Tom Lace retirement and a lesson for us all

At the many talks that I have done around the country over the past decade, I'm always asked why I started to write a blog on Derbyshire cricket.

The answer is simple. Some of you may remember the old 606 site that the BBC used to host. To say that it was awash with rumour, scandal and outrageous slurs doesn't come close to the truth and I was appalled that a national institution could have its name associated with such a site. 

I checked in once a week, just to see if anything was being said about Derbyshire, but I was always left with the feeling that there had to be something better. The club's own web site was in its infancy and not especially good, so I decided to start to write, specifically about Derbyshire cricket. I wasn't sure if there was anyone out there who would be interested, but living in Scotland I knew no other county supporters and hoped to make a few contacts, at the very least. 

I never realised that over 3.5 million views later it would be going stronger than ever, but from the early days I have been aware of a readership that included players, their families, club staff and former players, as well as supporters of Derbyshire and other counties.

I felt an obligation then and now to steer the blog through the knee-jerk reactions of defeats and criticism of individual players. They were all doing their best, as Conor Hourihane said to Derby County supporters after Saturday's defeat, but sometimes your best just isn't good enough.

Players face the trials and tribulations of life the same as we do. I recall John Morris telling me the issues faced by one player when he was club coach and it was a wonder the player ever got on the pitch. John, like many others before and since trusted me and I never betray a confidence.

With all of this in mind, I was saddened today to read of the retirement from first-class cricket of Tom Lace, who graced us with his serious talents when Dave Houghton was in charge. He was as lovely to watch at the crease as he was a person, looked destined for the top and was missed by many when he opted not to return to Derbyshire.

Like many others, including some close to home in Derbyshire, he has battled depression and anxiety, which got to the point where he couldn't enjoy playing any more. Let's face it, cricket is unique, as a team sport where the individual has the responsibility of a solo endeavour. You hit fours and sixes, you take the wickets, but you also get the first-ballers and go around the park as a bowler.

Writing a blog earlier in the year,  he said social media sites "often reinforce existing feelings of insecurity and inadequacy" and mentioned a Twitter troll whose comments 'tipped' him over the edge.

Which is where all of us come in. I have been thrilled  that in well over a decade no one has ever contacted me to take exception with something written. Indeed, plenty have been in touch to thank me, which is lovely and appreciated.

But we must all be vigilant and wary of knee-jerk reactions, flip comments and personal attacks. In the immediate frustration of defeat or poor performance, it is easy to look for a scapegoat. It goes with the territory to some extent, but while criticism is valid, we must all strive to keep it warranted, as well as qualified. 

Let's be honest, none of us have lives where everything goes to plan, or where we don't make mistakes. But no one takes to social media to castigate us for what has happened. 

Likewise, no sports person sets out to play badly. Sometimes the opposition is too good, the conditions are against them, their health or fitness are letting them down or things are preying on their mind. 

Watching Birmingham fans turn on Wayne Rooney after two games; seeing the 'Warne out' nonsense when Derby concede; reading what Emma Raducanu faces when she loses a game saddens me. These are people who have done more in professional sport than most of us can dream of.

If one thing comes out of Tom Lace's premature retirement, I would love people on social media to be better aware of the hurtful impact of their words. Not just on the player, but their loved ones too. Count to ten; if you are really angry keep your powder dry until you have calmed down. There will always be days when, no matter your talent, your best isn't good enough. Don't crassly type 'X Out' when your team loses or tell player Y he is rubbish because he missed an open goal, or dropped a crucial catch.

Critical comment is fine, as long as it is measured. Player X is not 'rubbish' because you aren't in professional sport. You have made the elite, but sometimes they can be out of form, have things going on or may be out of their depth. 

As for Tom, I wish him the very best in all of his future endeavours. An engaging, charming and personable young man, I am sure he will do well.

Most of all, be happy.  I wish you as much of that as you can handle 

If you can get to that stage, it is worth its weight in gold.

