No play
The least surprising news of the day came when the umpires fairly quickly called off play for the day at Chesterfield.
There is still plenty of gnashing of teeth going on and I daresay that there will be discussions between the club and council over this, but there are facts that can't be denied and hopefully the following will answer a few of the mails and comments I have had today.
First up, first-class cricketers cannot risk their livelihood by playing on wet, dangerous turf, especially seam bowlers. One slip in your run up or action and your knee or ankle is gone, your season and possibly career ruined. It is simply not an option to play first-class cricket in wet conditions.
Then there's the ground protection. Derbyshire do not own Queens Park, Chesterfield Borough Council do. While there could doubtless have been more or better covers on the ground, the club needs to do the best it can with what is there. I have no idea on the ground maintenance arrangements between Derby and Queens Park, but suspect our ground staff will have an advisory role, rather than the right to take over. I am happy to be corrected on that, but we can't bring covers from Derby to Chesterfield and risk the main ground suffering damage in their absence.
Nor could we transfer the game from Chesterfield to Derby. Neil Godrich will plan the use of his square over a summer to ensure that it plays consistently and is used evenly. There's much more goes in to arranging a cricket match than simply announcing a change of venue. There was a Second Eleven Trophy game at Derby today and ongoing work on the ground and media centre.
To make knee-jerk comments to the tune of not playing at Chesterfield any more is unhelpful and silly. It is still the nicest ground I have ever watched cricket on and I would hate to see it disappear. Such is the lot of the out ground, but everyone looks forward to Chesterfield, just as they look forward to Welbeck Colliery in the near future. If you think they will play there if it rains much beforehand, you will be deluding yourself. Nice little ground, but hardly of international quality drainage standards.
Finally, could Derbyshire have done any more? Not really. The club hasn't the money to throw at the protection of a seven day per summer outground, nor would the ECB give them it. The council have invested in the festival, but rain of the weekend quantity would test any cricket ground. Sod's law would be that you spend 50K on better covers, reducing your playing budget accordingly, then the sun shines...
It is a shame, it is an annoyance, but it has happened and we move on. No one has died and while a few things could perhaps be improved on, the brutal truth is that the game we love is wholly dependent on the weather.
When it has it in for you, one can only bow to the inevitable. The country spent millions on flood defences, but parts of it suffer every single winter - and summer, for that matter.
Fingers crossed for better luck tomorrow, but I understand that there's been local rain tonight, which doesn't bode well...
Monday, 4 July 2016
Sunday, 3 July 2016
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire T20
No result
I feel sorry for a lot of people tonight.
First of all the club, whose hopes of a good attendance at the start of the Chesterfield Festival were dashed. Then there's the players, who will have wanted to get the game on and move into a stronger position in the table. Perhaps most of all the supporters, some of who traveled a considerable distance to be there and found that their best-laid plans had come to naught.
I don't blame the umpires at all. They have to consider everything in making a decision and of paramount importance is the safety of players. It is all well and good to say that there was a club game going on down the road, or a women's match, but there's a difference between playing for fun and for a livelihood. You get one player sustain a major injury from dangerous conditions and there's hell to pay.
I've played in torrential rain to finish a game and on very wet outfields, but that was a choice made to get a game on. The decision is totally different when professionals are concerned, not least what damage it might do to the outfield ahead of the scheduled four-day game this week.
Nor can the protestations of an individual that 'my back garden is fine' hold any weight. Good for you then sir, your drainage does you proud. Yet with respect they aren't playing in your back garden and the umpires can only go with what they have in front of them.
Likewise, to criticise Derbyshire and say 'we shouldn't be using out grounds' is nonsense. A lot of time, money and effort went into upgrading Chesterfield and I would hate to see it disappear from the calendar. A lot of supporters come from that part of the county and south Yorkshire and the festival week is keenly anticipated every year. Yet the club do not own the ground, so can only do so much to protect it, and cannot control the weather. They will, I am sure, have insured the festival, as the income from it will be a major factor in the budget, but it is just one of those things that happens.
What the club could have done better was in their communication. Between ten and eleven this morning, tweets were going out showing the delightful vista at the ground, with nary a comment on the fact that, sun shining or not, the outfield had a lot of surface water. The forecast was, we were told, favourable, but that would have been an opportune time to tell supporters about the surface water and the possibility, even if slight, of delays. People could then have decided whether to risk it or not and it would have saved a number of disgruntled individuals from venting their spleen on social media.
I get the frustration, but it happens, as I have written above. It is not the first and won't be the last match to fall foul of the weather, but some of the knee jerk comments were unnecessary and very unfair. 'You've ruined my day!' said one. Seriously, what do people expect them to do?
The result leaves us in fifth place in a strong group, with our remaining games against the four teams below us (Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, Leicestershire) and Worcestershire, who we beat so impressively on Friday night.
In short, our destiny still lies firmly in our own hands and it is some time since we were playing for much other than pride at this stage.
Leicestershire away on Friday and then Yorkshire at a hopefully drier Chesterfield next Sunday will make for a special weekend, especially if we can keep the momentum going.
Here's to better luck in the four-day game tomorrow, for which John Sadler has named the following thirteen:
Hamish Rutherford
Billy Godleman
Chesney Hughes
Wayne Madsen
Neil Broom
Ben Slater
Shiv Thakor
Matt Critchley
Harvey Hosein
Tom Milnes
Tony Palladino
Rob Hemmings
Andy Carter
Neither side has won in the four-day game this summer, so perhaps something has to give in the next four days. No news of the visiting side, though they are pretty much down to the 'which eleven can still run?' selection process at this stage, a small staff stretched almost to breaking point.
With rain showers forecast for the next two days, that outfield won't take a lot more and I expect a sadly rain-ruined draw in this one.
With that, I bid you farewell for the evening.
As always, thanks for your interest!
I feel sorry for a lot of people tonight.
First of all the club, whose hopes of a good attendance at the start of the Chesterfield Festival were dashed. Then there's the players, who will have wanted to get the game on and move into a stronger position in the table. Perhaps most of all the supporters, some of who traveled a considerable distance to be there and found that their best-laid plans had come to naught.
I don't blame the umpires at all. They have to consider everything in making a decision and of paramount importance is the safety of players. It is all well and good to say that there was a club game going on down the road, or a women's match, but there's a difference between playing for fun and for a livelihood. You get one player sustain a major injury from dangerous conditions and there's hell to pay.
I've played in torrential rain to finish a game and on very wet outfields, but that was a choice made to get a game on. The decision is totally different when professionals are concerned, not least what damage it might do to the outfield ahead of the scheduled four-day game this week.
Nor can the protestations of an individual that 'my back garden is fine' hold any weight. Good for you then sir, your drainage does you proud. Yet with respect they aren't playing in your back garden and the umpires can only go with what they have in front of them.
Likewise, to criticise Derbyshire and say 'we shouldn't be using out grounds' is nonsense. A lot of time, money and effort went into upgrading Chesterfield and I would hate to see it disappear from the calendar. A lot of supporters come from that part of the county and south Yorkshire and the festival week is keenly anticipated every year. Yet the club do not own the ground, so can only do so much to protect it, and cannot control the weather. They will, I am sure, have insured the festival, as the income from it will be a major factor in the budget, but it is just one of those things that happens.
