Regardless of the result, the eleven that played against Yorkshire on Sunday represents our best chance of winning games in this competition, as things stand.
It doesn't look like either Zak Chappell or Pat Brown will play any part in the Blast this year, which has been a blow, for sure.
So the likely Derbyshire side will be:
Donald, Andersson, Naeem, Madsen, Montgomery, Whiteley, Basra, Potts, Aitchison, Moqim, Javed
Came, Jewell, Haydon, Morley also in the squad. There is an argument for Morley to be in the side, but that would leave a lengthy tail and would appear less likely, to me at least.
Lancashire are missing their England men, Salt, Buttler, Mahmood and Wood, but still travel with a strong fourteen:
Keaton Jennings, James Anderson, Tom Aspinwall, George Balderson, Jack Blatherwick, Paul Coughlin, Tom Hartley, Matty Hurst, Michael Jones, Liam Livingstone, Ben McDermott, Joe Moores, Shadab Khan, Harry Singh
Ben McDermott returns to the club where he had his first English experience, while Shadab Khan lends his considerable international experience with bat and ball.
Can Derbyshire win? Of course. The batting has again done well in this competition, but the bowling has been the issue. I think they are better at setting a total than chasing one, but the issue has been restricting opponents, regardless of what total is posted.
I will follow from afar, but will leave you to comment as I am unlikely to see much/any of the game myself.
So, who is feeling hopeful?
Not particularly no!
ReplyDeleteI'm afraid that this one doesn't really stir my interest. It's a decent drive and there's a World cup game to watch instead. I think that may affect the attendance
ReplyDeleteAndy
I'm actually quite optimistic about this one......
ReplyDeleteI'll be there, as I've little interest in watching multi millionaires play football. I don't have a deal of faith in our bowling or tail end batting, we lack a few T20 specialists. Of course,.it's T20 and it only takes Donald or Whiteley to turn up. Kris
ReplyDeleteDonald is due for one of his destructive innings. Perhaps it will be against Lancs. As you say, Steve, it's our bowling which is our main weakness, especially in the latter overs.
ReplyDeleteDownthewicket
We hoped Pat Brown would be one of our death bowlers, but unfortunately for him, and us, it hasn't worked out.
DeleteHeading up to watch my first match of the season - greatly looking forward to it. Four wins from five likely needed and with Somerset and trips to Durham and Old Trafford still to come, this one feels like a must win. Ethan
ReplyDelete