Dal signs on for next three seasons!

Anuj Dal for another three seasons? That'll do nicely.

I heard stories at the end of the season that one or two counties were very interested in the services of the Derbyshire all rounder. My concern - which I kept to myself, because it wasn't common knowledge - was that in building a new squad, we might lose one of the stalwarts of the current one.

Thankfully, Nuj has opted to stay, signing a two-year contract extension and perhaps be a part of something special, starting from next year. He will be the first to admit that his batting wasn't quite at its best last season, but I have every confidence that it will return to the glories of 2022 next year.

His bowling has improved every year and he is now the man to bowl the 'Palladino' overs when things get tough. He can be relied upon to bowl an accurate line and length, wobble it around and restrict the scoring rate. But he also takes wickets and is a very valuable member of the side.

He is also the best fielder in what is generally a good fielding side. Eminently watchable, thoroughly engaging and an invaluable member of the side, Derbyshire will be much better over the next three seasons with him in the side

I hope he can force his way into T20 plans, because his skill set would be invaluable in that format. If he can regularly find the lines and lengths required, he would be a very good asset to the team.

A lovely bit of news to start the day. I don't think anyone will argue with that!

Weekend thoughts

They were weekend thoughts, but I decided to wait for the outcome of today's Pakistan fixture against Afghanistan to post this one, with a few amendments.

I will start with Pakistan, because it is more relevant to Derbyshire cricket. I think that Mickey Arthur will be under considerable pressure after today's loss, following on from other under-par performances.

Broadly speaking, the batting has done ok. They have a solid top order, even if they are missing the real 'Wow' factor that Fakhar Zaman brings. He has been struggling with a knee injury and although Shafique and Imam are fine batters, neither has the power of the missing man. Their scores have been in the 'good but gettable' category and the bowling has been woeful.

Haris Rauf has been a major disappointment and I am surprised that he wasn't dropped for this game in favour of either Derbyshire 2023 alumni Zaman Khan or Mohamad Wasim Junior.  Usama Mir, who did so well for Worcestershire last season, has also been found out at this level, while Shadab Khan has flattered to deceive and isn't bowling well.

Only Afridi has really looked the part and they look in a similar state of disorganisation to England.

But who should be surprised at England's failure? If, instead of playing 50 over, 300-ball cricket you opt for a 100-ball game, you reap as you sow. Fifty over cricket is similar to the old Gillette Cup and Benson and Hedges Cup - you don't need to slog everything from the word go. I know that some thinking is to get a lightning start then knock it around in the middle overs, but if you lose three wickets in the power play, you still have a long time to bat and half of your specialists are already back in the pavilion.

England have paid the price for a lack of preparation. If you were going to be running the 1500 metres in the Olympics, you wouldn't prepare by taking part in the hundred metre sprint. That's what we did, so my sympathy-ometer is at a very low setting...

Anyway, we will see what happens through the rest of this competition. There must surely be changes for the above two sides, but sadly I can only see India winning this tournament, after they eased past New Zealand yesterday. 

The Kiwis are a fine side, but the absence of Williamson is a major blow, as it would be to any side. Take Kohli from India and they are a different eleven. I would also be interested to see how they fare batting first, when he cannot pace a chase as he does so well.

I still think South Africa will be in the mix, but it will depend on crucial bowling personnel staying fit.

Which come to think of it is very similar to Derbyshire next season...

World Cup woes

If Pakistan replicate their performance against India over the rest of this World Cup competition, Derbyshire won't need to worry too much about Mickey Arthur having other things on his mind very soon.

The Pakistan top four is very good, but the rest of the side collapsed like a pack of cards and it became a very one-sided game thereafter.

They are a proud and volatile country and any failure in a major competition usually has fall out. There is sufficient opposition to Arthur's dual role over there for things to become awkward if things don't go to plan. One to keep an eye on, for sure.

