Rumours, schmumours...

I've had e-mails in recent days suggesting that Paul Collingwood, Jacques Kallis, Mike Hussey and Ricky Ponting were coming to Derbyshire as our capo di tutti capi next season. Thanks to all concerned, but since three suggested that the chairman had told them the name it suggests that Chris Grant is throwing a smokescreen around or that there are some people out there are trying to make summat out of nowt, to use the local vernacular.

We'll hear who the new man is going to be in due course and conjecture will be rife for much of that time. As for me, I'll bide my time. I see merits and negatives in all the above names, some being more realistic than others, but there's no point in writing screeds of stuff about hypotheticals when I can keep my powder dry for when we actually KNOW.

I'm more curious about other areas at this stage. With Steffan Jones leaving, we will have a vacancy for a bowling coach (presumably) and I just wondered whether this might be a change of remit for Andy 'AJ' Harris? I'm unaware of his coaching credentials but wouldn't have thought he'd be doing so well with the Seconds without them, so for me he would be a logical appointment.

Who would take over the Seconds? I gave a little thought to this on the beach over the last fortnight and again, subject to his having the requisite qualifications, I would see Garry Park as a good man in that role, for a variety of reasons.

For one, I'm not sure how having Park as a bit-part player in one day games fits with the new blueprint, and with his contract ending, I'm not sure if a player of his age (29 next year) fits in with it when he's not guaranteed a place. We can hardly pay a senior salary in such conditions, but if Park was in charge of the Seconds as justification for the cost, for me it could be a win-win situation. You retain his services for T20 and other one-day cricket as required, while the youngsters learn fielding techniques from the best fielder we've ever had. As a good, innovative batsman he has a lot to offer and pass on, while his bowling abilities (somewhat underused this year) are perhaps underrated. I would be very happy to see Park in such a role and it makes a lot of sense.

As always, I'd welcome your comments of course...

Worcestershire v Derbyshire preview T20

I'm not sure why, but it is noticeable that there are far less comments on posts after a win by the county than when we lose.

Maybe too many people are more used to losing, so like to get their moans in early, but check back over the last few pages and see what I mean. OK, perhaps more are attuned to our habit of, in the words of an old line dance classic, one step forward and two steps back, but surely people were impressed by last night?

We'll see after Friday's game. Revenge over a Worcestershire side we should have hammered at Derby is vital. Last night took us back into the pack for play-off positions and the boys batted well, bowled steadily and fielded superbly.

That eight overs were bowled by lads with an average age of eighteen and a half was most impressive. While Tom Knight is likely to go further with his bowling, Chesney's slow left arm 'darts' are a potent weapon. At one point last night he bowled a ball off three paces quicker than most seamers, giving a new dimension to the term 'quicker ball'. Knight, in contrast mixed his pace well but always attacked the stumps. He bowled a canny length and the batsmen had neither width to let their arms go nor leverage to get under the ball for boundaries. It was sensible, clever and heartening stuff.

It is a decent side for this format, though we are heavily reliant on one the top four making runs. It is to their credit that they have done so thus far and the batting unit, with the exception of that awful night last week at Derby, looks a decent one.

What makes a difference, of course, is fielding and there are some brilliant performers in the side. I mentioned Guptill, Madsen and Park last night, but it was a fine team effort last night, one that must be replicated tomorrow. What is especially heartening is the return to the team and form of Garry Park. He has endured a difficult year or so, but is for me beyond compare as a fielder. His speed over the ground, fast arm and secure hands make him easily the best I have seen in my time of following Derbyshire. People like Derek Morgan, Chris Adams and Phil de Freitas were fine fielders, but none had the all round brilliance of Park. As it was once worth the entrance money to see Bob Taylor keep wicket, so it is with Park in the field.

I hope that the runs continue to come and we see him in the county colours for some time. While the new blueprint may put a question mark against his long term future, as things stand he will always be in my one day side, irrespective of how many runs he scores or wickets he takes. In twenty years time, I guarantee that you will tell people that you saw Garry Park field, just the same as people talk about Jonty Rhodes, or those of a certain age recall Colin Bland. While those two remain the benchmark, I can't think of anyone better than Park in the modern game.

Seconds success

A great win for the Seconds at Belper. Chasing Yorkshire's target of 275, we won by one wicket with Garry Park batting through for a superb unbeaten 166.

