Getting out of the group stage is a harder task by the game, with eight wins normally the target for teams hoping to do so.
My own feeling is that the head of cricket needs to shake things up and think a little outside the box in his team selections.
I don't think he has been fair to Haider Ali, who has not looked like an opening bat in his appearances so far. In the absence from the squad of Harry Came, he should open with Tom Wood in these two matches. Indeed, the presence of those two players made the signing of an opening bat a surprise, especially when Billy Godleman was given a new deal for this summer.
I don't think we will see the latter in Derbyshire colours again, but there would be far greater sense in letting Ali come in at number five. A win against Leicestershire is possible, but we need to do much better at both disciplines.
My team would be
Wood, Reece, Madsen, du Plooy, Ali, Guest, McKiernan, Chappell, Watt, Scrimshaw, Khan
As one or two of you have alluded to, we have failed to replace Alex Hughes in this side, a player who gave depth to the batting and contributed canny overs on many occasions. I had hoped that Dal could fulfil that role, but it appears he is not yet fit to bowl.
As for Leicestershire, neither of their two highest profile players, Parkinson and Ackermann, will sign a contract for next season and beyond, so they have a few issues to contend with off the pitch.
I would love to think that Derbyshire can produce a professional performance and get a win under their belt at last, but you just don't know which side will turn up. Too many have failed to produce their best form consistently and the result has been three successive defeats.
A fourth tomorrow would be unthinkable, especially with Birmingham going well ahead of the game on Friday.
I will be back tomorrow. Or actually, later today, as I publish this just after midnight.
It's not just the batting that's the problem, it's the whole team. It will be interesting to see what happens if we bowl first, if we keep Leicester to below 180 we stand a good chance, if they get anything above we're in trouble. Pressure also on our captain now to get it right with the bat, as to me he's been one of the biggest disappintments so far this season. We need a win Derbyshire asap
ReplyDeleteGiven the squad named for this fixture, I would agree with that XI.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I look at that side and think, how many would I want to be at the club next season....
Reece
Madsen
Du Plooy
Guest
Chappell
Tells it's own story, sadly.
Got to give Lamb a chance as well Jasper, but your list is sadly right. Although Leus is in last chance saloon in my eyes
DeleteYes, I agree about Lamb but I was just focusing on the XI Steve had named.
DeleteDu Plooy does need to add more consistency to his game, for sure. Too early to judge as a captain, but so far the jury's out I would say.
I would add Anuj Dal to the list. He had an excellent season with bat and ball last year and hopefully when free of injury he might repeat last season's efforts.
Delete