I have to say that I have been unimpressed by what I have seen of the tournament, certainly by the home supporters. Crowds have been underwhelming and for me at least it was very disappointing to see parochialism and bias so prevalent among the home support. 

I appreciate the history between the two countries, but there was no acknowledgement of beautiful stroke play, no warm applause to recognise a very good cricketer. Simply silence  and I find that very difficult. My Dad brought me up to appreciate and understand that there are always two sides in a game. You may support one of them, but it shouldn't stop you from appreciating and acknowledging a job well done by the other side.

Dave asked the other day who blog followers were tipping for the World Cup. I'm quite happy to admit I'm working on an 'anyone but India' basis, at least in my hope for the eventual winner. I don't like what they are doing to the world game, I certainly don't appreciate the boorish attitude at times of Virat Kohli and I don't like the extreme partisan nature of the crowd. It isn't nice to witness and I am paying only passing interest to things as it stands.

England? Well, you reap as you sow and when we have downgraded our domestic 50-over competition to a sideshow, while the country's best players play in a format that no one else wants, then you get what you are entitled to. Absolutely nothing, so far. It would not bother me unduly if that state of affairs continued..

It is nice to see South Africa do well and I always appreciate the professionalism and general good sportsmanship of the New Zealand side. But you just know that when it comes down to the business part of the competition, the pitches that are prepared will negate the threat posed by the South African pace attack and will likely turn square. I know they have Shamsi and  Maharaj, but I think New Zealand might have the better chance on such pitches with Sodhi, Ravindra and the excellent Santner.

So to answer the question, my heart is happy to go with either of those two, but my head, sadly, suggests that India will come out on top, as seems pre-ordained.

That's all from me for now. There isn't much to say about Derbyshire, as most of the recruitment has been done early and successfully. 

I will be back later in the week, or at the weekend.

Recruitment impressive

Well, Samit's in, following on from David, Pat, Mohammad and Aneurin. Things are shaping up nicely, eh? 

So much so that it is very hard to pick a first choice side, especially when we still have, theoretically, player number 7 and the second overseas player still to come in.

I am struggling to figure out the role of that second import.

Mickey has said, in the not too distant past, that both overseas players would be bowlers. Yet yesterday he said that Samit Patel could play some four day cricket if conditions warranted a second spinner. Which would seem to rule out signing someone who is primarily a purveyor of twirly stuff. Unless he is throwing us off the scent...

A seam bowler perhaps? Maybe, but with Amir in the squad already, a second would mean only one from Chappell/Conners/Aitchison/Brown/Potts in each game. With Reece, Dal and Lloyd all able to bowl, picking four specialists would be overkill, don't you think? 

Perhaps a change of mind, bringing in a batter? I watched Abdullah Shafique yesterday and thought what a talent he is, but Reece and Came seem to be secure 'up top'. With Guest at three, Madsen four, Lloyd (presumably) at five and Donald, Wagstaff and Lamb fighting for six ahead of Dal at seven, it seems overkill, perhaps? 

My gut feeling is that we are missing, especially for T20, either another all rounder or a specialist spinner, maybe a leggie. Early season conditions in England are not often conducive to wrist spin, but a good one will always puzzle batters and get them out. Jeevan Mendis did a pretty good job in the early summer a few years back, but leggies are often hugely successful in T20 too. Might it be the missing link on Derby wickets? 

One other thought on the signing of Samit Patel. I don't see his age, 38, being a major issue. There are a number of Derbyshire signings in my time at the club who were advanced in their playing careers but did a stellar job. As Jasper pointed out in the comments of the last piece, Barry Wood is one example, so too Dean Jones, John Hampshire, Phil Sharpe and Ron Headley. 

The great Eddie Barlow was 36 when he joined Derbyshire and was still a magnificent cricketer. Going back further, Garnet Lee was also 36 when he too moved from Trent Bridge and gave wonderful service as batter and spinner. Because he had to spend two summers qualifying at that time, he too made his county debut at 38, but remarkably played for another eight seasons!