What the club could have done better was in their communication. Between ten and eleven this morning, tweets were going out showing the delightful vista at the ground, with nary a comment on the fact that, sun shining or not, the outfield had a lot of surface water. The forecast was, we were told, favourable, but that would have been an opportune time to tell supporters about the surface water and the possibility, even if slight, of delays. People could then have decided whether to risk it or not and it would have saved a number of disgruntled individuals from venting their spleen on social media.
I get the frustration, but it happens, as I have written above. It is not the first and won't be the last match to fall foul of the weather, but some of the knee jerk comments were unnecessary and very unfair. 'You've ruined my day!' said one. Seriously, what do people expect them to do?
The result leaves us in fifth place in a strong group, with our remaining games against the four teams below us (Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, Leicestershire) and Worcestershire, who we beat so impressively on Friday night.
In short, our destiny still lies firmly in our own hands and it is some time since we were playing for much other than pride at this stage.
Leicestershire away on Friday and then Yorkshire at a hopefully drier Chesterfield next Sunday will make for a special weekend, especially if we can keep the momentum going.
Here's to better luck in the four-day game tomorrow, for which John Sadler has named the following thirteen:
Hamish Rutherford
Billy Godleman
Chesney Hughes
Wayne Madsen
Neil Broom
Ben Slater
Shiv Thakor
Matt Critchley
Harvey Hosein
Tom Milnes
Tony Palladino
Rob Hemmings
Andy Carter
Neither side has won in the four-day game this summer, so perhaps something has to give in the next four days. No news of the visiting side, though they are pretty much down to the 'which eleven can still run?' selection process at this stage, a small staff stretched almost to breaking point.
With rain showers forecast for the next two days, that outfield won't take a lot more and I expect a sadly rain-ruined draw in this one.
With that, I bid you farewell for the evening.
As always, thanks for your interest!
28 days...
You know, this is the first season since I started this blog when we have got into July without recurring cries of 'wholesale changes at the end of the season' being heard.
Perhaps, at last, people can genuinely see the talent starting to emerge from the club's work with the Academy and a number of young players are making impressive progress. Not definitive, at this stage, as that's a long way off for some of the younger ones, but their have been impressive strides as the season has progressed.
The past week has seen several clubs announce that they have served 28 days notice on the current employers of some top cricketers that they want their services next season.
Varun Chopra is attracting interest and is often outside the Warwickshire eleven, Durham may not be able to afford Mark Wood, Scott Borthwick and Mark Stoneman, Northamptonshire could lose Josh Cobb, Olly Stone and Ben Duckett. Nottinghamshire are being linked with most of them...sigh.
Derbyshire? Very shrewdly, we extended the deals on the players seen as key to our futures and although the end of the summer will see inevitable departures, it is more likely to be younger players who are deemed to be just short of the desired standard.
As far as recruitment goes, there is a balancing act between bringing in a player of quality and affording opportunity to young talent. For example, a notional four-day side next season could quite easily line up, with current batting averages in brackets:
Godleman (50)
Slater (39)
Hughes (60)
Madsen (63)
Broom (32)
Thakor (87)
Hughes
Hosein
Palladino
Cotton
Davis
In selecting that side, you are omitting some good young players - most notably Matt Critchley and Tom Taylor, as well as experienced professionals like Andy Carter, Tom Poynton and Wes Durston. Nor is there an overseas player, something Durham has struggled to afford for years.
For any and every player we bring in, one of those above doesn't get a game and they need to be markedly better AND affordable for it to be justified. You might say that Neil Broom's stat make him the most vulnerable, but a man with his skills has to come good and it has shown in fits and starts. You'll not really improve on that batting line up, even it misfires, as they all do, on occasion..
In the bowling, Ben Cotton and Will Davis have both impressed and need to be playing more, while Alex Hughes is too good a player to be only in the one-day stuff long term. If John Sadler can tell Tom Knight to just bowl as he used to, we'd have another damn good one-day option as an all-rounder too. The likes of Elstone, Cork and Hemmings are a little further back in the queue, but have potential.
In short, I don't think we will see - nor do we need - massive changes. A quality bowler, maybe as overseas, possibly a look at wicket-keepers and see if there's an option out there who might offer more runs in the short term, perhaps a young batsman - maybe one of those we have had on trial.
I'd be surprised at more, from both a budgetary and opportunities perspective.
In itself, that is a major shift from previous years and is good to see.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
Postscript I meant to express my disappointment earlier in the week at Tom Taylor's season-ending stress fracture to the back. It has been a funny old summer for a talented cricketer, but at 21 he has plenty of years ahead of him.
I am sure he will return next summer, raring to go and am equally sure that you will join me in wishing him well.
Perhaps, at last, people can genuinely see the talent starting to emerge from the club's work with the Academy and a number of young players are making impressive progress. Not definitive, at this stage, as that's a long way off for some of the younger ones, but their have been impressive strides as the season has progressed.
The past week has seen several clubs announce that they have served 28 days notice on the current employers of some top cricketers that they want their services next season.
Varun Chopra is attracting interest and is often outside the Warwickshire eleven, Durham may not be able to afford Mark Wood, Scott Borthwick and Mark Stoneman, Northamptonshire could lose Josh Cobb, Olly Stone and Ben Duckett. Nottinghamshire are being linked with most of them...sigh.
Derbyshire? Very shrewdly, we extended the deals on the players seen as key to our futures and although the end of the summer will see inevitable departures, it is more likely to be younger players who are deemed to be just short of the desired standard.
As far as recruitment goes, there is a balancing act between bringing in a player of quality and affording opportunity to young talent. For example, a notional four-day side next season could quite easily line up, with current batting averages in brackets:
Godleman (50)
Slater (39)
Hughes (60)
Madsen (63)
Broom (32)
Thakor (87)
Hughes
Hosein
Palladino
Cotton
Davis
In selecting that side, you are omitting some good young players - most notably Matt Critchley and Tom Taylor, as well as experienced professionals like Andy Carter, Tom Poynton and Wes Durston. Nor is there an overseas player, something Durham has struggled to afford for years.
For any and every player we bring in, one of those above doesn't get a game and they need to be markedly better AND affordable for it to be justified. You might say that Neil Broom's stat make him the most vulnerable, but a man with his skills has to come good and it has shown in fits and starts. You'll not really improve on that batting line up, even it misfires, as they all do, on occasion..
In the bowling, Ben Cotton and Will Davis have both impressed and need to be playing more, while Alex Hughes is too good a player to be only in the one-day stuff long term. If John Sadler can tell Tom Knight to just bowl as he used to, we'd have another damn good one-day option as an all-rounder too. The likes of Elstone, Cork and Hemmings are a little further back in the queue, but have potential.
In short, I don't think we will see - nor do we need - massive changes. A quality bowler, maybe as overseas, possibly a look at wicket-keepers and see if there's an option out there who might offer more runs in the short term, perhaps a young batsman - maybe one of those we have had on trial.
I'd be surprised at more, from both a budgetary and opportunities perspective.
