I will say that I have declined to post a couple of recent comments, because they were critical of other contributors and/or players and did not have a name appended.
Please remember that everyone is entitled to an opinion, but as long as that opinion is neither personal nor unfairly critical I will publish it. But moving forward, I will only publish comments where the person has logged into Google OR has appended a name, regardless of the length of that comment.
It is only fair that people do this. My name and my face are there for all to see and I'm happy to justify any comments that I make, or that appear on here. Please consider, before posting, if you would be prepared to say what you write to a person, especially a player, standing in front of them.
Moving on, I am delighted that Scotland are now one game away from the Cricket World Cup. A win over the Netherlands will take them to it, alongside Sri Lanka.
It is fully deserved. They have batted well enough to set totals, fielded tigerishly and bowled with intelligence and skill.
A couple of people have messaged me to say how impressed they have been with Brandon McMullen and I have been too. He has looked a class apart as a bat, while he has bowled cleverly with both the new ball and as first change.
At 23 he looks like a player who would do a very good job at a first class county, a statement backed up by an international batting average around 40 and a bowling one at 18.
Born in Durban, South Africa, he has lived in Scotland for four years and is qualified to play for them by residence. I'm not sure how that works with his eligibility to play county cricket as a local, but it seems only a matter of time before someone offers him an opportunity.
Derbyshire need players and I would hope that Mark Watt might put a word in, as he would appear perfect for our needs.
5-34 against Ireland, 69 and 3-32 against the West Indies, 34 and 2-31 against Zimbabwe today, not forgetting 136 against Oman. These are serious figures and there is much to like in such a cricketer. Upright at the crease, his timing and placement are excellent and there is a wide enough range of shots to suggest he could go further.
One to keep an eye on, whether for Derbyshire or anyone else, as he appears a very talented lad.
Anyway, well done to Scotland and to Mark Watt, who has also had a terrific tournament with bat and ball.
Good luck on Thursday, at Bulawayo!
I see Bopara has been released by Sussex. Potential replacement if LDP leaves? He’s a youngster compared to Madsen!
ReplyDeleteHe is and he is a wonderful player. I'm not sure if I would want to return to the days when Derbyshire became a final payday for once outstanding players.
DeleteToo often we found they were a pale shadow of who we remembered.
Not sure if Ravi would be interested in 4 day cricket anyway?
I read in the Telegraph that we are signing Pat Brown from Worcestershire. Another 1 format player (hasn’t played FC since 2018 or list a since 2019). Maybe this points to Scrimshaw and/or Zaman not being back next year.
ReplyDeleteSame article mentioned LdP to Middlesex as we’ve seen elsewhere.
Multiple reports today (Cricinfo/Telegraph) that Pat Brown has signed for us for next season. Very interesting addition, suggests Scrimshaw might be off next season? I do rate Brown highly, surprised he is still only 24, if he keeps fit he's one of the best T20 bowlers in England. Also being reported Zak Chappell has been picked up for The Hundred as well, which is great for him, but not good for our RLODC chances, especially with fitness concerns over Conners and Aitchison!
ReplyDeleteI've seen a few rumours that Pat Brown has signed up with Derbyshire for next season. Still only 24 and was highly rated a few years ago. Kris
ReplyDeleteJust to throw this into the ring. I see that Tom Lace's three-year contract with Gloucestershire ends this season. He was impressive for us in 2019, scoring over 800 runs and three centuries. His career seems to have dipped since then, and he appears to have spent most of this season in the Gloucestershire seconds. He's only 25, and might be worth considering. He can also keep wicket.
ReplyDeleteI liked Tom a lot when he was at Derbyshire. But three years on, I am not sure if he is the best option for us now. His career hasn't gone forward at Gloucestershire and he may now be considering options outside of the game.
DeleteIf Leus goes, does he fit into a potential lineup of Lloyd, Came, Guest, Madsen, Lamb, Reece, Dal? Assuming Luis is retained, of course and there are no other batting signings ..