Samit has never been a greyhound, but he has been a terrific cricketer. I liked the words he spoke on the club site and the confidence that Mickey Arthur has that he has signed to 'make a difference'.

I am quite enthused with the winter recruitment so far.

And if isn't finished yet..

Patel signing confirmed as Derbyshire build impressively

The story of Samit Patel's 'move' to Derbyshire has been heard for several weeks now, the rumours flying around the local leagues, but nothing coming from Nottinghamshire or Derbyshire to substantiate the stories. Perhaps the greatest story never told...

The announcement of his release was met with a combination of incredulity and cricket fans from around the country hoping that his next stop would be with their county.

Well, that next stop has been confirmed and Samit Patel will line up for least the next two summers in Derbyshire colours. White ball colours, anyway, red ball as required.

And I couldn't be happier.

Let's be honest, he has long been a thorn in Derbyshire sides. His purposeful stride to the wicket has so often been a precursor to a match- winning or turning performance, full of powerful strokes. Likewise, there have been many times when we have made a terrific start against Nottinghamshire, only to find ourselves tied down in the middle overs by his subtle changes of pace and variations in spin.  

Then again, he has been a class act and that is what class acts do. It isn't as if he has reserved his best performances for Derbyshire, because his  statistics over a glittering career are remarkable. He should have played more international cricket than he has, but the present day obsession with athletes looking like greyhounds legislated against him. We can all rhyme off names of players who were less than  lithe yet very talented and it has never been an issue for Patel. Weight is an easy target when a player performs badly, but the reality is that he has been - and likely will continue to be - a match winner.

His experience in 20-over competitions around the world will be of immense value. I see him batting at five or six at this stage - until we know who else is coming in - while continuing to be the bowler who applies the brakes on opposition batters in the middle overs of an innings. It is quite extraordinary that after all these years of cricket he still only concedes an average of just over seven runs an over.

With a Vitality Blast attack that now - injuries willing - includes Patel, Pat Brown, Mohammad Amir and Zak Chappell, Derbyshire should have a good shout in that competition in 2024. The acquisition of an overseas all rounder would make the bowling very strong indeed and pretty much guarantee sell out crowds for home matches.

The concern, I guess, is that Brown, Amir and Patel have all been exclusively T20 players for several years. In two of them preparing for and playing in longer formats, is there a risk they could break down? I don't know the answer to that, but I hope that the county fitness experts, sports scientists and physiotherapists do.

I don't expect Samit to come to Derbyshire and coast in the final years of his career, as that would tarnish the legacy. I mentioned before that  both Ray Illingworth and Tony Lock were players of advanced years who moved county and inspired previously underachieving sides at Leicestershire to remarkable performances. Samit has the potential to do the same and I hope that he understands the opportunity that there is here. Success at an affluent county is expected and perhaps not too much of a surprise - you could argue that Nottinghamshire have underachieved in recent seasons. Doing it at Derbyshire would be something really special.

That's five of the supposed seven signings complete now. Depending on the plan for pitches at Derby, a seamer or spinner who can bat should be the other overseas player, a batter who can offer overs in the field my preferred final piece of the jigsaw. 

Anyway, welcome to Derbyshire, Samit.

Bring your Trent Bridge form with you. It is time to become a hero on the better side of the East Midlands...

Captaincy question

After the signing of Aneurin Donald, there appears to be plenty to look forward to in 2024.

Following on from the signings of David Lloyd, Pat Brown and Mohammad Amir, the squad is taking shape quite nicely. Yet with the departure of Leus du Plooy, one of the decisions of the winter will be who takes over as captain.

The expectation for some time has been that Lloyd, a player and captain of experience at Glamorgan, will be the natural successor. I think it likely that he will be the captain for the long form of the game, but he may have rivals for both the 20 and 50 over competitions.