By any standards that is an impressive knock and, as usual, people have been too quick to write off the talented all-rounder. As Wes Durston amply showed yesterday, talent will always out and Park should have plenty of opportunities this season to showcase his skills.

Indeed, I'd be surprised if he wasn't recalled for Monday's game against the Netherlands, certainly watching Usman Khawaja's running yesterday. I don't think John Morris will risk aggravating a problem in a game that realistically we should win anyway. There's plenty of talent in that Derbyshire side and while the visitors beat us last year, thanks to Michael Dighton's century, having seen their capabilities yesterday I would be very surprised if that was repeated.

Yesterday's display, hopefully replicated over the next two, was a clear indication of a united dressing room with eleven players - young ones mind - all pulling together. It was a pleasure to watch and I would urge anyone to go and see them as the season progresses. Positive and purposeful, in the field we looked on a different level and although we were a bowler down, our lads hit better lines than a side which, on paper at least, has one of the better attacks in the division.

Keep in mind the youth. There was promising bowling from Ross Whiteley to follow his batting of the previous day, while Tom Poynton kept wicket very tidily. Later in the day Chesney Hughes and Dan Redfern showed composure in seeing us through to the end of the day with fielders close around them. It crossed my mind as Chesney unleashed a trademark booming drive that silly point was perhaps the most appositely named position on a cricket field, especially when the affable West Indian is letting go...

With Paul Borrington and Mark Footitt fit in the next couple of weeks, Matt Higginbottom taking three wickets yesterday, Ben Slater and Hamza Siddique doing well for university sides and Jake Needham and Tom Knight there for spin options, John Morris is getting close to having good options for the side.

If they can replicate yesterday on a regular basis and enjoy the rub of the green with injuries there'll be some mighty fine cricket down Derby way this season.

Get yourself down there - and get behind them!

Park the popular choice

It's quite apt that Garry Park chose today to register an excellent all-round contribution, as 72% of those voting rated him the best of our winter recruits.

Both Tim Groenewald and Mark Lawson may well have opportunities in the months ahead, but Park has taken his with both hands and looks a very good acquisition. As a batsman he has shown he can stick it out as well as playing the expansive shots, while he is rated the best cover point in the country.

Add that to the fact that he was Durham's reserve wicket keeper and, as we all know, can bowl a mean medium pace, we look like we've a real renaissance man in the South African born player. I look forward to seeing his progress through this season and beyond.

Now for this week's poll and it's one for the officianado! The cricket world is gradually realising that we have terrific all rounders at Derby. Graham Wagg, Jon Clare, Greg Smith, Garry Park - that's not even mentioning the talents of Dan Redfern, Tim Groenewald and Wavell Hinds!

So who do you thin is the best prospect. We've not seen enough of Groenewald's talents thus far, while Redfern is a fine young batsman who can bowl a little spin. Wavell is also a useful, rather than genuine bowler. But who, from the rest, is the best all round prospect.

Can't wait to see how this one pans out...

Derbyshire v Surrey day 3

All things being equal - and mainly as long as the weather stays fair tomorrow - Derbyshire should complete an emphatic win over Surrey sometime tomorrow morning.

That they should do so is down to a thoroughly professional performance in which most of the side have played their part. Heading the roll of honour on day three is undoubtedly Garry Park (pictured), who showed what a discerning bunch of people visit this blog by returning an excellent all round performance. A maiden 50 for the county followed on from Park's first three wickets for us. Amazingly, before today he had taken only two first class wickets at 166 runs each, yet today's 3-25 has brought his bowling average dropping faster than the exchange rate.

It is also encouraging that he has tempered his natural game and dropped anchor as an opener with Steve Stubbings. Realistically he should drop down to three when Chris Rogers arrives and take the place of Stuart Law. The Australian's returns have been modest since he joined the county but he seems to make a major contribution in the field, as you might expect from a man of his experience. He said at the start of the season that it was not just about his runs but what he can impart to other players. On the basis of the first couple of games he must be having an influence on things, although credit is also due to John Morris and Andrew Brown for their winter work with the squad. I did hear a report today that suggested that Law may have suffered a broken finger in today's action, although that has yet to be confirmed, at least on the club web site. If so, it would be a blow to the county in the continued absence of Chris Rogers. Should Law have to miss Sunday's game against Glamorgan, Dom Telo, Dan Birch and John Sadler will battle to replace him.

