'So who do you reckon might interest us now, Peakfan?' said not one, but three emails I got over the weekend. In the interest of time constraints, I am replying here and apologise to the three people concerned for not doing so privately. There's not enough hours in the day right now, but do please keep your comments and emails coming and I always will reply in some form!
The short answer is, I don't know. If there is any interest in a West Indian, I guess that Darren Bravo may be worth an enquiry, given his stand off with the Board over there. Other than him, I can't think of anyone who would be of interest. It is a sad indicator of the current state of West Indian cricket, which has given so many greats to the county game, that there's not one player you would fancy to do a job over a long English summer. You might consider Pollard, Narine or Dwayne Bravo for T20, but they don't need our competition when they make fortunes elsewhere.
Zimbabwe? Er, no. There are better players in the Derbyshire Premier League than their national side and to be rolled over for 54 by Afghanistan today tells its own story. Dave Houghton must be deeply saddened by their plight and would probably still be the best batsman in the country if he went back there.
Which leaves South Africa. They are being canny now and not handing out Test caps all over the place and creating a group of players thus qualified for a Kolpak deal. After the quick exodus of a few weeks back, there aren't that many players who would qualify. David Miller would, as would Farhaan Behardien and JP Duminy. All three would, theoretically, be of interest to counties and are sufficiently on the periphery of the national side to consider greater security in England.
However, all three would cost, I would guess, a lot of money and can make that by merely becoming T20 guns for hire around the globe. When the cricket world has seen what Tymal Mills has made for his IPL stint, who could blame players in forsaking conventional cricket for its short form? I read yesterday that if he bowls every ball of his stint in every game of the IPL, it equates to £3.5K per ball. Let's hope he doesn't bowl too many bad ones, eh?
For me, as I have said a few times since he made an unbeaten 200 for our seconds last Autumn, we could still do much worse than Daryn Smit. In three years as professional at Ramsbottom he has returned Bradmanesque batting averages and taken many wickets. Indeed, a club that has had such luminaries as Brad Hodge, Michael Clarke and Clive Rice as club professional has hailed him as their greatest-ever, which is no mean accolade.
This winter in South Africa, in a season truncated by shoulder surgery, he scored over 500 runs at an average over fifty. These are serious statistics and a first-class average of 37 continues to climb steadily.
As I wrote a couple of weeks back, I was surprised Lancashire didn't make a move for him, especially since he has now retired from South African cricket, is moving to the UK and can play our domestic cricket as a local on an ancestral visa.
There's much to like in Smit and he would also offer a more than useful leg-spin option and a good, solid presence in the dressing room.
He would be my choice, but given I don't know the available budget nor the telephone numbers of agents for other availability.
We'll doubtless find out soon.
Thanks for the mails, gentlemen.
Sunday, 26 February 2017
Greatest Derbyshire overseas eleven
Thanks to Nigel for the prompt for today's piece. He sent an email to me in the week to ask me what my eleven would be for a greatest-ever Derbyshire overseas side. He'd seen me mention my fifty years of viewing the county's fortunes, a period that neatly captured the club's first foray into the overseas market in 1970 and everyone since.
To some extent, it is a tough call, because we have had more batsmen than bowlers, but here is my fantasy eleven, assuming we are playing four-day cricket.
1 Chris Rogers - A wonderful, consistent batsman who gave great service to every county he played for. Made runs in an average side and although he was never a T20 player, he always looked composed and classy at the crease.
2 John Wright - Mr Consistency, who just got in, got his head down and batted, usually for a long time. He could score quickly, but he played in an era of the great fast bowlers and still averaged fifty-plus each year. Quality player and lovely bloke.
3 Peter Kirsten - The run machine. He never seemed unduly flamboyant, but had shots all round the wicket and scored quickly. Once set he was devastating and run chases became academic. Brilliant fielder and useful spinner, he was a huge asset to the club.
4 Dean Jones - Aside from his confrontational manner, Deano was a proper batsman. On good days he looked a million dollars and in bad conditions he would grit it out. Would probably want to be skipper, but vice-captain in this side. Probably the best pacer of a run chase I have seen and, like Kirsten, seemed to be on thirty without playing a shot in anger.