I also think the niche for Lloyd will need to be settled. When he was signed, it appeared  likely that he would be the opening partner for Luis Reece. Yet the arrival and great success of Harry Came has meant that position isn't very likely.

He may slot in at three, but Brooke Guest has let no one down there and, despite the workload, may be keen to continue in that position. If the player is happy, then I don't think many supporters would argue. Which would then leave Lloyd to slip in at number five.

Samit Patel, whose signing will surely be announced sometime soon, is one good and experienced option for one day captaincy. He has played T20 around the globe and would bring vast experience, but to my knowledge he has never been captain. It may be that he still remains in demand for The Hundred, which might then mean a captain for each format.

Alternatively, having done a good job during this year's one-day cup competition, where I thought he led the side intelligently with limited resources, Guest could be the captain for all one day cricket.

I understand that he opened, captained and kept wicket in Australia at under-19 level, so being busy is not alien to his nature! He would likely bat down the order in T20, but having seen some of his innings last year there could be a good argument for him staying up the order and taking advantage of the Powerplay. He can certainly hit a ball and, with Anuj Dal, he is probably the best runner between the wickets in the club.

Plenty of food for thought over the winter months.

Aneurin Donald signs!

There will be those who point to an average just north of 30 and be unimpressed by today's announcement of the signing of Aneurin Donald. I would direct them to comments of Hampshire supporters on Twitter, who are generally, in the modern parlance, 'gutted' at the news.

As a reference point, his average is very similar to that of Matt Critchley, and had we announced the return of the Critchmeister it would have been rightly deemed  akin to the second coming..

Donald is a very fine player. He gives us back up to Brooke Guest, as a wicket keeper of talent and at 26 years old he is only just coming into his peak. It should also be remembered that he missed two full seasons in 2020 and 2021 with an anterior cruciate ligament injury. 

Any player who has had surgery takes time to recover from the mental side, let alone the physical. One has only to look at Luis Reece, who had surgery on his shoulder and knee, to see how it impacts on a player of considerable talent. Luis wasn't the same last year - it was unfair to expect him to be so - but he has come back in 2023 and been the star of the show. He trusts his body again and we have reaped the benefits.

Aneurin Donald now needs to play regular cricket. It is beyond dispute that he is one of the cleanest strikers of the ball in the domestic game, a player who can take the game away from you in two or three overs. Everyone will refer back to the double century that he scored against Derbyshire, when he annihilated our attack and broke several neighbouring windows as he hit 15 sixes. Yet he is far, far more than a modern day Ted Alletson.

He proved that in the summer just past, with blistering one day cup centuries against Kent and Worcestershire, one from 71 balls, the other from 73. Yes, he can sometimes get carried away in the enthusiasm of youth and give it away when the crowd are desperate for more. For Donald read Adrian Kuiper, or Chris Wilkins, players of similar style and value. It never lasts as long as you want, but you enjoy every second while it does.

Such is the lot of the entertainer. He wouldn't be the same player if he knocked it around, nurdled a few here and there, ground it out instead of taking the attack to the opposition. There is a balance, but he is a match-winner. And every side needs its share of match-winners.

The side for next season is nicely taking shape. I don't see Aneurin as replacing Leus du Plooy, because you don't replace players of that talent. But he brings his own skill set, his own dynamic and an unquestionable, obvious talent to the Derbyshire middle order.

If he fires, you will want to be there, or be in front of your TV, because he is well worth every minute of your attention.

This is a very special signing and supporters should be pleased. There is an additional dynamic element to our side now, especially in T20 cricket, but I think he will want to prove he can deliver across formats. After all, if you score your runs quickly, you have more time to bowl out the opposition and force a win.

We have his services for two years initially and I expect him to play a full and prominent part in a Derbyshire resurgence.

Welcome to Derbyshire, Aneurin. 

I never expected to write that. This is a good day.