Ian Hunter continued his excellent early season form with more wickets today and Greg Smith picked up another wicket. Jon Clare did well in picking up the crucial wicket of Usman Afzaal who was going like a train early on, while Graham Wagg, although less spectacular than in the first innings, picked up another to complete a fine match after his valuable innings. Check out the Surrey TV coverage for the slow, floating ball with which Clare completely flummoxed Afzaal. Great stuff!

So 218 to win and, be honest, apart from Chris Rogers who in this side would you want to bat for your life? The scene was set for Stubbo and with Garry Park he gave us a crucial start. Losing early wickets chasing a modest total can set alarm bells ringing, but despite losing both Park and Law before the close, Derbyshire are well set at 145-2, needing just 73 tomorrow to seal an impressive win. There's not even been a need for Wavell and Dan to turn their arms over...

Those fans of sufficient vintage (like me) will have seen enough collapses over the years to take nothing for granted, but there is a growing feeling that John Morris is assembling a good side here. They're not world-beaters, there'll be some losses before the year is out and there's further improvement necessary, but I'm feeling quite enthused by Derbyshire cricket at the moment.

Mention should also be made of the work being done with the bowlers by Phil de Freitas. On the club site the other night Graham Wagg paid tribute to the work he has done with him. On the basis of the bowling in these first games, Daffy could be a major factor for the county in his consultancy capacity.

Let's finish it tomorrow lads - well done!

Fantasy stuff...

I picked my team for Telegraph Fantasy Cricket last night. I'm convinced this is the year I scoop top prize with a galaxy of talent that will be the envy of the cricketing world. Until they're injured or pick up some exotic tropical disease of course...

I included, for what its worth, two Derbyshire players in my side. Tempted as I was to include the skipper, I decided against it as it would be the kiss of death. Given their ratings, however, I opted for Garry Park and Dan Redfern in my engine room.

Park rated as a 2? The man has a first class record of just under 40 and should play most matches this season. He's a brilliant fielder and for my money a steal at that price.

Dan Redfern a 3? Arguably the best young batsman in the country and another who should get plenty of opportunities to cement a place. Like most young players, Redfern may have a season to unleash himself on the circuit before they work on his perceived weaknesses, but I'm hopeful he'll score a good few runs this year.

Crucially, both can also earn valuable points with their bowling and catching so we'll see what happens.

I was also tempted to include Greg Smith as an undervalued 4, but stuck with the lads above after due care and consideration.

In return I ask only two things - that John Morris picks them in every match and that they both score a thousand runs in all competitions before the end of May...

No problems then...

Derbyshire sign Garry Park

Derbyshire have announced the signing of 25 year old Durham all-rounder Garry Park, who has rejected an offer at Durham in favour of greater opportunities at Derby on a two-year contract.
While not an established player, Park averages in the mid-30's with the bat and has a first class century to his name. He also bowls medium pace, is a brilliant fielder and can keep wicket. If we are stricken with injuries, it suggests that between the South African born but English qualified Park and 'Sobers' Wagg we cover most of the bases...
Another all-rounder, according to the club site, although with two first class wickets at 160 each, I'd suggest he is a batsman who can bowl, rather than a genuine one. Perhaps a swap - and one assumes less expensive - for Rikki Clarke, means that the balance of the squad is maintained. Park is a very competent wicket keeper, so I suspect we may not see Tom New signed this winter, despite an impressive spell at the end of the season. With Mark Lawson presumably a swap for Nayan Doshi, we are now needing another Kevin Dean. There appears few genuine options out there. Rumours persist that Liam Plunkett is unsettled at the Riverside, but he apparently signed a new contract recently which suggests bridges are not yet burnt. There'd be massive competition for his services anyway and Ashley Giles is probably camped outside his house as I write...
This is a solid signing and while we all hope for a top batsman, I don't see many options out there. Perhaps the rationale may be for Sadler or Telo to step up next year and the spare money could go on a top player for the 20/20?
In other news, I'm heartened by the inclusion of Dan Redfern, Tom Poynton and Atif Sheikh in the England U19 squad of 15 to tour South Africa this winter. We all know what a talent Redfern is, but Poynton will be the long term replacement for James Pipe and is a fine keeper and a batsman of talent too. Meanwhile, Sheikh must be a real find to be in the squad at just 17. The left arm quickie might be the'new Kevin Dean', although one assumes he has a long way to go. It is more evidence of the excellent work going on in the Academy under Karl Krikken, and there must be a few counties looking at our set up with a degree of envy.
More news and views as things happen - see you all soon!