Derbyshire 526
Gloucestershire 399-4 (van Buuren 156*, Bracey 137*)
Gloucestershire trail by 127 runs
When it disappeared for 80 runs from seven overs today, it is fair to say we didn't manage that.
I accept that pitches are good, often too good. This one appears to be a belter. But some of the bowling this season makes me wonder if we have a bowling coach, or if tactics against each batter are being discussed before play starts. Surely being able to bowl a consistent line and length is a prerequisite at this level?
A look at our bowling averages after six matches is like a Hammer House of Horror presentation:
Thomson 13 wickets at 34
Lloyd 4 wickets at 51
Chappell 7 wickets at 57
Conners 5 wickets at 58
Dupavillon 5 wickets at 59
Tickner 8 wickets at 62
Reece 4 wickets at 73
Dal 5 wickets at 83
Given Thomson was omitted for two games and Lloyd is only bowling occasionally, the issue is clear. Following on from Suranga Lakmal (15 wickets at 40 and 8 at 55 in his two seasons) Mickey Arthur hasn't covered himself in glory with his overseas bowling choices.
I feel a certain sympathy for Tickner, who would have had more wickets had we not had Teflon-handed slip fielders in early season. Nor do I know how he is able to carry on, with what is going on in the background. But the fact remains that the overseas professional gig, whether at local club or county level, carries pressure to perform which few of ours recruited by Mickey Arthur have managed to do.
Such players set the standard and collectively, as a bowling unit, we have been pretty shocking so far.
Fair play to Bracey and van Buuren, who put together the highest fifth-wicket partnership for Gloucestershire against Derbyshire. But the bowling didn't ask too many questions and only Chappell emerged with any credit here.
When the highlight of the day from a Derbyshire perspective was the covers coming on, you know you have problems.
I just hope we can sort ours before the Vitality Blast.
It's absolutely desperate I'm afraid bordering on pathetic. If bowlers aren't good enough then so be it. But you have to question Mickeys eye for a player because to put it bluntly he wouldn't spot a Van Gogh from Jack Russell in a car boot sale.
ReplyDeleteSteve jr
When, no doubt, some of us grew up watching Rhodes, Jackson, Ward, Hendrick and t’ others it’s rather sad to see the decline in what used to be our strength. Most counties feared facing a Derbyshire attack but now they must be rubbing their hands with glee when winning the toss and electing to bat.
ReplyDeleteWhile we can no longer whistle down the pit and pick up a strapping young seam bowler it’s disappointing that we are seeing few bowlers coming through the development set-up. While we have had some excellent recruitment on the batting front, I’m struggling to recall the last overseas bowler who really made a difference in recent times. With Mickey Arthur’s international experience one would have thought he of all people would have unearthed a few gems despite the obvious difficulties in recruiting overseas player.
Until we address this issue we will continue to struggle at the wrong end of the table.
Nudger
Amir was supposed to be going to make the difference but suprise suprise it isn't happening
DeleteTough times …the second new ball went for 65 runs in 5 overs …after 7 games the squad looks very fragile in terms of both skill and confidence to challenge effectively in the 4 day format …
ReplyDeleteLet's take the draw today and move on to the shorter format where hopefully the players will find some confidence and play with a smile on their faces.Topspinner
ReplyDelete