Random thoughts

There have been some very good, well thought out and pertinent comments on both my season review and in emails and direct messages that I have received in the past couple of days.

An old supporter made the very valid point that the clubs with smaller staffs are always going to struggle in 4-day cricket when injuries bite. He said that Suranga Lakmal, signed to be the leader of our attack, played only four matches and took eight wickets at 55 each. Meanwhile Ben Aitchison, who many would have had down pre-season as one of our most reliable bowlers, played only five matches and took eight wickets at 60 each.

As he pointed out, injuries will always hit seam bowlers and luck will play a part in the fortunes of every side. Most sides recruiting an overseas spearhead would expect 40-50 wickets, while a bowler of Ben's quality would likely get 30-40. That is a lot of wickets for the others to absorb and the absence of such players puts pressure on the ones who retain fitness to play when they are perhaps not 100%.

Certainly the absence of such players was a major factor in Derbyshire being unable to force wins.

I would also agree with Terry, who messaged me. When we're looking at replacements, David Lloyd is really replacing Billy Godleman, whose returns in recent summers have been in decline from his prolific heyday. I would certainly expect Lloyd to surpass the season totals of Billy in the last three years, besides offering a useful bowling option and likely the four-day captaincy.

Equally, Mohammad Amir has to be a step up from the returns of Suranga Lakmal. You can make your own mind up on Pat Brown v George Scrimshaw, but I fully expect the former to be a good contributor across formats. His record suggests he will do a good job and I am looking forward to seeing his progress.

Of course we are not going to replace Leus du Plooy easily, but IF the rumours on Aneurin Donald are true, we have a player coming into his peak years. The way that he plays the game could see low scores, but I can guarantee that when he gets going it will be worth the price of admission. He also offers cover for Brooke Guest, so serves a valid dual purpose.

Samit Patel? Logic suggests that should be announced soon, given that stories of his move to Derbyshire have been around almost since I had hair. He is effectively a swap for Mark Watt and his all round ability surely makes him an upgrade? I accept he will not be overly mobile in the field, but nor was that especially a strength of Mark. Unless he is joining as a clandestine agent for Nottinghamshire, out to sabotage their local rivals, I expect him to deliver four tight overs and contribute with runs when opportunity presents itself. T20 skipper? Maybe, we will need to wait and see.

Which leaves us with the second overseas player and 'player seven'. There are no clues to either of them, but our area of greater need would appear to be in the bowling ranks for the second overseas spot and I believe Mickey Arthur said at the recent members forum that both overseas players would be bowlers. A number of top Pakistan players appear to be ruled out, after the announcement of their central contracts last week, but there are some good options outwith that squad. Leggie Abrar Ahmed, who did well against England a couple of winters ago, is a notable absentee. Then again, so are Nauman Ali, Khushdil Shah, Usman Qadir, and Zahid Mehmood. Spinners all, with Khushdil also a dynamic bat, perfect for T20.

Player seven is unlikely to be Will Davis or Ed Barnes, both of who were released by Leicestershire today and have previously played for Derbyshire. I would love another all rounder, as you cannot have enough for white ball cricket, but we will need to wait and see on that one.

Plenty to think about, anyway! 

Season review

In writing my season review, I thought I would revisit the preview that I wrote back in March. For a range of reasons, that seems a long time ago.

There were two short paragraphs that stood out at me. The first said

'If the wickets at Derby can replicate the one at Chesterfield last year, then Derbyshire have every chance'. 

Meanwhile the second said:

'..the feeling remains that some of the squad may have reached their peak and have no more to give. Maybe not, but that's my final caveat. Can the Head of Cricket get ten per cent more from everyone? 

The pitches were nothing like Chesterfield, while it is fair to say that too many players proved to have peaked in 2022. I take no pleasure in saying that, nor in being proved correct, but 2023 was largely disappointing from the perspective of a Derbyshire supporter.

