Weekend warmer

I watched a little of the South African T20 this week and was astonished to see that Wayne Madsen had been omitted from the opening game for the Johannesburg Super Kings. An oxymoron if there ever was.. 

Now it may be that I missed news of him picking up an injury, but their fielding against MI Cape Town was almost as bad as the bowling. Chances of regulation standard at that level were missed (although Faf du Plessis held a blinder) while the ground fielding was very inconsistent. For that alone Wayne should have been in the side, as he has always been very reliable. Their opponents rattled up a not inconsiderable 243-5, with Ryan Rickelton and Robbie Van Der Dussen added 200 for the first wicket, against bowling that strived for line and length and managed neither. Only Lizaad Williams emerged with any bowling credit in a poor display.

Leus du Plooy made a breezy 48 from 24 balls, but Joburg were hammered out of sight on a small ground where the ball flew to all parts.

Speaking of Leus, I wonder if he has had any second thoughts about his move to Middlesex? This week came news that they cannot afford an overseas player this summer, so the high profile signings of du Plooy and Henry Brookes are it. While last year's signings were poor, they could do with some additional input to offset the loss of John Simpson and Tim Murtagh and it is hard to see anything other than a summer of toil ahead.

I also followed (but didn't watch) Pakistan against New Zealand and they have been outclassed. I don't think a muddled selection policy helps them and it appears the dressing room must have a revolving door, so frequent are the changes of personnel. With the selection of the bulky Azam Khan they are on their third wicket keeper of the winter, while I am unsure of the merit in batting one of world cricket's most destructive openers, Fakhar Zaman, at number four. It reminded me of our attempt last year to turn Haider Ali into an opener, which didn't work and rarely looked like doing so.

Thanks to Dean for forwarding me a link to the interview of Mickey Arthur in the Wisden Cricket magazine. It was interesting and gave an interesting insight to the processes in Pakistan, which don't always make sense. I am looking forward to the announcement of their T20 World Cup squad, as recent selections suggest their might be suprise omissions, which could benefit Derbyshire, of course.

Finally today I was pleased to see Grant Bradburn get an opportunity at Glamorgan, leaving Pakistan behind as Arthur himself has done. 

The Kiwi is an excellent coach and I think he will do well in Wales.

As long as it isn't against us, that's fine...