Yorkshire v. Derbyshire preview

Earlier this afternoon I watched a brilliant century by Ross Whiteley in a losing cause for Derbyshire Seconds. He hit seven sixes in reaching three figures in 92 balls, against what was a pretty decent Nottinghamshire attack. Liam Patterson-White took nine wickets in the second innings for the home side, who won by an innings and plenty after three players, including Tom Moores, made centuries. 

The only other Derbyshire to score runs was Savin Perera, who made a good fifty before being undone by one that kept low. Some might remember him playing for the South Asian Cricket Academy at the start of the summer and looking an organised bat. It is nice to see him being given an opportunity, so it is up to him what he makes of it from here. 

But Whiteley showed his talent and his power, which will obviously come into prominence in T20 and 50 over cricket, but could easily do a job in the longer form, based on what I saw today.

I am always wary of putting too much on second team performances, but Ross looked in good fettle and he did what none of the first team have done this season and went on to three figures. Perhaps he will be in contention for the Sussex game, as will Daryn Dupavillon, who will arrive  from South Africa in time for that one.

So as we go into the game against Yorkshire at Headingley tomorrow, the top six know that they are under pressure to perform. We know they

can do it, as they have done so in the past, but it would be nice to see them show their best games against the white rose county over the next four days.

Zak Chappell is back, at the expense of Sam Conners (groin issue) and the final selection would appear to be between going with two spinners or the extra seamer. That being the case, Jack Morley and Pat Brown would appear to be competing for one place in this twelve:

Came, Reece, Lloyd, Madsen, Guest, Donald, Dal, Thomson, Chappell, Tickner, Brown/Morley

There is no news as yet about the Yorkshire squad, but they have injury problems with three bowlers struggling - Fisher, Milnes and Edwards. It puts a lot of weight on Ben Coad, a very good bowler, but he is going to need support. 

The batting is no problem. With Harry Brook and Joe Root available, their top five with Bean, Lyth and Shan Masood is very strong. Yet this is the sort of game where Derbyshire can come into their own. The talent is there, we just need to see it produced to the best of their ability.

There has been talk this week in the comments about Aneurin Donald, who I think looks a terrific player. Yet to some extent he is like a latter-day hero of mine, Chris Wilkins, because it is wonderful while it lasts, but you aren't sure how long that will be. 

At 27, he needs to be looking to push an average just north of thirty towards the 35/40 mark. He has the game, he certainly has the strokes, but it is choosing the right ball to play them that is his problem. On his day, like Wilkins, you wouldn't want to miss a delivery. 

The challenge he has is in making those special days are more common occurrence. If he can do that, in conjunction with the coaching team, he can be a very special player. 

Sadly, the weather forecast does not suggest. We will get a win on the board in this one either. Tomorrow and Sunday look like fairly wet days and any possible results will need to arise because one side has had a nightmare or the two of them manufacture a finish.

We will see. Fingers and toes crossed...