There were good performances, most of them by individuals. Reece, du Plooy, Madsen and Guest had excellent summers, Came, Chappell and Thomson good ones. The issue was that collectively the team didn't deliver. Until we get the players who can do that, until the gap between the side at their best and their worst is narrowed, there won't be an improvement. The absence of overseas players above is telling and can make a difference another year.

I won't go down the route of some commentators on social media, who have been quick to say they have never seen worse. I can only assume collective amnesia, because I certainly have, a few times. Yet there was genuine excitement and anticipation after the 2022 season and it largely fell as flat as last week's champagne.

It all went wrong early. The announcement that the Head of Cricket was going to combine his role with a similar one with the Pakistan national side cannot have gone down well. Regardless of any manufactured benefits (first call on their best players apart) it said to me that he felt they didn't need him, perhaps created too relaxed an environment or left some people feeling undervalued. When a fallout with long-serving former captain Billy Godleman became a poorly kept secret, the die was cast for a summer of disappointment.

We didn't win a four-day game and rarely looked like doing so. When your highest wicket taker has 31 in 14 matches the reason is clear, but none of the bowlers would have looked forward to a day at county headquarters. Conditions were far too heavily weighted in favour of batters and match after match saw high scores and fairly mundane cricket. To be at its best, the game needs to offer something for everyone. It didn't at Derby and this simply has to be addressed for next season. Zak Chappell and Sam Conners destroyed Sussex on perhaps the only bowler-friendly surface of the summer. That needn't be a one-off and shows the talent is there.

The pitches were fine for 20-over cricket, but again the inconsistency of the side was a frustration. Zaman Khan did well, but the side lacked the nous for big occasions and we lost too many matches against sides that were eminently beatable. Meanwhile it was another hugely disappointing 50-over competition. Supporters watched the success of neighbouring Leicestershire in frustration, aware that a side of comparable, probably lesser quality managed to raise their game when it mattered, talented individuals making up a team to be reckoned with.

Batting averages were impressive in favourable conditions. Leus du Plooy and Luis Reece towered above all in fine summers, the former in his last before a (still strange) move to Middlesex. He progressed from 'talented' to 'international possibility' this season, although his captaincy was a much weaker suit. We will remember him as a player of devastating brilliance at times, though on occasion, when his footwork was more hesitant early in an innings, he could look less at home. I wish him well, even if he, like George Scrimshaw, will still be playing in division two next season.

Luis Reece came top, yet in a prime example of muddied selection wasn't in the team at the start of the summer. He recovered his best form with bat and ball and was rewarded with a new contract, very much deserved. He is part of the county scene now and will hopefully remain so for a long time to come. He was Bradmanesque at the end of the summer and can hopefully resume in similar vein next year.

Harry Came was the most improved player. He had suggested that he was coming to terms with county cricket towards the end of the previous summer and an average in excess of 40 was testimony to his burgeoning talent. He looked secure and classy, whether playing aggressively or in a more circumspect manner. Another rewarded with a new deal, he looks set for a very good career.

At the other end of the experience scale, Wayne Madsen, like Ol' Man River, just keeps rolling along. The runs continued to flow from his bat in both 4-day and 1-day cricket and he remains the wicket perhaps most sought by opponents. He will be 40 when next season starts, but still looks to have a year or two in his tank before the inevitable - more appositely unthinkable - happens. Life without Madsen is not yet a palatable thought, likely never will be.

The rest of the batting was a curate's egg. Guest was solid, expansive and brilliant at times, though his average dropped. I suspect he will be even better down the order at five or six next year, with time to rest after he has been in the field. His wicket keeping was consistently excellent, though how long we can expect him to play every game is a moot point, even for one of such remarkable fitness.

Haider Ali impressed at times, always looked a player of class and could hit a ball a country mile. Yet an average of 32 isn't enough for an overseas player of such obvious talent, not helped by his being asked to open in early season. His attitude was excellent, however and his fielding capable of brilliance anywhere. He will be a top player, but hopefully learned a lot from a mixed summer.