5 Mohammad Azharuddin - A wonderful, wristy batsman and outstanding timer of the ball. His double hundred on a turning Chesterfield track against Durham remains the best knock I have ever seen for Derbyshire. He was on a different level to everyone else that day - and many others.
6 Eddie Barlow - I can't omit Eddie and he will be my skipper. He was past his best with the bat, but still played match-winning innings. Bowled golden spells with the ball, caught flies at slip and got ten per cent extra from everyone in his team as skipper. He did well with a modest group of players - with this side he'd never lose a game!
7 Chris Wilkins - He is my wicket-keeper, something he could do competently. Then again he bowled useful medium pace and fielded well everywhere. A batsman of moods, but capable of innings of breathtaking brilliance and stunning power
8 Ian Bishop - We didn't see enough of 'Bish' because of injury, but he was such a majestic sight and had stunning pace. A very handy batsman too and someone who may have become an all-time great with a more resilient back.
9 Michael Holding - I am starting to think no one would play us, with that batting line-up then these two to open the bowling! Fast or slow wicket, Michael got pace and lift from it, then took on a stock bowler mantle if required. Could handle a bat too, but unlikely to do too much batting in this side.
10 Venkat - A good, steady off-spinner who suffered from playing in a side that struggled to give him runs to play with. A very clever bowler, another useful batsman and excellent close fielder. I hope he will be replaced in this team by Tahir by the end of this summer, but a good spin option.
11 Charl Langeveldt - Only had the one season in first-class matches but bowled with control, penetration and in the true county tradition of giving nothing to hit. Very fine bowler and even better in the one-day game.
There you are: two fast bowlers, Langeveldt and Barlow for seam, Venkat and Kirsten for spin. I wouldn't expect that side to ever lose a game. For one-day cricket I would replace Rogers with Adrian Kuiper, let Barlow or Jones open and they could still take on all-comers.
I can't find a place for the excellent Michael Di Venuto, but unlike the others here, I never saw him make more than thirty. This is tough company too and I cannot edge him ahead of Rogers. Likewise Ole Mortensen, but he wasn't regarded as overseas, so misses out on a technicality...
I just consider myself a very fortunate man to have seen these players in their pomp, doing their best for the county I supported and producing feats and memories that will last into my dotage.
Any thoughts?
Postscript: I just had a thought of Azharuddin walking out on a sunny day at Chesterfield, batting number five with the scoreboard reading 380-3, with Barlow and Wilkins to follow.
If I could script the last day of cricket I ever saw, that would do me.
To some extent, it is a tough call, because we have had more batsmen than bowlers, but here is my fantasy eleven, assuming we are playing four-day cricket.
1 Chris Rogers - A wonderful, consistent batsman who gave great service to every county he played for. Made runs in an average side and although he was never a T20 player, he always looked composed and classy at the crease.
2 John Wright - Mr Consistency, who just got in, got his head down and batted, usually for a long time. He could score quickly, but he played in an era of the great fast bowlers and still averaged fifty-plus each year. Quality player and lovely bloke.
3 Peter Kirsten - The run machine. He never seemed unduly flamboyant, but had shots all round the wicket and scored quickly. Once set he was devastating and run chases became academic. Brilliant fielder and useful spinner, he was a huge asset to the club.
4 Dean Jones - Aside from his confrontational manner, Deano was a proper batsman. On good days he looked a million dollars and in bad conditions he would grit it out. Would probably want to be skipper, but vice-captain in this side. Probably the best pacer of a run chase I have seen and, like Kirsten, seemed to be on thirty without playing a shot in anger.
5 Mohammad Azharuddin - A wonderful, wristy batsman and outstanding timer of the ball. His double hundred on a turning Chesterfield track against Durham remains the best knock I have ever seen for Derbyshire. He was on a different level to everyone else that day - and many others.
6 Eddie Barlow - I can't omit Eddie and he will be my skipper. He was past his best with the bat, but still played match-winning innings. Bowled golden spells with the ball, caught flies at slip and got ten per cent extra from everyone in his team as skipper. He did well with a modest group of players - with this side he'd never lose a game!
