As well as Leus du Plooy and Zak Chappell batted, there simply were not enough runs to play with in the last innings. By and large we batted well in this game, but my considered opinion is that we are shooting ourselves in the foot in pitch preparation.
We have a raft of tall, lively bowlers, all of them six foot and plenty. Why then, would you not prepare bouncy tracks that are a little green, giving them encouragement? While I accept that the returns thus far of Suranga Lakmal have not been great, they're not likely to be when we are preparing low, slow wickets for him to bowl on.
If this game is to be a barometer of the season, then Lakmal and the other seamers will have to work very hard for their wickets at home. Other counties seem to be able to get the wickets that they want at home, so we should be doing the same.
Part of our success under Kim Barnett was in preparing wickets that suited a strong attack of fast and fast medium bowlers. Yes, the conditions at times could be challenging for batters, but our lineup is strong enough and deep enough to score runs on a wicket better suited to our bowling strengths.
It isn't the end of the world. There's another game on Thursday and I am sure that the bowlers will enjoy conditions at Leicester. The side looks in good shape and I remain confident that we will have a good summer, despite the disappointment of this defeat.
I wouldn't subscribe to the thoughts of some that Lakmal should be omitted for that game. He has proven himself in the past to be a world class performer. With the right wickets to bowl on, he can do the same for Derbyshire.
And I am sure that he will be determined to do so.
We do need a better balance, however. While I wouldn't go so far as to say anyone deserves to be dropped, the inclusion of a spinner at Leicester is essential. On returns in this game, Ben Aitchison may miss out, but it could be Sam Conners who gets a breather.
I would also like to see Luis Reece in the eleven, but honestly cannot see how that can happen at this stage.
I will be back with a preview of the Leicestershire game, ahead of an enforced absence which you all know about.
Well all this early season optimism has been dashed after this surprise hammering. Such a poor bowling performance, it has to change for the Leicester game with Lakmal being replaced and probably Dal. Very poor Derbyshire and a tad concerning
ReplyDeleteToo early for the changes for me, CB. Dal was key last year and will be again. Lakmal is the attack leader and it would send the wrong message after one game.
DeleteOne swallow neither makes nor breaks a summer...
All the best with the op as well Peakfan
ReplyDeleteI believe there is a 2nd XI game this week. For those who were not selected for this game it is a chance to put their hands up and say pick me.
ReplyDeleteThe trouble with the selection for this game is we had 5 right arm samey fast medium bowlers and a couple of part time spinners. I think you get more from Anuj Dal when he is given more responsibility. As fifth choice bowler he seemed on the periphery of things. Attack needed more variety. Either a spinner, a much quicker bowler such as Scrimshaw or a different angle with Reece.
Zak Chappell was a positive not only for this bowling but for his batting as well. As we had concerns with what we would get from 8/9 this season.
LIke what you have originally posted the only change I can see is the inclusion of a spinner at Leicester for one of the seamers probably dependent on fitness levels.
Good Luck with the Op.
Lakmal bowled just five overs in the second innings and went for nearly six an over.
ReplyDeleteLike others on here I remain to be convinced that he is still a world class perfrmer and a worthy holder of the title leader of our attack. What was also most disappointing for me was the failure of the tail to stick around so du Plooy could get his century. A disappointing and dispiriting result.
And to echo CB's comments, all the best for your op PF.
ReplyDeleteSuch a heavy defeat in the opening game is disappointing. Our bowling attack didn't look great at times. But I don't think we should read too much into Lakmal's performance. He has proved himself on the world stage, and that kind of experience will be invaluable throughout the season.
ReplyDeleteThere are positives from the game. Ali and Chappell made impressive debuts, with the latter looking like he might be a genuine all-rounder; Billy had two big scores; and du Plooy and Madsen both got some runs under their belt.
As we all know, it doesn't usually take long for that pre-season optimise to fade, but it would be a mistake to panic. However, I naively assumed that the obvious problems with the pitch would have been rectified for this season and I'm baffled that this hasn't happened. I agree with Peakfan about the need for more balanced team selection and that it's a mistake to write Lakmal off at this stage. We do need overseas players to make a big contribution, though. And while last season the ploy of having the wicket-keeper bat at 3 was successful, I still think it's a big ask.
ReplyDeleteNot the start any of us wanted, or that we probably expected given the heavy manner of the defeat, but I don’t think it is time to start panicking or calling for wholesale changes. The bowling performance was poor, with the attack seeming to lack a bit of variation as well as appearing a little underdone (although the preseason games, or lack of them, didn’t help) but there are positives to be taken from the game too. Zak Chappell looks like an excellent signing who could be more than useful with the bat and Haider Ali is going to play some very entertaining knocks, I think. It was good to see Billy Godleman looking to play positively and reaping the rewards, whilst Wayne Madsen continues to chalk up the runs. I’m looking forward to seeing how the players respond to this defeat in the next match against Leicestershire, and hopefully they will soon be back on the right track.
ReplyDeleteBest of luck with your operation, Steve, and I hope all goes well for you.
Sarah
I wouldn't be writing Lakmal off and of course it's too early to drop him, but he needs to do better, and quickly. I accept the pitch may not have been particularly seamer friendly, but let's not forget they managed to bowl us out twice....congratulations to Worcestershire, they outplayed us and deserved the victory.
ReplyDeleteWith regards to the pitch, MA spoke pre season about potentially leaving more grass on, especially in light of the reduction in points for a draw so I'm not sure what's happening there.
No need to panic, we move on to Leicestershire who have had a tremendous result today against Yaaarrkshire They look stronger this season and will not be easy opponents. I think everyone knows my views on having a balanced attack, so Thomson or Watt for Aitchinson would be my only change.
P.S Any talk of dropping Dal at this stage is quite frankly ridiculous, and an insult to him.
Above comment was by me. Apologies (again!) and good luck with the operation.
DeleteGood luck with the op mate!
ReplyDeleteCuthbert,
ReplyDeleteAll best wishes for a quick return to full health following surgery. I hope the wicket had been affected by the very wet March. Last season we can all agree it was totally unsuitable for bowlers. I agree we need a balanced attack. Perhaps our young bowlers ought to have studied Leach and his excellent line and length.
I thought the attack looked very one dimensional ( all right arm fast medium ) Worcestershire had a left arm quick plus a steady spin option . We have those options in the squad . Leicester will be buoyed by beating Yorkshire at Headingley….I’d consider Reece and Watt to provide variety .
ReplyDelete