It is only a week since we last saw cricket, but it has dragged, slightly modifying a Glasgow vernacular, like a baboon's bottom...
Don't get me wrong, there is plenty to keep me busy, but the lack of cricket is definitely an issue, not just for me but for many others around the country. I have spent my time tidying the garden, going to another very good show and realising that football doesn't really hold my attention now, as much as the summer game.
After a fourteen-year hiatus, I have resumed cricket and found that the walking version is hugely enjoyable, excellent exercise, a chance to make new friends and an opportunity to once again turn my arm over and play a few shots. All this without risk of being hit by a hard ball, which would not do my hands any good at all!
If there is a group on near you I strongly recommend it. I am the third oldest in our group, but neither age nor ability are barriers to involvement and enjoyment.
There is no news emanating from The Central Co-op County Ground, though doubtless there is plenty of work going on behind the scenes. There are those crucial overseas roles to fill and off the field a lot of work to ensure event profits, that will plough into the cricket side of the club.
My plans for the winter are to do a weekly catch up, update on any news and maybe do a feature article, which I am currently working on from a feasibility perspective. I also plan to run a competition shortly to win a cricket book or two. This will be for blog donors, so those who have kindly donated in the past six months will be in the draw once I have got everything together. If you would like to be in it, simply click on the donate button on the blog, or contact me for bank details if you prefer.
I have been following the names released by counties. One or two have surprised me and I wouldn't be surprised if Archie Lenham and Freddie Heldreich got another county for at least a white ball deal. Both have shown in bursts that they can take wickets at this level, with Lenham especially too talented and too young - at 21 - to not be worthy of another chance.
Everyone loves a leggie in T20, because they offer that something different. The good ones around the globe are in great demand, because they can turn it both ways and especially away from the right handers. I wrote earlier in the season that Derbyshire haven't really replaced Mattie McKiernan in twenty-over cricket and I hope that we have a specialist twirler for next year's Blast. Such a player, with Matt Montgomery, would offer something different in the middle overs and make for a varied attack that is always useful.
That's it for me, for now. Stay well and do keep commenting as you see fit.
Together we will get through this winter!
Good luck with the walking cricket. I'll be there shortly! On the subject of leg spinners, I thought Wagstaff was quite tidy in the 2024 T20, never to be seen again. I firmly believe every T20 side needs a leggie. Kris
ReplyDeleteCheers Steve. I very much agree with you about football. In the seventies and eighties I loved football but now I find it impossible to watch a whole match. It just seems quite boring now with almost every team playing identical football ( normally fairly slow moving forever going sideways or backwards). Good luck with the walking cricket and hope you have a nice winter. Although I agree county cricket is a huge miss
ReplyDeleteDefinitely Ian. Dad and I had season tickets from 1967 to 1976 and that was a golden period. I just wished I had realised at the time how special it was. I watched 10 minutes of Match of the Day this morning and didn't know more than 4 players between Liverpool and Chelsea. I don't think there was a British player on the pitch?
DeleteAnd yes, while they are technically good, they are too often stifled by anodyne systems that bore me rigid..
DeleteMy dad and I had season tickets at Norwich in the 70s and 80s and like you say at the time you probably didn’t realise how special the football was. I can remember players from the 70s and early 80s far more then any decade since. Pitches covered in mud( especially Derby’s great old ground). I sometimes watch old highlights on YouTube and it reminds me of why I used to love football
DeleteThanks for a fantastic summer with your site Steve, excellent service and points very well made. Totally agree with you about football nowadays, I'm a long standing Manchester City supporter due to my ex neighbour being an exiled Manc when I lived in Wingerworth. We've had our best period ever playing some lovely stuff but I'm finding myself totally bored with the game this season, the slow possession game build up is a killer, it really is death by a thousand passes now.
ReplyDeleteAnyhow here's to an exciting recruitment drive this winter for Derbyshire, hoping for a quality overseas pace bowler. Cheers!
Many thanks for all the information and exchanges during the season Steve. Your blog really is a mine of information, especially for an exile. I will be following the news avidly over the winter and looking forward to another season. Here's hoping to go one place better at least in the CC and do at least something in the 1-days next season. Enjoy the walking cricket.
ReplyDeleteAdrian, Nice
Thanks for your excellent work over the season. My interest in cricket has been enhanced by your blog.
ReplyDeleteOn the football issue, I was lucky to be a Derby fan during the Brian Clough era. I gave up watching when they put fences up and never went back.
Anyway, finishing with that huge win over Kent has put me in good spirits for next season.
My carpet has the t20 performaces and that 50 over game against Surrey which were sweapt underneath.
I am actually looking forward to next season as there's a real chance of success in the championship. We just need that mythical leggy who regularly scores hundreds to sign.
Seriously I don't see the point of spending money on a 2nd overseas player for the championship. Investing in home grown talent is where I would put the money.
Here's to the end of March 26.