Today came news that he has signed a deal with Derbyshire for the next 3 seasons, as well as the One-Day Cup and I think it represents excellent business.
I have liked him for a few years and always found it strange that he couldn't get into the Nottinghamshire side. When he did, opportunities were limited and he frequently found himself batting at seven or eight in the order.
This is a player who averages 32 in red ball cricket and 42 in white ball. He is only 25 and has the potential to realise his undoubted talent with a move to Derbyshire.
He was captain of South Africa under-19s and played for Kwa Zulu Natal before moving to England to study at Loughborough University. He has been on the staff at Trent Bridge since 2021 and in limited opportunities has made two centuries - 178 against Durham and 177 against Essex. I do like a batter who 'goes big' when he gets in.
Were I in charge of selection for T20 in 2026, my top five would be Jewell, Donald, Madsen, Montgomery and Basra. I think he is a player with the potential to replace Wayne Madsen in time, while turning back the time to when the maestro also used to bowl miserly offspin in the short form of the game. He is hard to get away and it allows the selection of Brooke Guest in the side as there are two bowlers (Basra the other) in that top five.
You probably realise I am very happy with this signing. I look forward to seeing him score a lot of runs for Derbyshire, while chipping in with his share of wickets.
Top marks from me. I have seen suggestions that he is replacing Samit Patel, which I guess to some extent he is. Yet Samit, with respect, was past his very impressive best in his time at Derbyshire.
Montgomery isn't close to what he can do at this stage.
That potential is something that I look forward to being realised in Derbyshire colours.
Should be a good signing, fingers crossed he is.
ReplyDeleteA good signing for that club…very talented at Notts yet squeezed out of red ball cricket without a proper chance..I think he’ll flourish at Derbyshire and can see him bowling a lot as well
ReplyDeleteAn excellent signing. I also see that Andy Umeed has been released by Somerset. He would surely strengthen our batting particularly in the one dayers.
ReplyDeleteNot for me, Simon. First class average of 21 at the age of 29. Averages over 50 in the (weaker) ODC, but surely we have to aspire to younger/better? I have seen him bat brilliantly but clearly doesn't do it often enough..
DeleteA very good first bit of business. If we can follow it with a bowler or 2 then I’d be very happy.
ReplyDeleteA very good signing. We just need a good fast bowler to sign now to make a difference to a very samey pace bowling attack. Although getting a good youngish fast bowler who A isn’t injury prone B wants to play regular red ball cricket and C wants to play for Derbyshire must be getting harder with every year that passes
ReplyDeleteThink this is an excellent signing on paper. Welcome Matt, looking forward to seeing you in DCCC colours!
ReplyDeleteChris in Shropshire
He sounds a good signing. He's only 25, he's a proper batsman, he can bowl, and he must be hungry to claim a regular place in a first XI. It will be interesting to see what his role is in Metro One-Day Cup, and how he performs.
ReplyDeleteGood signing , right age , good stats ytd
ReplyDeleteHe’s always been a player I’ve admired and seems a great all-formats signing. Can you see anyone else in your crystal ball, Steve?!
ReplyDeleteHe seemed an obvious target, Sarah, real good player. Others in the right age group for me would be Bas de Leede at Durham, very good player and fine stats. Tom Aspinwall of Lancashire is a talent and they might think of James Taylor coming back from Surrey. IF we want more experienced for a bowler, Will Williams at Lancs is good, but has struggled with injury. Good bowler though
DeleteGood signing.
DeleteWill Williams is off to Gloucester
Essex fan.
Thanks Essex Fan, hadn't seen that. Makes sense as most of their attack is leaving!
DeleteThe fast bowling until now seems some attention. We can't expect Reece to bowl 13 overs on the spin, like he did this week. I'm sure Luis would prefer not to, too! Kris
ReplyDelete