In itself, that is a major shift from previous years and is good to see.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
Postscript I meant to express my disappointment earlier in the week at Tom Taylor's season-ending stress fracture to the back. It has been a funny old summer for a talented cricketer, but at 21 he has plenty of years ahead of him.
I am sure he will return next summer, raring to go and am equally sure that you will join me in wishing him well.
Saturday, 2 July 2016
Derbyshire v Northamptonshire T20 preview
Chesterfield.
From a cricket-watching perspective, there is nothing better. You feel like you are one of the fielders, so close is the action. The wicket is normally good, the outfield fast, the boundaries small. Runs normally come quickly, though there is often something there for the bowlers.
The surroundings cannot be bettered. The beautiful Queens Park, with the bandstand to one side, the perfect flower beds, as well as the boating lake with the miniature railway. A little bit of trivia for you - that railway was laid by the brother of former Derbyshire groundsman Walter Goodyear. Might come in useful sometime...
It is what 'Pop' Larkin would have called 'perfick'. As long as it doesn't rain, as it did against Yorkshire a few weeks back...
Tomorrow, Derbyshire play host to the team currently leading the north section, Northamptonshire. They are well set for this competition, with some good, fast-scoring batsmen, steady bowlers and good fielders. Having said that, they just pipped Derbyshire at Wantage Road and we shouldn't be unduly worried about tomorrow. We have already proved that we can match the best this summer and have our own, long batting order, as well as plenty of bowling options.
It is an unchanged thirteen for us tomorrow, which I fully expect to translate to an unchanged side. It will do the attendance no harm to have local player Harvey Hosein in the Derbyshire side, though the young player is in on merit, without doubt
Our visitors hammered high-flying Warwickshire (or Birmingham, if you will) last night and have withstood the ravages of injury well this year. They have a small squad and, according to reports, could be set to lose Ben Duckett, Olly Stone and Josh Cobb at the end of the summer. That they have done so well despite all of this in the background speaks volumes for them and they will present a tough test for our lads. They have established a strong reputation at the format and I wouldn't like to call this one.
One thing is for sure - if we're not at our best, we will get our come-uppance.
Total focus and commitment is the only way we'll win this.
But we can.
From a cricket-watching perspective, there is nothing better. You feel like you are one of the fielders, so close is the action. The wicket is normally good, the outfield fast, the boundaries small. Runs normally come quickly, though there is often something there for the bowlers.
The surroundings cannot be bettered. The beautiful Queens Park, with the bandstand to one side, the perfect flower beds, as well as the boating lake with the miniature railway. A little bit of trivia for you - that railway was laid by the brother of former Derbyshire groundsman Walter Goodyear. Might come in useful sometime...
It is what 'Pop' Larkin would have called 'perfick'. As long as it doesn't rain, as it did against Yorkshire a few weeks back...
Tomorrow, Derbyshire play host to the team currently leading the north section, Northamptonshire. They are well set for this competition, with some good, fast-scoring batsmen, steady bowlers and good fielders. Having said that, they just pipped Derbyshire at Wantage Road and we shouldn't be unduly worried about tomorrow. We have already proved that we can match the best this summer and have our own, long batting order, as well as plenty of bowling options.
It is an unchanged thirteen for us tomorrow, which I fully expect to translate to an unchanged side. It will do the attendance no harm to have local player Harvey Hosein in the Derbyshire side, though the young player is in on merit, without doubt
Our visitors hammered high-flying Warwickshire (or Birmingham, if you will) last night and have withstood the ravages of injury well this year. They have a small squad and, according to reports, could be set to lose Ben Duckett, Olly Stone and Josh Cobb at the end of the summer. That they have done so well despite all of this in the background speaks volumes for them and they will present a tough test for our lads. They have established a strong reputation at the format and I wouldn't like to call this one.
One thing is for sure - if we're not at our best, we will get our come-uppance.
Total focus and commitment is the only way we'll win this.
But we can.
Friday, 1 July 2016
Worcestershire v Derbyshire T20
Derbyshire 188-3 (Madsen 59 not, Hughes 43 not, Rutherford 37, Durston 32)
Derbyshire won by seven wickets with seven balls to spare
Even the cynics would have to admit that Derbyshire are playing some fantastic cricket right now.
In a game that was very much in the 'must win' category to keep our hopes alive, we won with some ease, thanks to a beautifully paced run chase that was the club's second highest in T20 history. There was a time when such a chase would have been around forty runs too many for us, but this side is made of sterner stuff. Led once again by the run machine that is Wayne Madsen,
Partnered by Chesney Hughes, Wayne added 97 in just nine overs to ease his side to victory. An unbeaten 59 from just 33 balls for a man who is in the form of his life right now. It is when you look at what was to come that you realise the talent in this young side. Neesham, Thakor, Hughes, Hosein, Critchley - they can all bat, they are all young lads.
Worcestershire only got back from last night's game in Durham at 3am, but it was an evening start. Derbyshire had an arduous journey down to Sussex from Northampton - and an 11am start - a few weeks back, so it is part of the job, if not necessarily easy. I also felt happier when I heard we had won the toss and were chasing - we do that better than setting a target at this stage. These little things can make a difference, but nothing should detract from a fine display against a side reckoned to be one of the best in this format.
Early wickets are always crucial and Jimmy Neesham and Andy Carter whipped out two each in the Powerplay. Both took stick at the end of the innings, as the excellent Ben Cox and Matt Henry flogged 62 off the last four overs, but in between there were exemplary spells from Alex Hughes, with a competition-best 3-23 and Matt Critchley, whose three overs only went for 20.
Mention again for the bowling discipline - only three wides and four no balls in the home side's innings, with Harvey Hosein doing a very solid job behind the stumps. It was good to see this talented young player back in the side and he let no one down.
There was much to do, but Durston and Rutherford set off at around ten an over and although Neil Broom failed, Wayne and Ches saw us home, even allowing for an interruption for rain that never helps the batting side. Even then one saw a newfound professionalism - Wayne hitting a six just before the players went off, to put us two runs ahead on Duckworth/Lewis. There was also some serious stick for Kyle Abbott, on his debut for Worcestershire, the South African quick going for 57 in 3.5 overs. It is an unforgiving game at times...
The win has made no difference to our league position in a very tough group, but if we can follow it up with a win over Northamptonshire on Sunday, we are very much in the mix for qualification.
Heady days...and warm congratulations to John Sadler. If one puts aside the disappointment of last Friday against Nottinghamshire, his side have produced consistent, quality cricket in the past few weeks, even in defeat.
He must be very proud of their efforts - and rightly so.
Thursday, 30 June 2016
Worcestershire v Derbyshire T20 preview
Having started so brightly in an admittedly tough group, then lost narrowly to some very good sides, Derbyshire travel to the delights of Worcester tomorrow for a 'must win' game in the T20 Blast.
Four straight losses have taken us from potential qualifiers to third bottom, though a win tomorrow will put us back in the mix for the qualifying berths, especially if we can follow it up with a win at Queens Park on Sunday.
