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!