Mickey Arthur has moved quickly and has engaged the services of Sufyan Moqim, who was due to start the tournament for the county, until the end of the Vitality Blast group stages.
So Derbyshire will have the services Moqim, Akif Javed and Caleb Jewell to choose from and can play two of them.
Jewell had another failure for the second team today, making only eight against Leicestershire at Belper, so Arthur may be tempted to field the two bowlers against Yorkshire at Chesterfield on Sunday. That may in turn see an opening for Yusuf Bin Naeem and Derbyshire could go with this side:
Donald, Andersson, Naeem, Madsen, Montgomery, Whiteley, Basra, Potts, Aitchison, Javed, Moqim
It highlights once again the challenge of trying to put a squad together for the English county season. It is little wonder that the move to one overseas player per county in 2028 is gathering pace, because that in itself is proving the challenge. Most counties have nigh-revolving doors of players flying in for a few games, then out again. Lancashire yesterday signed Pakistan international Shadab Khan, while Surrey engaged Josh Philippe, the Australian wicket-keeper/bat, both for the remainder of The Blast
Arthur clearly rates Moqim, a young bowler on the rise in Pakistan, so we must hope he quickly comes to terms with English wickets.
Welcome to Derbyshire, Sufyan.
Resting Caleb would be the obvious choice.
ReplyDeleteSigning Sufyan and then not playing him would be bizarre. Martin
Interesting decisions to be made by MA. Is there any news on Chappell? He does give balance to the side coming in at 8. Is Reece still unable to bowl? He is another option. I think the main question is does Potts get a place or are there better options currently. Grant from Telford
ReplyDeleteHopefully counties will go down to one overseas player. I think a rule where you can only have 4 or 5 all season would be good too. Certain teams seem to constantly bring in players for just a couple of games at a time. In the days of global warming it seems wrong that so many players are flying all over the world just to bat for a few minutes or bowl 8 overs and go home again.
ReplyDeleteDid he play any games for Pakistan that prevented him coming to us. I couldn’t see anything on cric info.
ReplyDeleteI personally think the balance of team needs Guest. I like the look of Basra but he clearly out of form currently. We can’t play for his fielding abilities I do think your selection will be correct. Can Donald captain, Open and Wicket keeps?
Selected for Pakistan squad but didn't make the team, Gary. He had a very good PSL.
DeleteTo answer your question, no, I don't think he can. I don't think anyone can. Guest would give him a breather and be a better keeper too
'Does Potts get a place?' Of course he does, he has been absolutely great and shown what a good all round cricketer he is.
ReplyDeleteHe has improved tremendously over the summer. Bowling far less loose deliveries and his batting has come on really well. Would a fully fit Reece, able to bowl, be a better option? The same applies to Chappell? A good problem for MA to have. Grant from Telford
DeleteI thought you would like to know Steve that there is an excellent obituary of Alsn Ward in today's Times.
ReplyDeleteChapel Guy
Thank you, CG!
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