Mitch Wagstaff got into the side in late season and impressed with bat and ball. His batting is the stronger suit, but his leg spin looks worthy of further investigation and he is worthy of opportunity another year. He will be in the mix for a place, either in the middle order or as a back up opener, but competition for places should be fierce.

Matt Lamb disappointed after his move from Warwickshire, but a back injury severely restricted both his season and movement. If he can get that sorted in the close season I expect him to show his best form next year, as he is a player of real talent. His innings at Durham and in the one-day cup at Northampton showed his mettle and hopefully his fitness will be improved another year.

Anuj Dal had a much reduced batting average and was another affected by injury. Half of his runs came in one innings and he will hope to turn that around next year. But his bowling moved up another level and he could look as good as anyone, while his fielding remained brilliant. I expect him to come again.

Alex Thomson perhaps vied with Came as most improved player. He bowled with considerable skill and with 31 championship wickets took more than anyone. A good late order bat, he can be proud of his summer's work in all formats.

Zak Chappell arrived from Nottinghamshire and ended the season as the leading wicket taker in all formats. He bowled very steadily, remained fit and contributed useful runs down the order. A very good acquisition, with the potential to get better still.

Conversely, Ben Aitchison had a troubled campaign that ended early with a stress fracture. His rhythm didn't look right and he will need a good summer next year, with competition for places at a premium. At his best he can be a very good bowler and I hope he can get back to his form of previous summers, once he recovers and sorts a couple of technical issues in his action.

Sam Conners had his struggles too, but I have sympathy for bowlers who ply their trade on the current Incora County Ground wickets. There were signs that he was returning to his best form towards the end of the season, but he is a far better bowler than 26 wickets at 45 suggests. With a little more help from pitches next year, I expect he could be part of a strong Derbyshire seam attack in the best county tradition.

Nick Potts lacked opportunity but was another who seemed to have gone back a little when he did play. Next year is important and he will need to work hard to force his way into the first choice reckoning, in the final year of his contract. The talent is there, he needs to show he can take that next step now.

Harry Moore impressed in limited one-day cup opportunities and looks very talented. His availability will be limited by education and he can hopefully build his skills and his physique around that.

Towards the end of the summer, Pat Brown arrived on loan from Worcestershire, ahead of his permanent move next year. He showed enough in limited appearances to suggest that he can be a success in all formats over the next three seasons. He has plenty of variations, runs in hard and will be best utilised as a strike bowler in the four day game.

I have covered players who will be leaving the county elsewhere and all that remains is to thank them for their loyal service in their time with Derbyshire. They all had their days in the sun and their best efforts were always enjoyed and appreciated.

It will be a winter of change and the first choice side for 2024 promises to be quite different. Better, I suspect, as it needs to be as this will now be Mickey Arthur's team.

With that comes heightened expectation. If the names already signed and widely linked come in, there can be no excuses. Individually, the quality of the squad will be much improved. 

It is now down to Mickey Arthur to provide an environment in which they can thrive and produce their best games. The players coming in are competitors, match-winners, capable of high-level performance.

If home pitches can offer better balance to batters and bowlers alike, we can keep key personnel fit and have our share of luck with the weather, next year's end of season write up should be more easily written. It COULD be special, but let's wait and see.

I won't pretend it's been easy this year. Between my own major surgery, the death of my father and both Mum and mother in law needing care packages set up, it has presented a number of challenges. But I have been grateful for and heartened by your support and regular comments.

Thank you to everyone for your regular engagement. I plan to keep things ticking over through the winter, have a competition or two for blog sponsors and do at least a weekly blog. Any questions or ideas for articles are always appreciated.

Stay well everyone. Cricket will be back again before we know it..

Despite the summer's frustrations, we all know we can't wait!