Autumn thoughts

Is it just me, or does the cricket season seem but a distant memory? 

It is only a couple of weeks, but seems like an eternity since we were last watching our team. Regardless of the mixed fortunes, it is always missed, especially at this time of year. We haven't yet got into the anticipation of Christmas and when we get into the new year, things start to crank up a little. 

I have been contenting myself with dog walks, when the weather allows it but that isn't today, when the weather is pretty awful. 

I am surprised that there is no news as yet on Jack Morley. People on the Lancashire side said that his release had been approved so that he could join Derbyshire, but there has been no official announcement at this stage. Perhaps another county has thrown their hat into the ring, or maybe it needs to wait until the official end of his contract, or a signature, if he has gone away on holiday. All will be revealed in due course. 

Flicking through X looking for news, I was worthy of Roger Moore in his prime with my quizzical eyebrow-raising, when I came across a comment from Mickey Arthur on the Pakistan challenges in their series against England.

He said:

Just a few thoughts as a follower of Pakistan cricket. 

1 The players are very very skilled and are the right ones 

2 The inconsistency around selection, environment and administration plays a role in team morale, give the players structure and they will perform!

Quite. But I suspect I am not alone in thinking you could swap in 'Derbyshire' for 'Pakistan' and it would be an equally pertinent statement.

There were far too many inconsistencies in recruitment, selection, decisions at the toss and choice of words in interview for most. 

What Mickey has to do this winter is to create a culture where players understand their roles and are empowered to produce their best form. He needs to have an understanding of his best side for the Vitality Blast, probably still our best chance of success, because it didn't appear that he had last year.  Certainly the side that started the tournament didn't suggest that and the constant tinkering with the batting order was far from conducive to anyone producing their best form.

While accepting that Ross Whiteley perhaps needs to float up and down the order, getting the rest right from the outset will very much improve our chances of success in 2025.

When we know the players we will have to work with, we will have a discussion on that..