7 Chris Wilkins - He is my wicket-keeper, something he could do competently. Then again he bowled useful medium pace and fielded well everywhere. A batsman of moods, but capable of innings of breathtaking brilliance and stunning power
8 Ian Bishop - We didn't see enough of 'Bish' because of injury, but he was such a majestic sight and had stunning pace. A very handy batsman too and someone who may have become an all-time great with a more resilient back.
9 Michael Holding - I am starting to think no one would play us, with that batting line-up then these two to open the bowling! Fast or slow wicket, Michael got pace and lift from it, then took on a stock bowler mantle if required. Could handle a bat too, but unlikely to do too much batting in this side.
10 Venkat - A good, steady off-spinner who suffered from playing in a side that struggled to give him runs to play with. A very clever bowler, another useful batsman and excellent close fielder. I hope he will be replaced in this team by Tahir by the end of this summer, but a good spin option.
11 Charl Langeveldt - Only had the one season in first-class matches but bowled with control, penetration and in the true county tradition of giving nothing to hit. Very fine bowler and even better in the one-day game.
There you are: two fast bowlers, Langeveldt and Barlow for seam, Venkat and Kirsten for spin. I wouldn't expect that side to ever lose a game. For one-day cricket I would replace Rogers with Adrian Kuiper, let Barlow or Jones open and they could still take on all-comers.
I can't find a place for the excellent Michael Di Venuto, but unlike the others here, I never saw him make more than thirty. This is tough company too and I cannot edge him ahead of Rogers. Likewise Ole Mortensen, but he wasn't regarded as overseas, so misses out on a technicality...
I just consider myself a very fortunate man to have seen these players in their pomp, doing their best for the county I supported and producing feats and memories that will last into my dotage.
Any thoughts?
Postscript: I just had a thought of Azharuddin walking out on a sunny day at Chesterfield, batting number five with the scoreboard reading 380-3, with Barlow and Wilkins to follow.
If I could script the last day of cricket I ever saw, that would do me.
Friday, 24 February 2017
No Marlon at the 3aaa County Ground
As I fully expected to be the case, Derbyshire have ended their interest in Marlon Samuels, after the article that appeared on Cricinfo yesterday and was referred to by me last night.
How genuine that interest was is a moot point, but the player blew the deal out of the water by going public and, in my opinion, overstating its value.
I'm pleased, to be honest, as your comments and messages suggest you are. He is a decent player, but a largely unfulfilled talent who has made nowhere near the runs in his career that he should have done. He is a big occasion player, for sure, but whether a damp and overcast county cricket ground would have held the same appeal is something we won't know, at least in Derbyshire colours. Certainly his words yesterday didn't suggest a player with a burning desire to succeed and prove a point; rather they suggested he was doing us a favour and he may or may not sign.
I don't think the deal was worth the £130K he claimed, as I don't think he is that level of player. I suspect we could get a better Kolpak for less and more than likely one who won't offer such a risk of disruption. Talented as he is, Samuels comes with baggage and a reputation that would be hard to shake off. In some ways he has had a bad press over the years, but, as he showed yesterday, he has been his own worst enemy at times.
So where now for Derbyshire? According to the club website, we have 'a number of routes available' and if nothing else, yesterday's story showed the calibre of player on the radar. Unless Darren Bravo is one of those routes, I suspect the rest will be in South Africa, where there will still be several talented cricketers keen to gain security for the next three summers, rather than hope for an occasional match at international level.
With that enticing thought, I bid you adieu tonight.
How genuine that interest was is a moot point, but the player blew the deal out of the water by going public and, in my opinion, overstating its value.
I'm pleased, to be honest, as your comments and messages suggest you are. He is a decent player, but a largely unfulfilled talent who has made nowhere near the runs in his career that he should have done. He is a big occasion player, for sure, but whether a damp and overcast county cricket ground would have held the same appeal is something we won't know, at least in Derbyshire colours. Certainly his words yesterday didn't suggest a player with a burning desire to succeed and prove a point; rather they suggested he was doing us a favour and he may or may not sign.
I don't think the deal was worth the £130K he claimed, as I don't think he is that level of player. I suspect we could get a better Kolpak for less and more than likely one who won't offer such a risk of disruption. Talented as he is, Samuels comes with baggage and a reputation that would be hard to shake off. In some ways he has had a bad press over the years, but, as he showed yesterday, he has been his own worst enemy at times.
