With a long season ahead, it is better that we err on the side of caution, especially when the squad depth is good.
There's no news on who will be captain. I have listed the players as they appear on the club site and one could infer from it that Harry Came will be skipper, as he was for the preseason matches. Equally, Brooke Guest is an option, so too Nye Donald
Harry Came
Martin Andersson
Luis Reece
Aneurin Donald
Shoaib Bashir
Ben Aitchison
Jack Morley
Matt Montgomery
Caleb Jewell
Brooke Guest
Zak Chappell
Mohammad Abbas
Anuj Dal
Rory Haydon
Martin Andersson
Luis Reece
Aneurin Donald
Shoaib Bashir
Ben Aitchison
Jack Morley
Matt Montgomery
Caleb Jewell
Brooke Guest
Zak Chappell
Mohammad Abbas
Anuj Dal
Rory Haydon
Without having seen the players in the nets, none of us can make an informed choice at this stage. My best guess would be that Haydon, Morley and either Donald, Dal or Came miss out, but that's all it is.
As for Worcestershire, they await news of their overseas player and have brought in Oliver Hannon-Dalby on loan from Warwickshire for two matches. It will buy them breathing space, although I'm not sure what message it sends to bowlers already on the staff. Hannon-Dalby is experienced in the top tier and won't let them down. Tom Taylor will be keen to impress against the county where he got his start, while Jake Libby will aim to get his season off to a flier as the experienced leader of the batting.
They have also named fourteen, namely:
Libby, Waite, Singh, Roderick, Edavalath, Taylor, D'Oliveira, Hannon-Dalby, Gibbon, Latigan, Ali, Hose, Finch, Brookes
It is a good squad and of course they were a division higher than Derbyshire last year. Both sides will want to show that they mean business in 2026 and the toss may prove important, as it so often does at this time of year.
The forecast isn't too bad. A few showers tomorrow and Saturday, but there's every chance of enough time in the game for a positive result.
Which way will it go? Place your bets, but I am going for a home win, with Mohammad Abbas playing a key role, on what is expected to be a bouncy track.
Let's be honest, we're all a bit excited tonight, aren't we?
Go well, fellas.
I’m quite surprised Warwickshire have loaned out Hannon- Dalby. They must have a lot of bowlers. Did you see Micky Arthur described Shoaib Bashir as a National treasure. Rather bizarre
ReplyDeleteI thought we'd signed Judi Dench. Dave.
DeleteThere was a time she would have been too young for us, Dave! 😂
DeleteI would make Donald captain and look to strengthen the batting depth so we have a solid lineup down to at least number eight. That extra depth could be really important over the course of the match if the weather doesn’t become factor
ReplyDeleteIn terms of the bowling attack, I believe Taylor, Waite, and Hannon-Dalby have the quality and experience to trouble most batting line-ups. Prehaps be one of the best attacks in division 2. They got lot of wickets in Divison 1
I also see Worcestershire as a side that could be right in the mix by the end of the season. They look like a well-balanced team across both competitions, with no obvious weaknesses.
That said, I think the key difference between the two squads could be Abbas. Derbyshire have a real gem there, and if he performs anywhere near his best, he could be a major match-winner. Cross fingers as conditions should suit him. Keeping him fit the key.
The team I would go with is:
Donald, Jewell, Came, Montgomery, Guest, Anderson, Reece, Chappell, Atchinson, Abbas, and Bashir.
For me, the key strength of this side is the batting depth — having the ability to bat deep could prove crucial in tight games.
The players are just listed in squad number order, so I wouldn't read too much into Harry Came (4) being listed at the top. That said, I do expect him to lead the team tomorrow; the club obviously knew Wayne Madsen would not be available, and if someone else was in mind, surely they'd have had an audition during the last couple of games. Ant, Derbyshire lad exiled in Bristol.
ReplyDeleteI'd go with:
DeleteCame*
Jewell
Montgomery
Guest+
Andersson
Reece
Dal
Chappell
Aitchison
Abbas
Bashir
If we're planning this season with Came and Jewell opening, and Montgomery at 3, we should stick with that. Harsh on Donald, but from the clips I've seen, Dal is bowling well. Ant in Bristol
Lots to like in that side, Ant. Six seamers and two spinners, as well as depth in batting
DeleteI would tend to favour Donald over Dal as having six seamers seems too many. In any case let's hope for a great season: the squad is very strong.
ReplyDeleteAllez Derbyshire !
Adrian, Nice
Morning Peakfan
ReplyDeleteLike you and everyone here on the blog I’m looking forward to the start of the season. As you say every cricket fan is expecting their County to do well. For me, I’m sure this is going to be Derbyshire’s season. Mickey has produced in my view our best squad this century. My bolter for the season is Nye Donald, I have a feeling he is going to be a huge player for us.
Also, a word on Ian Morgan, Ryan Duckett and the Executive Team, well done for making the club financially secure whilst recruiting some fine cricketers. Compare this to the turmoil at Lancashire, Middlesex and Sussex to name but a few. Well done guys.
Finally Steve, good luck to you for the season and thank you for the brilliant and best Blog in Sport.
Come on Derbyshire!
Clay Cross Mark (London)
Many thanks, Mark. I agree with what you say about the club!
DeleteSix seamers is crazy.
ReplyDeleteIt is a lot, but four have very good or decent claims to be all rounders. Which improves both the depth of batting and the bowling options.
DeleteI like Donald but his f/c batting average is lower than Dal, the likely option. The team I suggested a week back, so fingers crossed!
I agree Donald hasn't performed with enough consistency in red ball to warrant a place, but with Madsen out, I would have been inclined to play him instead of Aitchison in this game. If 5 seamers can't do the job....
ReplyDeleteAnyway, shame we lost the toss, but looking forward to seeing how we go. Come on Derbyshire!
Enjoyable first session. Captain Came looking very fluent and disappointed to feather one. Jewellery survived a massive appeal in final over. Will definitely take 100-1 at lunch on a bouncy pitch and slow outfield. Shop well stocked, new hat, hoodie, and rain jacket for £102 with discount. Feeling very positive about my club
ReplyDeleteJohn life member