Yorkshire, 297 and 520-9
Derbyshire 247 and 293 (Madsen 93, Came 58, Dal 38, Chappell 33 Bess 4-79)
Yorkshire won by 277 runs
Derbyshire should have been able to bat out today. Against an attack shorn of Matthew Fisher, out with a side strain, on a pitch that their opponents scored 520 on only yesterday, we couldn't even take the game to tea. Yorkshire beat us by their greatest run margin ever in matches between the two sides.
Madsen batted beautifully again, dismissed for 93 for the second time in the match. Came battled hard, as later did Dal, but apart from that and some late order hitting from Chappell, it was meagre fare. Once again, half of the side perform, but half don't. We aren't so good that we can still win at 50% capacity.
We haven't won a four-day game all summer and I wouldn't bet a packet of pork scratchings on our doing so before it ends. It isn't even that we cannot string together successive days of domination and control - we struggle to do this by the session. If you win sessions, you have a chance of winning the match. We haven't won too many of them this season, therefore we haven't won any matches.
These are not bad players. In some cases they are very good ones. But at this stage it is hard to get away from the thoughts that we have part-time coaches and a team that contains two players who won't be here next year. I am not suggesting they're not trying, but you could forgive them if they didn't. Derbyshire could yet finish bottom of division two, which considering Yorkshire have a 48 point penalty would be pretty demoralising.
Whatever the club acceptance of the Head of Cricket's role, he could have had no involvement in preparation for this game, because he was in Pakistan. Whatever has been agreed for the winter months, surely we need Mickey Arthur here to have a more 'hands on' approach with his players in our season? Ian Bell is with New Zealand, so who has a hand on the tiller? Ajmal Shahzad, most recently preoccupied by the Trent Rockets. It is increasingly and uncomfortably bizarre, from my perspective.
The captain is leaving and we have all been buoyed this afternoon with the news the George Scrimshaw has been called up by England. Oh, but he's leaving too..
Gloucestershire are next, at Bristol. Not exactly a battle of the titans, but a very important game for both sides. Whoever loses the game is likely to be the 'real' bottom side in the championship, which would be devastating after all of the pre-season optimism.
Hopefully the week ahead might bring some positive news on the signing front.
We can only hope so, because we're looking for small wins at this stage.
I suggested this morning on the blog that Derbyshire might just try and chase down the massive Yorkshire target, as they nearly pulled off a run chase against Sussex in July. And it seemed like they were intent on doing this in the morning session, as Madsen smashed the ball all over the place, with Came, who has developed massively this season, holding up the other end. Not long before lunch we were 198-2, and, given the run chase at Hove, where we scored at six an over, that Yorkshire target looked possible.
ReplyDeleteThen - of course – we collapsed, losing five wickets for 13 runs. After that it was game over. While Dal and Chappell put on 78 together for the eighth wicket, the way they played didn’t suggest they intended to bat out the innings. Chappell’s three sixes must have entertained the Scarborough crowd.
These sorts of collapses have become a trademark of our batting in the latter part of this season. We put ourselves into a strong position and then throw it all away by losing a clutch of wickets in quick succession. I don’t understand it. Is it about loss of concentration, the wrong mental attitude, poor shots, or a combination of all three? I’ve no idea. I wonder how Mickey, the coaches, and the “first team analyst” explain this domino effect. Surely, they must have a theory about it and some idea of how to solve this worrying problem. I
Madsen produced two wonderful innings, but he got out for 93 in both when we really needed him to press on and get a really big score. This is just an observation, not a criticism.
A positive from the game was Mitch Wagstaff scoring his maiden half century and picking up two wickets.
I honestly thought that in our last four CC games we might finally sparkle as a team and finish strongly. After this thrashing by Yorkshire, I’m not so sure.
It was great to see a Derbyshire player called up for England, even if he is leaving. I wish Big George all the best.
You are not alone in wanting the season to end PF. It seems as if some of the team are in the same mindset. It can't be a coincidence that we were effectively rudderless before the game with coaches spread around the globe and a captain leaving for pastures new. I think there needs to be a major reset in the close season around the coaching situation. I wonder if MA's contract/remuneration package has been amended to reflect his part time status?