After excellent efforts in the second eleven's eight-wicket win over Nottinghamshire today (more later), Scott Elstone and Tom Milnes are back in the squad for the game. It is one that we will approach in good heart, having acquitted ourselves well against them this season, though we really could do with our Kiwis coming up with the goods. When the situation gets tight, you want your hired hands to do that and they will line up in this squad:
Hamish Rutherford
Wes Durston
Chesney Hughes
Neil Broom
Wayne Madsen
Scott Elstone
Jimmy Neesham
Alex Hughes
Shiv Thakor
Matt Critchley
Tom Poynton
Tom Milnes
Andy Carter
Great to see Wes back in the side and his thunderous starts have been missed of late. Ben Cotton is rested after a lot of overs at Canterbury and I don't expect any changes to the recent eleven.
Our hosts welcome Saffer Kyle Abbott into their ranks and have a good team in this format. It will be a very good game of cricket against this squad:
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Daryl Mitchell, Joe Clarke, Alexei Kervezee, Brett D’Oliveira, Ross Whiteley, Ben Cox, Joe Leach, Ed Barnard, Matt Henry, Kyle Abbott, Jack Shantry
We have enough in the side to win the game, but whether we do so is anyone's guess. I always feel we have a better chance when chasing, so the toss will be important.
Fingers crossed...
Meanwhile, at Worksop, the seconds limited our dear local neighbours to 191-8 in 43 overs. Will Gidman and Greg Smith made 33 each, while Andy Carter took 3-37 and Tom Milnes 2-35.
In reply, Wes and Jon Tattersall went cheaply, but Scott Elstone (85 not) and Charlie McDonnell (67 not) eased their side to a win with four overs to spare.
Good effort lads!
Four straight losses have taken us from potential qualifiers to third bottom, though a win tomorrow will put us back in the mix for the qualifying berths, especially if we can follow it up with a win at Queens Park on Sunday.
After excellent efforts in the second eleven's eight-wicket win over Nottinghamshire today (more later), Scott Elstone and Tom Milnes are back in the squad for the game. It is one that we will approach in good heart, having acquitted ourselves well against them this season, though we really could do with our Kiwis coming up with the goods. When the situation gets tight, you want your hired hands to do that and they will line up in this squad:
Hamish Rutherford
Wes Durston
Chesney Hughes
Neil Broom
Wayne Madsen
Scott Elstone
Jimmy Neesham
Alex Hughes
Shiv Thakor
Matt Critchley
Tom Poynton
Tom Milnes
Andy Carter
Great to see Wes back in the side and his thunderous starts have been missed of late. Ben Cotton is rested after a lot of overs at Canterbury and I don't expect any changes to the recent eleven.
Our hosts welcome Saffer Kyle Abbott into their ranks and have a good team in this format. It will be a very good game of cricket against this squad:
Tom Kohler-Cadmore, Daryl Mitchell, Joe Clarke, Alexei Kervezee, Brett D’Oliveira, Ross Whiteley, Ben Cox, Joe Leach, Ed Barnard, Matt Henry, Kyle Abbott, Jack Shantry
We have enough in the side to win the game, but whether we do so is anyone's guess. I always feel we have a better chance when chasing, so the toss will be important.
Fingers crossed...
Meanwhile, at Worksop, the seconds limited our dear local neighbours to 191-8 in 43 overs. Will Gidman and Greg Smith made 33 each, while Andy Carter took 3-37 and Tom Milnes 2-35.
In reply, Wes and Jon Tattersall went cheaply, but Scott Elstone (85 not) and Charlie McDonnell (67 not) eased their side to a win with four overs to spare.
Good effort lads!
Book Review: The Hard Yards: Highs and Lows of a Life in Cricket by Mike Yardy
Over the years I have written this blog, as regulars will know, I have always chosen my words carefully when talking about players and their form.There are places on the internet where anything goes, from personal comments to harsh criticism that never seems to take account of one simple thing. That cricketers, like all of us, have things going on in their lives that sometimes make performing at their best a very difficult thing.
We have had our share at Derbyshire in recent years and the mental side of the game is huge. Even if you have the requisite technique or impressive statistics, there is always the niggle that you might not be good enough , might not be able to maintain standard and perhaps cannot deal with critics and their words.
This book is essential reading for anyone who has gone online and been critical of a sportsman or woman. It is also an outstanding read, as it reinforces the fact that even those at, or near the top of the tree have their insecurities. Some of them, big ones.
Like Mike Yardy. A member of a T20 World Cup-winning side and captain of a Sussex side that won two one-day trophies in 2009, yet tormented by self-doubt. Unsure of his talent, whether people believed in him and whether he could sustain his form, he sought help in 2011, when he should have been preparing for a World Cup quarter-final.
This is a fine and brave book, because Yardy was a cricketer that any side would love to have as a member. If this kind of thing can happen to him, how many others might this crippling depression affect? Lots actually, more than you might think and in an age when every ball, shot, drop or decision is scrutinised and commented on by all and sundry, not everyone can handle the pressure and the attention.
Now retired and studying for a degree in sports psychology, a career in which he hopes to help others deal with the highs and lows of professional sport, Mike Yardy can reflect securely on two things.
One, that he WAS a very good cricketer - you don't produce those statistics, nor make it to the level that he did, without being so.
Two that, with his collorator Bruce Talbot, he has produced one of the most compelling cricket books of recent times.
Do yourself a massive favour and buy it. It will open your eyes...
The Hard Yards: Highs and Lows in A Life of Cricket is written by Mike Yardy and published by Pitch Publishing. It is currently available at £18.99 as a hardback
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Kent v Derbyshire day 4
Kent 379 and 238-3
Derbyshire 574-9
Match drawn
The last day of a game in which Derbyshire acquitted themselves well petered out at tea. The deficit had been easily passed and was always going to be, considering that, with Will Davis injured, we only had two full-time bowlers to pit against a good batting side on a decent track.
Ben Cotton and Tony Palladino huffed and puffed in vain, then it was left to the occasional spin of Wayne, Chesney and Ben to try and winkle them out. Neil Broom got his sixth first-class wicket, while Hamish Rutherford even turned his arm over before the rain mercifully ended things. Such days are dull and entertain no one, to be honest. Four day cricket is pointless when the fourth is like too many have been this summer.
What does it mean for Derbyshire? Well, with seven games left, promotion is slightly more likely than me winning Miss World, but after the slow start we had in the four-day game, 'twas always likely to be so.
What I would like to see now is Harvey Hosein given the gloves for the rest of the summer's four-day cricket. By this stage, we know what Tom Poynton can do and he will doubtless play the one-day games. What we need to know, for next year, is whether Hosein has the mental toughness for day-in, day-out first-class cricket yet, or if we need to look at options.
At nineteen, being first-choice wicket-keeper at the top level is a tough gig, but I do think that we need more runs from that position than we're getting at present. It is the way of the modern game and our side would be so much stronger if we had an O'Brien, Roderick, Cox or Hodd behind the timbers. If TP or Harvey could provide that quality, then fantastic, but we need to look at that carefully in September and over the winter. We have an improved batting side, but there will be plenty of times when a James Pipe/Luke Sutton rearguard action is needed in all forms of the game.
I'd also like to see Matt Critchley get some overs under his belt. Of course, they want him to keep his limited overs bowling mindset right now and I get that, but a day like today cried out for a specialist spinner and we don't have one right now.
