years which is a credit to MA and the players.
I assumed two years as well. Think this is a major blow for next season as I think the resurgence of Wayne is due to the pressure being off him to always be 'the guy'.
ReplyDeleteFor the younger players Steve has mentioned as well, what a relief for them to be coming at 250/2, rather than the 60/5 last season.
Feel it's two steps forward and three back. But, tbh how many of us had heard of Masood this time last year? So, bback to WA's contact book methinks!
Dave
Wirral
Somewhat disappointing to be honest but we have to move on . We desperately need 2 opening bats for 2023 . The bowling options are looking good and also of the right age profile ( Aitchison Scrimshaw Chappel Conners Potts Reece with Thomson and Mckiernan ) Let’s hope Micky can attract a couple of high class players .
ReplyDeleteWhilst the news was disappointing at least Shan has not kept us waiting in a will he / won't he sign and has let us know early about next season. If only the ECB would let counties know so quickly on what next season will look like.
ReplyDeleteI have no problems with him playing for the remainder of the season in the County Championship especially if rumours of a split to 3 divisions is true. The finishing position in championship could be crucial. Although it will be interesting to see if he is included on Sunday especially as it is a dead match potentially as captain against a possible destination. I would rather give the likes of Tom Wood or Archie Harrison game time as this could benefit Derbyshire more in the future.
As a potential signing I see Worcestershire released Tom Fell yesterday. A possible opener for next season.
It's no good pretending that this isn't a massive blow to Derbyshire. Unfortunately County Cricket has become just like Premiership football. The predatory instincts of the big clubs mean that the little ones struggle for survival. Notts, Yorkshire, Lancashire and Surrey in particular pack their squads with players poached from other clubs, leaving them able to field strong teams even when the ridiculous Hundred takes away many of their star performers. We have defied expectations this season thanks to Mickey Arthur but at the end of September will we be looking back on what might have been? My view is that Masood must be picked for the final three Championship games to give us a chance of winning them all and finishing high up in the table. To leave him out would be just like when Tim Groenwald announced his intention of leaving a few seasons ago and out of spite (or so it seemed to me) Graeme Welch - then our gaffer - instantly left him out of the team and depleted our bowling attack. And there's the question of captaincy. If Billy is sacked at the end of the season, which seems a distinct possibility, who is going to skipper the side? Perhaps MA will be looking for an overseas player with proven captaincy abilities. Well, that's what I think but I would like to know what everyone else thinks.
ReplyDelete