ReplyDeleteThe way we played suggested we were gifting the match to Yorkshire. I am sorry but that is unacceptable. The target was not attainable and we should have shut up shop. I remember a match in 1980 at Chesterfield when Bob Taylor, John Walters and Colin Tunnicliffe batted through the final day to deny Yorkshire. Players who gave everything they had for the club and who wouldn't give Yorkshire an inch. Today, I feel badly let down.
ReplyDeleteAlthough some individuals have consistently performed well this season with the bat - notably Wayne of course- the form of others has been patchy to say the least. Our bowling however has been dire in some matches, especially in this one. Having supported Derbyshire for even longer than you PF, I have to say that this is possibly the weakest bowling attack I have ever encountered. With such a disjointed looking team at the moment, the captain should be taking charge and rallying his troops. The fact that du Plooy isn't doing this surely suggests that he is preoccupied with his impending departure. I would suggest that he is relieved of the captaincy for the remaining Championship fixtures and replaced by Guest, Reece or Dal.
ReplyDeleteVery good point about the captaincy. It would surely make more sense to appoint another captain, even at this late stage of the campaign since we know that Du Ploy is leaving. Reece, Dal or Guest being the obvious candidates - if only in a stand in capacity. Regarding the head coach being allowed to have dual commitments, was it perhaps a case of the Derbyshire committee agreeing to this arrangement rather than loosing his services altogether..?
DeleteIan, South Africa.
Re Arthur's contractual arrangements: I think it's a trap to think someone will be a wonderful county coach just because they're a "top notch international coach"--whatever that means. Personally I wonder if Arthur's rather over-rated as a coach--but regardless, the main thing as a coach is whether you're successful: two of the bottom three counties this year have the two most experienced international coaches, and the most successful is coached by a man who's never had a coaching job before! It's possible to over-emphasise reputation and under-emphasise whether they have what's needed for this particular role.
DeleteOf course though, if your mind isn't really on the job then you're unlikely to be successful regardless of whether you're a good, bad or indifferent coach. That's the question here--more even than where Arthur is physically.
I do find it odd seeing 2 players in our side who we know will not be here next season. When du Plooy is batting I no longer care if he scores runs, likewise with Scrimshaw taking wickets. Neither looked that bothered in this game.
ReplyDeleteI think we all could do with an announcement or 2 regarding new signings, because at the moment it's looking pretty grim.
I'm wary of putting too much hope in new signings turning everything around--mainly because I don't think that's the main issue, partly because I'm far from convinced that any of the signings so far are definitely an upgrade on the players they're replacing, and partly because I'm not sure anything too spectacular is to come.
DeleteArthur has talked about six new signings; three have already been made, one will be the second overseas player (which to me needs to be someone in the Thomson role, but better), one looks like it will be a T20 captain (all well and good, but depending on who it is might do virtually nothing for the red-ball side: it could be Lewis Gregory in theory, but it could also be Jack Taylor, Cobb or Bopara!), and the third surely needs to be a back-up for Guest (who therefore again might not be in the starting XI for red-ball games).
And the much-rumoured Patel? Also not convinced--he's a one-format player who turns 40 just after the end of next season and whose best years are some way behind him. He could be inspired, and an inspiring mentor---but he could also be an expensive white elephant.
Dave
DeleteGenuinely don't see a back up for Guest. Not an area of great need and he maintains high standards. Plenty good 2nd XI keepers around we could loan if needed.
DeletePatel? Plenty of rumours, but I will give my thoughts if and when it happens. Seen too many over the years that came to naught..
A coach who’s not there for the start of the game and a captain that's already on his way out. No matter how well-intended they are, there's no way that can be good for the team.
ReplyDeleteThe batting has disappointed because it should be better, but they're also always facing daunting tasks following a poor bowling performance.
A lot of work to do over the winter, but who’s going to be doing it?
I believe giving the captaincy away is perhaps not the best move. We have paid price for keeping Du plooy this year. You can not fault his contribution with bat this year. He prehaps leave also with title being one of our poorest captaincy on record. This is why the club needs to realise Billy did fantastic job as captain in some pretty dire years at the county ground. At least on social media do big thank you for his contribution.