There's not many around, of course, but if I was in charge of winter recruitment this year, my number one target would be a spin bowler. If he could bat a bit, great, but a man who you could toss a ball to on the last day of a four-day game and say 'Bowl them out' would be a godsend. Likewise a man who could bowl tight overs in one-day cricket - and get people out too.
My choice? Imran Tahir. At 38 next year, his international days must be coming to a close, but his impact on someone like Matt Critchley for a couple of years could be considerable. Were he available, I'm sure most counties would be chasing him, but his effect on a young side would be massive. No side would fancy 200-plus on the last day with him bowling at one end.
An alternative might be a seamer for April to June and Tahir for the later summer, if he was loathe to commit to a full summer here. He's a match-winner for sure, but others would doubtless see him similarly.
The sad thing is, that's it. Unless Pakistan reveal a mystery spinner for the forthcoming Test series, I can't think of another spinner in the world game who I would bank on to bowl sides out on a regular basis and might be persuaded to come to England. While India has a few, they are unlikely to need county cricket when they can earn fortunes in the IPL.
Sad, isn't it?
Get yourself fit, Edwin. Your county needs you...
Derbyshire 574-9
Match drawn
The last day of a game in which Derbyshire acquitted themselves well petered out at tea. The deficit had been easily passed and was always going to be, considering that, with Will Davis injured, we only had two full-time bowlers to pit against a good batting side on a decent track.
Ben Cotton and Tony Palladino huffed and puffed in vain, then it was left to the occasional spin of Wayne, Chesney and Ben to try and winkle them out. Neil Broom got his sixth first-class wicket, while Hamish Rutherford even turned his arm over before the rain mercifully ended things. Such days are dull and entertain no one, to be honest. Four day cricket is pointless when the fourth is like too many have been this summer.
What does it mean for Derbyshire? Well, with seven games left, promotion is slightly more likely than me winning Miss World, but after the slow start we had in the four-day game, 'twas always likely to be so.
What I would like to see now is Harvey Hosein given the gloves for the rest of the summer's four-day cricket. By this stage, we know what Tom Poynton can do and he will doubtless play the one-day games. What we need to know, for next year, is whether Hosein has the mental toughness for day-in, day-out first-class cricket yet, or if we need to look at options.
At nineteen, being first-choice wicket-keeper at the top level is a tough gig, but I do think that we need more runs from that position than we're getting at present. It is the way of the modern game and our side would be so much stronger if we had an O'Brien, Roderick, Cox or Hodd behind the timbers. If TP or Harvey could provide that quality, then fantastic, but we need to look at that carefully in September and over the winter. We have an improved batting side, but there will be plenty of times when a James Pipe/Luke Sutton rearguard action is needed in all forms of the game.
I'd also like to see Matt Critchley get some overs under his belt. Of course, they want him to keep his limited overs bowling mindset right now and I get that, but a day like today cried out for a specialist spinner and we don't have one right now.
There's not many around, of course, but if I was in charge of winter recruitment this year, my number one target would be a spin bowler. If he could bat a bit, great, but a man who you could toss a ball to on the last day of a four-day game and say 'Bowl them out' would be a godsend. Likewise a man who could bowl tight overs in one-day cricket - and get people out too.
My choice? Imran Tahir. At 38 next year, his international days must be coming to a close, but his impact on someone like Matt Critchley for a couple of years could be considerable. Were he available, I'm sure most counties would be chasing him, but his effect on a young side would be massive. No side would fancy 200-plus on the last day with him bowling at one end.
An alternative might be a seamer for April to June and Tahir for the later summer, if he was loathe to commit to a full summer here. He's a match-winner for sure, but others would doubtless see him similarly.
The sad thing is, that's it. Unless Pakistan reveal a mystery spinner for the forthcoming Test series, I can't think of another spinner in the world game who I would bank on to bowl sides out on a regular basis and might be persuaded to come to England. While India has a few, they are unlikely to need county cricket when they can earn fortunes in the IPL.
Sad, isn't it?
Get yourself fit, Edwin. Your county needs you...
Tuesday, 28 June 2016
Kent v Derbyshire day 3
Derbyshire 574-9 declared (Madsen 163, Thakor 123)
Kent trail by 163 runs
It would be a great surprise to me if this match ended in anything but a draw tomorrow, but another highly impressive Derbyshire performance has had the sports writers reaching for their thesaurus of superlatives.
Wayne Madsen made his fourth century of the summer and his 22nd for the county, a total surpassed only by JohnWright, Peter Kirsten, John Morris and Kim Barnett. Those names suggest the magnitude of the feat and I have no doubt that he will ultimately go past all but the supremely gifted, if unorthodox, Barnett.
Be in no doubt, while you enjoy watching him bat in coming seasons, that you are witnessing one of the greatest batsmen in the club's history. He is young enough and sufficiently motivated to double his current tally, unless his record comes under scrutiny at a higher level.
Wayne is now the highest scorer in the country. Sure, it is against division two attacks, as detractors will say, but runs are runs and it should not be ignored that in our summer in division one, he was one of the leading scorers in the country. First to the thousand mark, if memory serves me correctly.
I have no doubt that Wayne would score runs at the top level. He has a rock solid technique, being more organised than many who have played at that level. He is at home against pace and spin alike and has no discernible weakness. You can't bounce him out, because he rarely hooks; you can't bank on getting him early as he gets hands, eyes and feet working more quickly than most. Were there any justice in the game, he will be under consideration for a winter tour, because he WILL get runs. He made them as a captain, he's made them as one of the ranks. He is simply an outstanding cricketer.
Some years his junior, Shiv Thakor is also emerging as a special talent. He looked it at Leicestershire, had a quiet and modest year last summer and this time has looked a player of genuine class with bat and ball. 522 runs at 87, eighteen wickets at 27: by crikey, the lad can play. His bowling is always likely to get wickets, while his batting has the flourish of the best. He will be an England player in the next five years, without any doubt - and quite possibly sooner.
Their efforts took Derbyshire to a sizeable lead today, but Will Davis is unlikely to bowl tomorrow with a hip injury and the wicket is simply too slow for anything other than TNT to cause batsmen problems.
Nonetheless, in both making centuries against Kent for the second time this summer, Wayne and Shiv set a little bit of Derbyshire history.
We may not win a trophy this summer, but slowly and surely the blocks are falling into place for a good little team over the next few years. Four or five solid batsmen, a couple of all-rounders, two good young seamers emerging...
Yeah, plenty of reasons to be cheerful.
Monday, 27 June 2016
Kent v Derbyshire day 2
Kent 379 (Northeast 191, Palladino 4-76, Davis 3-86)
Derbyshire 291-3 (Hughes 83, Madsen 73 not, Rutherford 65)
Derbyshire trail by 88 runs
A good, solid day for Derbyshire today ended with the side in a position of some dominance and perhaps able to push ahead tomorrow and leave the hosts with a tricky final day.
The last Kent wickets went down with the minimum of fuss, leaving them 21 short of their final batting bonus point and Sam Northeast dismissed nine short of a double century. Four wickets for Tony Palladino completed another sound performance by the veteran seamer, who is enjoying a good season.
Our batting progress was solid, rather than spectacular, but with two days left in the game, that was the requirement at this stage. The Kent attack, shorn of Matt Coles for 'personal reasons', could make little impact and all of the batsmen got starts.