So where now for Derbyshire? According to the club website, we have 'a number of routes available' and if nothing else, yesterday's story showed the calibre of player on the radar. Unless Darren Bravo is one of those routes, I suspect the rest will be in South Africa, where there will still be several talented cricketers keen to gain security for the next three summers, rather than hope for an occasional match at international level.
With that enticing thought, I bid you adieu tonight.
Thursday, 23 February 2017
Marlon Samuels on Kolpak?
Thanks to Luke for alerting me to a piece on Cricinfo tonight, where Marlon Samuels claims that he has a Kolpak deal on offer from Derbyshire.You can read the piece here but in a lengthy article, the relevant section reads:
"Samuels also revealed that he has been offered a three-year Kolpak deal by Derbyshire worth up to £130,000 a season, fuelling concerns that West Indies could be hit by a spate of international retirements of the sort that recently shocked South African cricket. While it is understood he has indicated a reluctance to accept the deal - he would prefer a deal as an overseas player in county cricket, thereby sustaining his hopes of playing international cricket - he has suggested it remains on the table.
Samuels asserted that, for him, it is loyalty to West Indies that comes first, which was evident in his 17 years' service in Caribbean cricket. "I've got a Kolpak deal on my plate which I'm contemplating," he said. "It's a three-year deal with Derbyshire. Worth probably £120,000-130,000 a year. The money is not the issue at the moment, I've been playing international cricket the last 17 years so have set myself the right way. This is about principle, about being loyal. I've been a loyal soldier for West Indies cricket and continue to play. I showed some loyalty, so I expect a bit of loyalty. I'm only the one from 2000 still here, sticking round and playing for the West Indies."
Samuels said he was in "no rush" to sign the Derbyshire deal as, after the PSL, he would travel to play another league in Hong Kong and had a "few other deals" in the bag.
Samuels is unlikely to be the only Caribbean player attracting interest from England's first-class counties. Darren Bravo, whose relationship with WICB would appear to be in tatters following a public falling-out with Cameron, is one who is certain to be snapped up if he decides to go that route, while fellow Trinidadian Denesh Ramdin is also understood to be of interest.
Ravi Rampaul, the second highest wicket-taker in this year's Super 50, is already on a Kolpak deal with Surrey, while former West Indies captain Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who was second in the batting averages, has recently signed a similar deal with Lancashire".
I don't doubt that an offer must have been made to the player, as he can't really go round claiming it otherwise (I would assume). However, the value of the deal seems on the high side and the whole piece smacks of someone playing off one would-be suitor against another.
He obviously wants to continue to play for the West Indies and feels he is worth more than they are offering. So letting them know of another offer - and perhaps exaggerating its worth - is a bargaining tool that has doubtless been used before and will be again.
I have no doubt that there will be a club statement sometime soon, but the news, while exciting, is not going to get me leaping out of my seat at this stage. I would expect the club to be disappointed that a potential target is airing their interest and alerting others to his availability and he makes it clear that he is signing nothing for now.
On top form Marlon Samuels is a very good and talented player. He would also represent a challenge, as his reputation as being his own man precedes him, but definitely, to go back to my piece earlier today, a man who would strengthen the squad.So too, if the article is correct, is Darren Bravo, perhaps a less flamboyant but more solid player who will attract interest around the counties. I am less sure of Ramdin, a competent wicket-keeper/batsman but hardly in the top class.
All in good time, though. I will get excited if and when something happens, but not before.
The good thing is that it further shows the club's ambition.
Watch this space...
Tahir omission makes no sense on cricket grounds
Every year, when the IPL auction takes place, I permit myself a wry smile at some of the goings-on.
There are always players who go for ridiculous amounts and others who for some reason don't get picked up at all.
Talented a bowler as he is, would you take Tymal Mills in your team over Mitchell Johnson? More to the point, would you pay six times the amount for his services? Would you pay around four times more for Eoin Morgan than Martin Guptill? These are moves this year that strike me as bizarre, though good luck to the players who have had their lives transformed by their good fortune.
