Such was the case at Derbyshire yesterday as Anuj Dal, Brooke Guest, Sam Conners and Leus du Plooy, as well as the departed Shan Masood received theirs.
All five enjoyed outstanding seasons and it is fitting that this was recognised in the time honoured manner.
Over the winter months, I intend to do pieces on the players who can play a massive role in Derbyshire's future development. In an ideal world, the first four named above will stay at the county for a long time and I hope that is the case.
They have each got to the stage where you see their name on the team sheet and know that the opposition is going to have a tough game. We will progress and start to win things as a county when there are two-thirds of a team of such players as a minimum.
We're getting closer to that and if we can recruit wisely over the winter months, I think that promotion in 4-day cricket is certainly within our compass next year.
I will also recognise their contributions in the end of season review, which should be coming over the weekend.
For now I would just like to applaud their efforts and thank them for a job well done this summer.
Winter well guys. Next year might be the start of something really special.
Good to see those caps awarded. All richly deserved.
ReplyDeleteYes, great to see the five of them being rewarded for putting in some fantastic performances this season. It's lovely that the club has given Masood a cap. He lit up the team this year. Yorkshire hans are in for a treat.
ReplyDeleteFully deserved for the five players. Long may they continue to play for Derbyshire with us hopefully planning our future around them in a happy, successful environment. The grass isn’t always greener as Critchley hasn’t had the best of Seasons at Essex, averaging 22 and 39 in the CC but unfortunately the wrong way around.
ReplyDeleteArthur recently alluded to some interesting things in the pipeline for Derbyshire. Does anyone have any inkling of what he is referring to? Players, ground development, etc
The other thing to note is that Hassan Azad is leaving Leics. The Leicestershire commentator on the live stream said he was possibly on his way to Derbyshire but I would assume that would depend upon Billy’s future.
I would still like McKerr or Pettman to help continue strengthen the bowling but I guess we won’t have sufficient funds for another bowler, a batsman and a spinner.
Thanks for the great articles this Sesson, PF!!
Gareth
I would be very happy to see Azad, as one of several potential options, come to Derbyshire. We need a gritty, reasonably experienced opening batsman and he would fit the bill.
DeleteWould also enable us to be more creative with our second overseas player. Assuming that Lakmal is fit to return. I would still consider a spin bowling all rounder, someone who added depth to the batting while also offering a genuine and threatening option with the ball.
I think Pettman a decent bowler, as McKerr is, but don't think seam bowling is our area of weakness at present.
And thank you for your kind words, Gareth!
Critchley is playing in a far higher standard though. Not sure a case of grass is greener more the gulf in div 1 vs 2 although wouldn't be surprised to see him back in the next year or 2 as div 1 could be a bit beyond him. See Ben Slater as another who struggled for the step up.
ReplyDeleteGood to see 5 caps but Masoods very bittersweet.
Tpm
I said at the time that I thought Essex a strange choice by Matt. He was only ever going to get on to bowl after Harmer and certainly not at the optimum end for spin.
DeleteHe will have learnt from this season though and will have to show what he has next year.
Masoods cap at the end of the season was pointless why didn't he get it earlier in the season?
ReplyDeleteYou would have to ask Mickey Arthur that! He is a big one for a team ethic and perhaps wanted to ensure that they were all rewarded for their efforts at the same time, rather than in piecemeal fashion.
DeleteI don't think it was pointless, but it was symbolic and justified for a job well done to a very high standard.
If he does half as well for the Yorkies next year they will be entertained.