Both Hamish Rutherford and Chesney Hughes will be disappointed not to convert good innings into match-defining ones, though Wayne Madsen sailed serenely on to stumps in the company of Neil Broom. With Ben Slater and Shiv Thakor to come next, Derbyshire have plenty of batting to push ahead and make the final day a potential push for victory - albeit on a wicket that is now said to be slow and lifeless.
The thinking money will remain on the draw, so Derbyshire need to get ahead and then push on tomorrow.
At least, I'm sure, that's the plan at this stage.
Postscript...in a jocular fashion, maybe it's time for whoever updates the score to stop saying 'X is going well' or 'This is a great partnership'. Invariably it results in a wicket. Today was 'Chesney is looking back to the form in which he started the campaign'. Next tweet is 'Wicket: Chesney is out'.
Sigh...I know - when they bat, try 'the Derbyshire attack is looking fairly ineffective today'.
We'll bowl 'em out in two sessions...
Sunday, 26 June 2016
Kent v Derbyshire day 1
Kent 354-7 (Northeast 173 not, Ball 66, Palladino 3-69, Davis 3-81)
v Derbyshire
Sam Northeast played a captain's innings for Kent today, steering them from the perils of 90-4 to a fairly satisfied 354-7 by the close.
It was a fine knock that prevented Derbyshire from capitalising on another fine spell by Will Davis. The teenage pace bowler apparently got good swing in the early sessions, before later in the day the batsmen were able to fight back and get a decent score on the board.
Davis suggests that with another couple of years on him he could be quite special, while Tony Palladino showed that experience is something that improves all bowlers with another three wickets. Ben Cotton bowled tidily, but Shiv Thakor was probably not bowling flat out and the Kent batsmen racked up runs against a makeshift spin attack of Madsen, Hughes and Slater.
We'll not know the true value of the score until Derbyshire has batted, of course, but there appear to be no undue perils in the wicket and we shouldn't be too concerned about batting when our turn comes tomorrow.
In closing, I must praise a very disciplined performance by Derbyshire in the field. Only six extras in the day, one bye, three leg byes and two no balls. On a wicket that according to reports flattened out after early assistance, that is a good effort.
More from me tomorrow.
v Derbyshire
Sam Northeast played a captain's innings for Kent today, steering them from the perils of 90-4 to a fairly satisfied 354-7 by the close.
It was a fine knock that prevented Derbyshire from capitalising on another fine spell by Will Davis. The teenage pace bowler apparently got good swing in the early sessions, before later in the day the batsmen were able to fight back and get a decent score on the board.
Davis suggests that with another couple of years on him he could be quite special, while Tony Palladino showed that experience is something that improves all bowlers with another three wickets. Ben Cotton bowled tidily, but Shiv Thakor was probably not bowling flat out and the Kent batsmen racked up runs against a makeshift spin attack of Madsen, Hughes and Slater.
We'll not know the true value of the score until Derbyshire has batted, of course, but there appear to be no undue perils in the wicket and we shouldn't be too concerned about batting when our turn comes tomorrow.
In closing, I must praise a very disciplined performance by Derbyshire in the field. Only six extras in the day, one bye, three leg byes and two no balls. On a wicket that according to reports flattened out after early assistance, that is a good effort.
More from me tomorrow.
Saturday, 25 June 2016
Kent v Derbyshire preview
Shiv Thakor is back in the Derbyshire 13 for their game against Kent at Canterbury, starting tomorrow.
The following squad has travelled:
Billy Godleman
Hamish Rutherford
Chesney Hughes
Wayne Madsen
Neil Broom
Shiv Thakor
Ben Slater
Tom Poynton
Rob Hemmings
Tony Palladino
Matt Critchley
Ben Cotton
Will Davis
If I was selecting the side on current form, the two to miss out would be Chesney Hughes and Rob Hemmings. Rob let no one down on debut, but there are stronger claims, while Chesney's recent form has been sketchy and Ben Slater, to be honest, is more deserving of a place. I'd open with Bill and Ben, then have Hamish at first drop.
As for the home side, they have yet to announce a team but having beaten us at Derby will hope to complete the double. I still think they bat better than they bowl, but we will need to up our game to get anything from this.
We can do though and, last night apart, we have played well in the last month. Let's not forget that we'd have likely beaten Worcestershire given four days of cricket.
I think, given a decent forecast, we can get the win points here.
Your thoughts are, as always, appreciated!
The following squad has travelled:
Billy Godleman
Hamish Rutherford
Chesney Hughes
Wayne Madsen
Neil Broom
Shiv Thakor
Ben Slater
Tom Poynton
Rob Hemmings
Tony Palladino
Matt Critchley
Ben Cotton
Will Davis
If I was selecting the side on current form, the two to miss out would be Chesney Hughes and Rob Hemmings. Rob let no one down on debut, but there are stronger claims, while Chesney's recent form has been sketchy and Ben Slater, to be honest, is more deserving of a place. I'd open with Bill and Ben, then have Hamish at first drop.
As for the home side, they have yet to announce a team but having beaten us at Derby will hope to complete the double. I still think they bat better than they bowl, but we will need to up our game to get anything from this.
We can do though and, last night apart, we have played well in the last month. Let's not forget that we'd have likely beaten Worcestershire given four days of cricket.
I think, given a decent forecast, we can get the win points here.
Your thoughts are, as always, appreciated!
Questions being asked
There's a couple of questions being asked of me in your post comments and personal emails that I would like to take the opportunity to address on an otherwise quiet day.
The recurring one is why Tom Poynton hasn't yet been replaced by Harvey Hosein.
Tom is a lovely bloke, a very competent wicket-keeper and a batsman of talent, not always realised when he gets to the crease. He will play an occasional innings that hints of what he can do and that his batting skills are coming to the fore, then lapse into a run of mediocre scores. His glove work is generally sound, though a mistake or two has proved costly of late, according to reports.
The trouble is, Harvey Hosein has no real batting form to force his case. At 19, I don't think there's much between the two behind the stumps. I think Poynton, older and more confident at 26, keeps on top of the fielders better, Hosein has the greater potential with the bat. Yet Harvey has only played T20 cricket since the end of May, when he made 50 against Nottinghamshire, since when his scores have been 12 not, 1, 7 not, 10, 5 not, 0 and 25. The figures don't push his claim, even if the lot of a middle order bat in T20 is not a happy one at times.
I have seen both men keep well, and less so, but it is a high-profile role and, like goalkeepers in football, when a keeper makes a mistake it is usually critical. Harvey has time on his side and will, I think, be first choice for years once he establishes himself. He may well be good enough to bat five or six too, something that Tom won't, in my opinion.
Both are very good cricketers, they all are at this level, but their batting returns won't yet stop Derbyshire supporters looking around the circuit at other counties and the match-winning knocks their glove men produce and wishing. A more productive wicket-keeper with the bat wouldn't have changed much this summer from a results perspective, but come season end we have to look around and see if there is someone out there who could offer more, even if just as a stop gap until Harvey comes of age.
