It wasn't the best, as the air conditioning wasn't working and they had somehow managed to double book a lot of seats, which left most carriages akin to the Black Hole of Calcutta. Anyway, I lived to tell the tale and more importantly, to see the first three days of the game against Lancashire, which starts tomorrow.
Mickey Arthur has gone with the same squad, so there is no Zak Chappell. I don't expect any major changes to the side, either, so Derbyshire may well field the side that lost pretty badly at Durham. Rory Haydon may replace Nick Potts, but the tail would then be lengthy. We will see tomorrow.
Lancashire travel with fourteen. All-rounder Paul Coughlin and fast bowler Mitch Stanley have both recovered from injury to be named in the squad while batters Rocky Flintoff and Michael Jones have been included.
Ben McDermott misses out with hamstring tightness. Jack Blatherwick and Phil Salt remain sidelined with Ajeet Singh Dale, Arav Shetty and Luke Wells still long-term absentees.
Their squad:
James Anderson (c), Tom Bailey, George Balderson, Josh Bohannon, Paul Coughlin, Rocky Flintoff, Marcus Harris, Tom Hartley, Keaton Jennings, Michael Jones, Liam Livingstone, Joe Moores, Harry Singh, Mitch Stanley
Marcus Harris and Liam Livingstone make up a powerful engine room for the red rose county and Derbyshire supporters can only hope that their favourites erase memories of the game that went horribly wrong at Old Trafford. I still struggle to figure how they lost that game after dominating for three days.
Predictions? Honestly, I can't, as it is impossible to know which Derbyshire side turns up. We all know that they are eminently capable of beating anyone, on their day. Yet this season has seen defeat snatched from the jaws of victory more than once.
I hope things go the right way this time and I look forward to getting there nice and early to find out.
The forecast looks pretty good for the weekend, with high temperatures forecast, so don't forget your sunscreen and water!
I look forward to seeing you there.
PS my report on tomorrow will be much later, possibly even the following morning, as I am meeting some old friends for dinner in the evening.
Just to set your expectations!
It must be quite odd playing for Derbyshire 2nd team. The only team in the county championship that doesn’t really seem to have any link to the first team. Still M. A can still look and sound like the village idiot after the match and trot out the same excuse’s he’s used basically since he took over. Anyway hope you have a nice time Steve at one of the most beautiful grounds in the country
ReplyDeleteCheers Ian!
DeleteEnjoy your trip my friend, and don't worry about the posts. I'm sure we could all wait so you can make the best of time here. Sun cream packed and tickets bought.
ReplyDeleteAndy
Let me know where you are, Andy. Be great to catch up mate!
DeleteEnjoy your trip, usually try get to festival but can't this year except for T20 against Yorkshire.
ReplyDeleteIn the unlikely event it goes to a 4th day may make it