It is a selection that raises more questions than it answers. Did the club intend to sign another overseas player and it fell through? Or did they plan to use the tournament to give opportunities to young players? If the latter, why change at this stage, when Derbyshire realistically need to win all of their last five games handsomely to have a chance of qualification.
And why go without an overseas player when the T20 was such a letdown? It is all a little messy. I'm not pretending that Caleb will be as influential as Dean Jones or Chris Rogers, but this format is probably his best chance of success this summer and realistically (in my book) the best opportunity for the club, too.
There is still a chance in red ball cricket, but realistically promotion looks set to be two from Durham (almost assured), Kent and Northamptonshire. Derbyshire's chances would appear dependent on bringing in a quality replacement for Mohammad Abbas and him being as effective as Michael Holding...
Anyway, Jewell is added to the squad from the last two games and I assume he will replace Yusuf bin Naeem in the eleven. My confusion would be off the scale if he didn't make the final eleven...
Glamorgan 'did a Derbyshire' in their last game, losing to Durham after making 326-6 and having them 97-6. A terrific century by Will Rhodes (148*) saw Durham over the line with three balls to spare. Tomorrow's visitors have a few absentees and have named the following squad
Gorvin (captain), Hurle, O'Riordan, Nicholas, Morris, Hope-Bell, Edwards, Hassan, Smale, Horton, Franco, Wallace, Byrom, Douthwaite
Carlson, Kellaway, Tribe, Dickson and Crane are at the other tournament
Glamorgan has had a good season and despite their absentees will start slight favourites tomorrow, against a Derbyshire side that is the only one yet to win a game in this competition. The visitors have only won one in four, so the game is there to be won
If Derbyshire can deliver an approximation of their best game they can get off the mark here. They haven't done so yet, but surely a good result is possible?
We must all hope that happens in a stunning setting and with a fine weather forecast.
What do you think?
Simon
ReplyDeleteI believe we could have requested the release of Matt Montgomery for tomorrow's game as he has not been selected to play for his Hindered team so far.
ReplyDeleteWhat a strange club Derbyshire are. On the website it said Jewell has expressed a desire to play. Does that mean he previously said he couldn’t be arsed. If it does come at the exclusion of a young player it does seem crazy. When you look at all the other sides there are lots of new young players being tested but oh no not us especially as we are already as good as out of contention for a top 3 spot
ReplyDeleteAre we assuming Caleb is playing for free? I'm as confused as you Steve with regards to how we've approached this competition.
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