For what it is worth, I'd prefer us to play Tom in one-day cricket and Harvey in the championship. It is a compromise, but one that will help the youngster learn the concentration skills he needs for a top-level career. With respect, he won't do that playing T20 after T20 in the seconds and having to swing the bat when he does get a knock.
The other question is what I think of Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom's efforts this year and have they been worthwhile signings so far.
The answer is no, they haven't. They seem lovely blokes and have good reputations, but the bottom line for any overseas cricketer is that you will be judged on your statistics and the number of matches you win for your side. A mid-twenties average is acceptable for a young lad making his way in the county game, but the expectations are much higher when you are brought from another country, provided with a car and accommodation and are well paid.
Both have shown what they can do in bursts, but to pluck two names at random, we could have played Tom Wood and Jon Tattersall in one and four-day cricket this year and they would have largely matched the return of the Kiwis. From the current staff, both Ben Slater and Scott Elstone may have averaged the same, or in Slater's case, likely better. None of them would be costing as much.
It's a tricky thing though. Amla, Dilshan, Rutherford - all good players with credentials, but disappointing returns. Where are you now, John Wright and Peter Kirsten. What we'd give for their like again.
I cannot fault the thought process of the signings, but in neither case have we yet had the evidence that the value is commensurate to the cost. You look at someone like Wayne Madsen, each year since he has been 'taking the place of a local lad' he has averaged 58, 34, 27, 37, 41, 39, 47 and this year 55. They are quality statistics, befitting a quality player and others must aspire to similar.
Good second halves of season required in both cases for me to be convinced.
The recurring one is why Tom Poynton hasn't yet been replaced by Harvey Hosein.
Tom is a lovely bloke, a very competent wicket-keeper and a batsman of talent, not always realised when he gets to the crease. He will play an occasional innings that hints of what he can do and that his batting skills are coming to the fore, then lapse into a run of mediocre scores. His glove work is generally sound, though a mistake or two has proved costly of late, according to reports.
The trouble is, Harvey Hosein has no real batting form to force his case. At 19, I don't think there's much between the two behind the stumps. I think Poynton, older and more confident at 26, keeps on top of the fielders better, Hosein has the greater potential with the bat. Yet Harvey has only played T20 cricket since the end of May, when he made 50 against Nottinghamshire, since when his scores have been 12 not, 1, 7 not, 10, 5 not, 0 and 25. The figures don't push his claim, even if the lot of a middle order bat in T20 is not a happy one at times.
I have seen both men keep well, and less so, but it is a high-profile role and, like goalkeepers in football, when a keeper makes a mistake it is usually critical. Harvey has time on his side and will, I think, be first choice for years once he establishes himself. He may well be good enough to bat five or six too, something that Tom won't, in my opinion.
Both are very good cricketers, they all are at this level, but their batting returns won't yet stop Derbyshire supporters looking around the circuit at other counties and the match-winning knocks their glove men produce and wishing. A more productive wicket-keeper with the bat wouldn't have changed much this summer from a results perspective, but come season end we have to look around and see if there is someone out there who could offer more, even if just as a stop gap until Harvey comes of age.
For what it is worth, I'd prefer us to play Tom in one-day cricket and Harvey in the championship. It is a compromise, but one that will help the youngster learn the concentration skills he needs for a top-level career. With respect, he won't do that playing T20 after T20 in the seconds and having to swing the bat when he does get a knock.
The other question is what I think of Hamish Rutherford and Neil Broom's efforts this year and have they been worthwhile signings so far.
The answer is no, they haven't. They seem lovely blokes and have good reputations, but the bottom line for any overseas cricketer is that you will be judged on your statistics and the number of matches you win for your side. A mid-twenties average is acceptable for a young lad making his way in the county game, but the expectations are much higher when you are brought from another country, provided with a car and accommodation and are well paid.
Both have shown what they can do in bursts, but to pluck two names at random, we could have played Tom Wood and Jon Tattersall in one and four-day cricket this year and they would have largely matched the return of the Kiwis. From the current staff, both Ben Slater and Scott Elstone may have averaged the same, or in Slater's case, likely better. None of them would be costing as much.
It's a tricky thing though. Amla, Dilshan, Rutherford - all good players with credentials, but disappointing returns. Where are you now, John Wright and Peter Kirsten. What we'd give for their like again.
I cannot fault the thought process of the signings, but in neither case have we yet had the evidence that the value is commensurate to the cost. You look at someone like Wayne Madsen, each year since he has been 'taking the place of a local lad' he has averaged 58, 34, 27, 37, 41, 39, 47 and this year 55. They are quality statistics, befitting a quality player and others must aspire to similar.
Good second halves of season required in both cases for me to be convinced.
Elvaston CC book launch - 15 July
I will be talking about the new book, then Edwin and I will chat about his career and answer questions from the audience. It will also be the last chance to pick up a copy of Edwin's biography, with final copies on sale on the night.
It is hoped that the evening will see the only two living men to take a thousand wickets for Derbyshire together again, which will be really special.
Elvaston Cricket Club is on Stable Drive, Elvaston, DE72 3EP and
tickets for the event are £3, with proceeds going to the club's
Defibrillator Appeal Fund. There will be a bar and food available, with
the evening starting at 7.30pm.
Tickets are available from the club, or by calling Andy on 07722 485213.
I do hope that you come along, say hello and enjoy a fun evening of cricket chat, as well as supporting a very worthy cause.
Sincere thanks to Andy for all the organisation!
Chesterfield Launch
Various Derbyshire players will be in attendance (no names, got to turn up to find out who...) and the evening represents a great opportunity to hear a short talk from me about the background to the book - and the blog - then answer questions, along with those great names from the club's history.
There will then be a chance to buy the book and get it autographed by some of those whose tales are told within its pages. It should make for a cracking evening and tickets seem to be going well.
They are £3 and are available from Chesterfield Library by calling 01629 533400. Alternatively, you can pop in and pick one up from the library.
I look forward to seeing you there!
Friday, 24 June 2016
Derbyshire v Nottinghamshire T20
Derbyshire 114
Nottinghamshire 120-3
Nottinghamshire won by 7 wickets
Call it a hunch, as Quasimodo may once have said, but I had a vibe that tonight may be 'crash and burn' for Derbyshire and so it transpired.
For the first time in a long while I was unable to follow the game in some form or another and only saw the score three times. The first was at the end of our Powerplay, when too much damage was done and we looked to be digging a hole. Then I saw the final score and it would appear that we used JCBs to speed the process.
The end was swift and conclusive and it would appear we batted poorly tonight.
The hour being late and my not having followed the game, it is not appropriate to comment further except to express disappointment at a poor effort.
I look forward to the comments of those who were there and will respond tomorrow, when I perhaps have a little more time.
Later...
Nottinghamshire 120-3
Nottinghamshire won by 7 wickets
Call it a hunch, as Quasimodo may once have said, but I had a vibe that tonight may be 'crash and burn' for Derbyshire and so it transpired.
For the first time in a long while I was unable to follow the game in some form or another and only saw the score three times. The first was at the end of our Powerplay, when too much damage was done and we looked to be digging a hole. Then I saw the final score and it would appear that we used JCBs to speed the process.
The end was swift and conclusive and it would appear we batted poorly tonight.
The hour being late and my not having followed the game, it is not appropriate to comment further except to express disappointment at a poor effort.
