So Nye Donald is the new T20 captain for Derbyshire.
I had suggested it likely a few times over the winter. He had signed a new contract with the club, despite interest from other counties and I suspect that part of the conversation was over his taking on the captaincy in the short form of the game.
I couldn't honestly see any real alternative. Wayne Madsen would want a break from the red ball role and Brooke Guest may not be a first choice for the format, unless captaincy, opening the batting and keeping wicket is one commitment too many. The only other option would have been Matt Montgomery, who has been mentioned as having future leadership potential by Mickey Arthur, but it is too early in his time at the club to take on such an important role.
I think he's a great choice and I just hope that it enables him to see a bigger picture than getting the team off to brisk starts. By reining in his natural game a little outside of the Powerplay, he can turn more of these match-shaping innings into match-winning ones.
There are few more dangerous batters in the short format game than Nye and I am surprised that more teams overseas haven't yet picked up on that.
A good summer in 2026 could change all that and make him a global star.
That would be mutually beneficial.
Well done, Nye. And congratulations, skipper!
It's always a bit risky making your best player at the format into the captain, especially one who keeps wicket and opens the batting. We'll see what happens....Kris
ReplyDeleteI take your point, Kris and there are plenty examples of ones who thrived as skipper and those whose form dipped. I always loved being skipper and played far better/enjoyed the game more when I was. Like a game within a game...
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