They need to win both games and in doing so, protect a slender advantage on net run rate. Our interest in the competition could end tonight, or it could go down to the wire.
In seasons past I could hazard a guess at how things might go, but so transient, so varied has Derbyshire's form been this season that it is a near impossibility.
Both games are winnable, and we need a little help from Nottinghamshire, when they play Yorkshire at Headingley tomorrow. I'd have to say that looks unlikely, because our neighbours have looked awful this year, but giving the white rose county a hard game could be to our benefit.
It could all be rendered academic if Leicestershire and Northamptonshire win their remaining games, but the former has to travel to Birmingham tomorrow night, while the latter has a home game tonight against the same county, before travelling to Old Trafford tomorrow. Lancashire looked very good last night, hammering Nottinghamshire and they will fancy their chances, especially now they have been reinforced by their England men.
So Derbyshire can do it but team selection will be key. I would like to see the return of Cam Fletcher and the following side:
Donald
Lloyd
Fletcher
Madsen
Patel
Whiteley
Guest
Reece
Chappell
Amir
Brown
(Came, Dupavillon, Thomson, Wagstaff in squad)
If Fletcher isn't fit, I would play Dupavillon instead.
Worcestershire have the following squad tonight:
Jake Libby
Josh Cobb
Ed Pollock
Gareth Roderick (w)
Rehaan Edavalath
Tom Taylor
Henry Cullen
Olly Cox
Brett D’Oliveira (c)
Harry Darley
Ethan Brookes
Rob Jones
Josh Cobb
Ed Pollock
Gareth Roderick (w)
Rehaan Edavalath
Tom Taylor
Henry Cullen
Olly Cox
Brett D’Oliveira (c)
Harry Darley
Ethan Brookes
Rob Jones
They have had a disappointing campaign but have some powerful batters in that side. Bowling looks to be the weaker suit, so as well as winning, Derbyshire need to do so in a way that boosts the all important run rate.
The game against Durham tomorrow would then become a 'winner takes all' affair, but won't matter if we don't do a professional job tonight.
While nerve-wracking for those who suffer accordingly, it is an exciting finish to the group stage.
I just hope Derbyshire acquit themselves well over the next two days.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
Can Derbyshire win both, of course, will they win both, no. Win one, lose one is my prediction and tournament over
ReplyDeleteLet's hope Derbyshire have learned from their mistakes in the competition and they come out all guns blazing in these two games. I'd keep Thomson in the team and, if he's fit, play Fletcher instead of Reece.
ReplyDeleteWorcestershire 6/4, that's massively tempting!
ReplyDeleteIt's S**t or bust for Derbyshire today and tomorrow
ReplyDeleteIt's a bit mercenary Tim, nut bak Worcs and it eases the pain if we lose. Derbyshire win and even though you lose your money, you get that warm fuzzy feeling of victory.
ReplyDeleteSounds good, but knowing us it'll be a tie, and we all lose!
Just watching Derbyshire's batsmen making the Worcester kid bowlers look like Holding and Marshall rolled in to one, really poor batting
ReplyDeleteAs it stands, this has been one of the worst batting performances I've seen from Derbyshire, what are we playing at?
ReplyDelete