Pretty much everyone within my contacts seemed to be aware that he would be. It is very difficult to keep a story confidential among the many people in league cricket and both conversations and 'flip' comments go around like wildfire.
So it was that the news of Ross staying next season, having triggered a performance clause, came to me - from several directions. Understanding it was no secret, I wrote of if before now and, as regular readers will know, I'm very happy with it.
Ross finished third in the averages, with a shade under 34 runs an innings. No mean feat, when his role carries considerable risk in usually having to hit before he was established. Nor was his role really defined, as he was up and down the order, as were a few others. It was detrimental to performance, no doubt about that.
So I just hope that next year, which will logically be his last barring a summer of Bradman-esque proportions, he has a defined role and is able to thrive within that. He still strikes as long a ball as most and scores slightly slower than Wayne Madsen. I would take that from anyone, especially when one throws into the mix an outstanding boundary fielder who once again excelled in 2025. There are few safer hands than his and I am looking forward to seeing him in action in 2026.
Jewell, Donald, Montgomery, Madsen, Basra, Whiteley, Andersson...that is a serious top order that should post some impressive totals. Three potential bowlers in there too, but the ones to follow will dictate our fortunes.
One assumes Zak Chappell and Ben Aitchison will be two of them, both capable of runs if required, but more importantly, economical bowling.
Then there's Haydon..or Brown..or Moore..which one will it be, in a first choice side? I would love to see Brooke Guest in there, but suspect the die is cast and Nye Donald will captain the side AND keep wicket. In the high-octane format of T20, asking him to successfully open the batting too will be a challenge, but it might also be the making of him.
Luis Reece might be another option, once his ankle is repaired over the winter. He would offer a change of angle and late power in the order. Such strength in depth gives real reason for optimism
Finally, that so-important overseas role. Can the legendary contacts book unearth another gem, like Mohammad Ghazanfar?
Get that role right and who knows where it goes, because there is plenty of talent in that side.
Anyway, it is good to have confirmation that Ross will be on board.
A morning with Derbyshire cricket news is always welcome...
Good news I think. I like the look of that top 7 for T20. Basra or Anderson may be a better option at 3 if we lose an early wicket.
ReplyDeleteMarkB
Another jobs for the boys, Ross did absolutely nothing last season to deserve an extension to his contract
DeleteI'd argue his T20 form was one of the better efforts, after Donald, as the average suggests.
DeleteBesides, his new deal was triggered by appearances and he played enough for it to become automatic, regardless.
Agree with you comment to that rather unfair post Peakfan. Ross is still our best fielder and can still turn a game as he’s proved during his career. Long may that continue and he has a key role bringing the likes of Basra on during the next season
DeleteAndy
We really need to get Donald tied up for longer than 2026, if he's going to be opening in 4 day and T20 skipper and keeper. I suspect he won't be short of offers. Kris
ReplyDeleteI have no doubt they will be looking at that, Kris, as with other deals that end next September.
DeleteNot sure if he will open in 4 days, personally. He is an option, for sure
Average of 34 but 5 not outs inflating that. Strike rate of just 133 (low for his supposed role) and a high score of 50.
ReplyDeleteNot good enough to justify a white ball only contract in a small squad in my opinion.
But...hardly his fault if he is batted too low and with no chance to change things.
DeleteWould I have offered a new deal? On balance, probably not, but when you are on an appearance-related contract and you trigger that, the die is cast.
And we didn't have the staff, last year, to warrant him not playing.
Agreed. Said it before, but he's fortunate to get another contract. Potentially a match winner, certainly a terrific fielder, but not enough end product for me. His best days appear to be behind him. I hope he proves me wrong...
DeleteHis role should be as a 'finisher', which I'm sure it is, and it's a role he enjoys and is comfortable with. He has talked about it in interviews. Unfortunately, when he produces one of his (too infrequent) cameos, people clamour for his elevation in the order. A bit like the call for Donald to be opening in red ball cricket.
Yeah I think he stays there too, Jasper. And on early season pitches I would be more comfortable with Came opening in red ball, than Donald. It's one thing blasting a quick 50 in a T20, but with 3/4 slips in play there is high risk in March and April using the same approach...
DeleteLike you, I think Came is the one who might come under pressure from Donald for a spot in the red ball side.
DeleteI confess to being proved slightly wrong by Came. I thought he was a little short tecnically, to hold down a place. He has done enough, in my opinion, to warrant a spot in our top 6, but a strong pre season from Donald, and he might come under pressure. It's good if we have competition for places though!
Just to add about the T20 side. Unfortunately, on the evidence of this season, we can't rely on Zak being economical with the ball. Hopefully he can recapture his previous form, but for me, at the moment he's no longer a certain starter. I'm not advocating leaving him out, but he seemed to struggle at times this season. Injury niggle? possibly. He's certainly the type who would plough on regardless. If him and Brown could get back to their best, then I would think we'd be competitive.
Is it confirmed, Peakfan, that Donald will be captain of the T20 next year as you allude to in your article.
ReplyDeletePJS
No, not confirmed at all. But thinking of certainties for the side he is the standout candidate, for me. Jewell and Montgomery might be considered but less likely. Guest would have been a good option but the balance of the side suggests he may not play T20. Unless Basra and Montgomery share 5th bowler duties, of course..
DeleteSammy King released by Notts. Has had some decent scores for them including one at Repton. Would we be interested ? I'd hope so.
ReplyDelete