ReplyDeleteIf we look at positives things can change quick in cricket. If we look at success that Leicestershire have had in last 4 months this gives us all hope. As last season Leicester were a dire team.
I just hope supporters will get behind Arthur. He got difficult role balance two jobs. My advice would be don’t travel to see Pakistan when your ship is in trouble. I don’t think it’s a wise move as makes himself target that not focused on role. If was Derbyshire demand him to report back January/February schedule for 2 weeks at Derbyshire would be wise move. As if people think one way relationship it turn soar vey quick.
I fully agree with all the points made in your summary PF . In fact I’ve touched on them in recent posts myself .If Mickey is to have this dual Global role then I really feel we need an “ on the ground “ hands on coach who deals with the pre game tactics , daily management communication ,session by session feedback , and acts as a support to what is a small squad which will have new players and a new Skipper .God help us when Pakistan next tour England , Mickey will need Zoom ,Teams ,a Hologram and a Honda 750 …pardon my sarcastic tone but mamaging a county with meagre resources needs its full attention …
ReplyDeleteNo arguments from me, Paul.
DeleteAnother dire performance but not entirely unexpected, it just mirrors what we’ve seen for much of the season. With a coach AWOL and a captain about to clear out his locker the side seems rudderless. Far too many players in this game contributed little and without the tremendous efforts of Wayne Madsen the match might have been over before today. The bowling, much like the batting looks woeful and can’t see us taking twenty wickets unless on a helpful wicket. Sadly Derby does not fit that criteria. We certainly need new recruits and a stronger mentality that seems sadly lacking.
ReplyDeleteNudger
Yet again, Mr Madsen leads from the front in every situation we face. MA always said it's a 3 year project, but also looming on the horizon is how would we replace Wayne when his playing days end?
ReplyDeleteIt's not easy following us at times, is it?
Andy
Cryogenics, Andy! Get him in cold storage over the winter...😉
DeleteAgreed, Kris!
ReplyDeleteAt the moment DCCC is a joke....literally. It is all so sad and so upsetting. Something fundamental HAS to change. And if Scrimshaw is England class we are truly living in the Mad Hatter's world imo.
ReplyDeleteGeorge only got picked because other teams require their players for vital championship games Probably just be the water boy
DeleteScrimshaw is an interesting one …..He played little or no cricket in August …Picked for the Welsh Fire but didn’t play ,therefore he missed all the Royal London games …then selected for England !!!!!
DeleteNice work if you can get it
This season has been fine except we don’t score enough runs and don’t take enough wickets so why can’t we win games.
ReplyDeleteWe have mentioned the pitch at Derby in the past which we know is so flat that even I might get a run (though I may need Anuj Dal as a runner).
But one concern I have had this season is how bad we have been at clearing up tails. Looking at scorecards for County Championship games this season.
Worcs (H) – Matthew Waite 109* (at No.7)
Durham (A) – Brydon Carse 108* (at 7), Paul Coughlin 52 (at 9)
Leics (H) – Charles Wright 21* & 49* (at 9)
Gloucs (H) – Zafar Gohat 53 (at 7), Matthew Taylor 57* (at 10)
Yorks (H) – Dom Bess 41* (at 9)
Sussex (A) – Fynn Hudson-Prentice 63* & 44 (at 7), Josh Carson 41 (at 9)
Durham (H) – Brydon Carse (again) 80 (at 9)
Glamorgan (H) – Chris Cooke 70 (at 7)
Yorks (A) – Matthew Revis 106 (at 7), Jordan Thompson 64 (at 9)
It shows we have got into decent positions only to let them slip by.
I think number 7 getting runs is expected, because most sides have a good player, a genuine all rounder there.
DeleteBut your point is valid. We don't clear up tails and far too often what looks a good performance is changed very quickly..