I look forward to the comments of those who were there and will respond tomorrow, when I perhaps have a little more time.
Later...
Thursday, 23 June 2016
Derbyshire v Worcestershire day 4
Derbyshire 467-5
Worcestershire 164 and 294-6 (Cotton 2-34, Davis 2-87)
Match drawn
In the end, as I suggested may be the case last night, the wicket was simply too docile and a good batting side held out for a draw.
Yet there were real positives for Derbyshire, in the bowling of Tony Palladino and Ben Cotton, followed today by Will Davis.
The young seamer took two wickets in one especially hostile spell and could have had a third. Following on from his fine display against Australia last year, when he took 3-63, Davis has shown he can take wickets at this level and is very much a bowler with a future. I am sure he will get further opportunities before the season is out and seems to have leapfrogged Tom Taylor for the time being.
No disgrace in a draw - yes, we might have won with a more experienced attack, but we might not have had the potency and legs in them that we hope for tomorrow against Nottinghamshire in the T20.
It looks like the same team for me, with a question mark over Shiv Thakor that I hope is positively resolved with tomorrow's fitness test.
The visitors squad lines up:
Worcestershire 164 and 294-6 (Cotton 2-34, Davis 2-87)
Match drawn
In the end, as I suggested may be the case last night, the wicket was simply too docile and a good batting side held out for a draw.
Yet there were real positives for Derbyshire, in the bowling of Tony Palladino and Ben Cotton, followed today by Will Davis.
The young seamer took two wickets in one especially hostile spell and could have had a third. Following on from his fine display against Australia last year, when he took 3-63, Davis has shown he can take wickets at this level and is very much a bowler with a future. I am sure he will get further opportunities before the season is out and seems to have leapfrogged Tom Taylor for the time being.
No disgrace in a draw - yes, we might have won with a more experienced attack, but we might not have had the potency and legs in them that we hope for tomorrow against Nottinghamshire in the T20.
It looks like the same team for me, with a question mark over Shiv Thakor that I hope is positively resolved with tomorrow's fitness test.
The visitors squad lines up:
Ball, Christian, Fletcher, Gurney, Hutton, Lumb, Mullaney, Patel, Russell, Smith, Taylor, Wessels, Wood.
Tough opposition and in that respect very like the last three games.
We acquitted ourselves well in all of them.
Now to go one step further...
Wednesday, 22 June 2016
Derbyshire v Worcestershire day 3
Worcestershire 164 all out (Cox 40, Cotton 4-28, Palladino 4-32)
and 24-1 (Cotton 1-6)
Day three of this game (day two of cricket) was a day of such total Derbyshire dominance against a very good Worcestershire side that it was hard to believe. Bear in mind that we had an attack of two regulars, two championship debutants and part-timers. What a funny game this cricket is!
Before lunch we added 148 runs for the loss of Billy Godleman, who made a career-best 204, and Neil Broom, who was unluckily, or carelessly out for his second ninety-odd of the summer. It was heartening to follow from afar, even though it appeared a prelude for a long session in the field against a talented batting line-up.
When I came back from a short meeting at work, Ben Cotton (pictured) had already got three back in the hutch, a talented three in Mitchell, D'Oliveira and Clarke. This season looks like it may go down as big Ben's breakthrough year, as after a slow start, albeit on dead wickets, he has bowled with hostility and skill in the past few weeks. A few months short of his 23rd birthday, it has started to 'click' for the tall seamer and he is starting to look the real deal.
As for Tony Palladino, he just keeps on running in, moving it around and getting people out if they don't maintain concentration. His accuracy is a lesson to all the youngsters coming through and four wickets for him too were apparently reward for a fine spell of accurate seam.
There was a first championship wicket for Will Davis, a proud moment for a talented young bowler,but if criticising his greater expense, keep in mind that the lad is 20 and three years back in his development from Ben Cotton. Rob Hemmings produced a tidy spell too, in his first day in the field among the big boys and at the same age.
It was all so very encouraging. Whether they can finish the job off by taking the last nine wickets tomorrow is a moot point. By all accounts the wicket hasn't changed that much and there was as much careless batting as accurate, skilled bowling to blame for the visiting demise.
Yet first sessions at Derby, especially if there's a little cloud cover, can be a challenge. If Tony and Ben can get among them with early wickets - and importantly, we hold our catches - then a first championship win is a possibility.
Who knows, we might even see one of our young tyros start to make a name for themselves.
It keeps getting better for John Sadler and his young side are playing some terrific cricket.
Let's finish it off tomorrow lads.
Tuesday, 21 June 2016
Derbyshire v Worcestershire day 2
v Worcestershire
Captains Fantastic combined for Derbyshire at the 3aaa County Ground today as they recovered from 13-2 in the fourth over after being put in, to a position of considerable strength. This was largely thanks to a superb partnership between Wayne Madsen and Billy Godleman (pictured), which added 251 runs for the third wicket.
After being inserted, on a wicket that offered early help after yesterday's rain, Hamish Rutherford and Chesney Hughes both went early, in a new look Derbyshire side that rested Shiv Thakor, Matt Critchley and Alex Hughes ahead of the T20 matches, while giving Ben Slater a middle order berth and championship debuts to Will Davis and Rob Hemmings, after good displays in the second team.
None were needed today, as Wayne's 21st county century and Billy's career-highest score set a new county record against the visitors for the third wicket. They are both very good players and key to our prospects going forward in this form of the game. While Billy was set back a little by the hand injury at the start of the campaign, he is right back to his best now .
Both offer a solidity we aren't used to of late in the batting order and it must have made for a delightful day's cricket for the Derby faithful. We now have four batsmen (those two plus Chesney and Shiv) averaging over fifty, which is encouraging.
So too was Neil Broom's smaller knock as the day came to a close. He's not had an easy baptism into the county game, but then the wickets take some getting used to and he's not the first to find that. We'll probably see more of him next year, but he has plenty of time left before September to make an impact.
In closing tonight, there was another interesting trialist in the seconds, who were playing Northamptonshire today.
Charlie MacDonnell played against us and made a century for Durham MCCU earlier this summer, one of several good innings he played for them after a prolific summer for Buckinghamshire last year. He's the latest to have trials at the club and hopefully we could see one of them in line for an opportunity next year. Certainly Jon Tattersall has made a decent fist of an extended trial.
MacDonnell's 84 today did him no harm and we just need Tom Wood to get the same opportunity now and see what he can do. It was also good to see Tom Knight batting higher in the order too and making runs - I hope that tomorrow sees him bowling a few overs and rediscovering the mojo that made him a very exciting all round talent.
More from me tomorrow - enjoy your evening!
Monday, 20 June 2016
Derbyshire v Worcestershire day 1
No play today - rain.
Can't find anything more to say tonight really.
We're going to have a good old-fashioned three-day game now. Declarations before the close, last afternoon run chases and all that.
Lots to like!
I'll be back tomorrow, hopefully with some cricket to report on.
Can't find anything more to say tonight really.
We're going to have a good old-fashioned three-day game now. Declarations before the close, last afternoon run chases and all that.
Lots to like!
I'll be back tomorrow, hopefully with some cricket to report on.
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