I support Derbyshire and I accept we won’t win every match because of our stature in the game
ReplyDeleteHowever it is totally unacceptable to not give anything less than 100% in every time
I agree their is talent in the side but it’s weighed down with people not trying or wanting it enough
The bowling had been average at best and poor most of the time, not to signal anyone out but when I saw Lamb at chesterfield in the summer his movement in the field was appalling and no surprise he has been a massive flop he needs to work
On his fitness
Positives
Came looks a right player and as for Madsen well I am not literate enough to give him the plaudits he deserves
He epitomises what a professional sportsman should be and has served this county with passion and pride. He has probably been the only player over the years opposition fans would say I wish he played for us !!!
Get this season done and let’s look over the winter what went wrong and start sorting it
John
Chesterfield
I wouldn't be too critical of Lamb. He has really struggled this year with a back injury that may well need surgery. It will have limited what he could do from a fitness perspective, as well as limiting his movement in the field and at the crease.
DeleteI will reserve judgement on him until he is fit and had an opportunity to play regularly. I don't think it's fair to do so until then.
But Came is the most improved player in the club. Ask for Madsen, we need some new words in the vocabulary!
If we had an overseas bowler to blow the opposition away, things would be very different. Our side is full of decent cricketers, but they are usually batting under extreme pressure. We have got to the point where we score 300, but are left thinking this is a poor score, because the opposition get 500! Kris
ReplyDeleteAn overseas strike bowler next season is surely a must for the 4 day game. Someone with a good strike rate and who can also keep it tight at one end. That's what we've missed this season. The bowling averages are very disappointing.
DeleteIan. South Africa.
Well, we have Amir for the first half of the season. Has to be a positive!
DeleteDoes he have other commitments for the second half of the season..?
DeleteIan. Sth Africa.
He is a regular at the CPL so we may be looking for someone to replace him for the ODC and second half of champo
Deletehi Peakfan fair enough on Lamb but if it’s as bad as you say should be not playing period
ReplyDeleteHowever I will bow to your knowledge and give him another go next season
John Chesterfield
No worries, John. I think they have tried to get him to play through it, but to the detriment of his average, at least. No idea if it is worsening the injury but one assumes not. We don't have many other options!
DeleteSurely a large part of the problem has been not replacing all the runs Masood scored? I think he camouflaged some of the issues that were there last season but have only showed up in this season’s performances.
ReplyDeleteAccording to the BBC website Samit Patel has left Notts but wants to continue playing. Derbyshire possibly?
ReplyDeleteHis younger brother played several games for Derby's second's about ten years or so ago but was never offered a contract
ReplyDeleteSamir Patel may be 40 but is a serious cricketer
ReplyDeleteNot sure he would be happy with you there......he's 38!
DeleteIf Samit Patel to Derbyshire is true as per various media outlets (Cricinfo for one) I wonder if the announcement now of him leaving Notts is ahead of a loan move for rest of season before a permanent move.
ReplyDeleteI went on to look at the pitch during every break in this match and it was obvious that a SLA spinner could have got some traction around the right handlers leg stump, a point confirmed to me in conversation with the (excellent) groundsman. So we left out Watt. Sense? Even worse we then had to watch Du Plooy bowl as a kind of surrogate left arm spinner. Awful. On the captaincy, I say we should use it as a way of retaining our own top talent. Let’s not have another Brian Bolus. I’d give it to Dal, whose role in the PCA shows he has leadership ambitions and potential, and who is fundamental to the team as a whole.
ReplyDeleteAndy T
Lloyd might have agreed to come on the basis of being captain?
DeleteLloyd might have joined with the captaincy being part of the agreement?
DeleteI think that the signing of Lloyd makes a lot of sense. It would make even more were he made skipper, something he does well. Certainly for the four day game, but if they were able to tempt Patel to Derby, he would be my pick for T20 with his vast experience around the globe.
DeleteI've heard this quite a lot about Lloyd...but is there any evidence of these captaincy skills? He hasn't exactly turned Glamorgan into anything they weren't before--that is, a solidly mid-table second division team. Why, for example, do people think he'd make a better captain than Guest or Dal?
DeleteA new voice, for one thing. A strong character for another. A versatile player who is good with bat and ball. Lets the other two concentrate on their very good games. Think Guest has more than enough on his plate!
Delete