Mills has a back problem that prevents him playing more than twenty-over cricket, something that won't concern him at all as he reaches millionaire status in one fell swoop. He's a talented bowler, but I'm not sure that he is THAT good. It just shows the benefit of good performance at the right time, as he bowled pretty well in the one-dayers for England in India. Mind you, one assumes no one there watched the Big Bash and how well Johnson bowled - AND he is a dangerous lower-order hitter.
Equally puzzling is the list of players who didn't get picked up. Be honest, if Derbyshire were to announce in the coming weeks that we had picked up any from Marlon Samuels, Colin Munro or Farhaan Behardien for the T20 this summer, we wouldn't be dissatisfied. Each has won plenty of matches for their various sides over the years and all of them offer with bat and ball.
Even more puzzling is that no one bid for Imran Tahir.
There's no great love lost, for obvious historical reasons, between India and Pakistan and Tahir, though South African, is Pakistani in origin. I would suggest that were the world's top-ranked bowler in the format of any other nationality, he would have breezed selection in the competition, one that likes to be seen as the greatest cricket show on earth.
How can it be, when the best bowler in the format isn't there? Big names abound, of course, but surely you would want the number one ranked bowler in the game to be involved? It's like a World Cup without Lionel Messi, or a new Live Aid, where no one asked Adele to perform and decided that no one would want to see Take That or Bruce Springsteen.
I accept that India is awash with spin bowlers, but for no one to sign Tahir and for Ish Sodhi, another fine bowler in the format, to miss out is ludicrous.
Crowds will doubtless turn up in their thousands, but I detect a diminished interest in a competition that has had its share of scandals and has a growing number of detractors.
Back home, there is still no news of any Neil Broom replacement, nor a T20 specialist of our own. I have seen plenty of comments from you on the former, but still hope that we don't opt for the loan market.
I was asked that question the other day in an email and my reasons are quite clear. Loan signings are OK if you have injuries, or batsmen who are collectively going through a bad trot. Yet if we go to another county to sign a batsman on loan before the season, for me we are sending out a wrong message. You are effectively telling your own players that the bloke from another team's periphery is better than those in our own squad.
I have no idea whether Tom Wood, Charlie McDonnell or Luis Reece will become good county cricketers, but we will never know if they don't get the opportunity. All have proven that they can score runs in second team cricket, so for me they should now get the chance to push for a senior role - unless we can find a player of near-international standing, who looks like he could win us matches.
No one is complaining about the signing of Imran Tahir blocking Matt Critchley, because he will work with him and in time aid his development. The same goes for Hardus Viljoen and our young clutch of seamers. Each will mentor the young players and will also, most likely, win us games.
If we picked up - plucking a couple of names very much at random - David Miller or Farhaan Behardien on a Kolpak, the likelihood is that they would do the same and show our young players how you handle run chases and pressure situations. You aren't going to get that from Johnny Average from another county, who averages around thirty but can't get a regular game.
Anyway, let's see what happens. In closing, I admit to being very impressed by the Briggs of Burton marquee, that has now been erected on the square at the 3aaa County Ground.
It is hard to fault the rationale that time spent in the nets on English wickets will be of greater benefit to the players than the considerably different surfaces of Dubai. While they doubtless enjoyed some sun on their backs, it would not be replicating early Spring in England.
For that idea, and many others this winter, Kim Barnett deserves a great deal of credit.
There are always players who go for ridiculous amounts and others who for some reason don't get picked up at all.
Talented a bowler as he is, would you take Tymal Mills in your team over Mitchell Johnson? More to the point, would you pay six times the amount for his services? Would you pay around four times more for Eoin Morgan than Martin Guptill? These are moves this year that strike me as bizarre, though good luck to the players who have had their lives transformed by their good fortune.
Mills has a back problem that prevents him playing more than twenty-over cricket, something that won't concern him at all as he reaches millionaire status in one fell swoop. He's a talented bowler, but I'm not sure that he is THAT good. It just shows the benefit of good performance at the right time, as he bowled pretty well in the one-dayers for England in India. Mind you, one assumes no one there watched the Big Bash and how well Johnson bowled - AND he is a dangerous lower-order hitter.
Equally puzzling is the list of players who didn't get picked up. Be honest, if Derbyshire were to announce in the coming weeks that we had picked up any from Marlon Samuels, Colin Munro or Farhaan Behardien for the T20 this summer, we wouldn't be dissatisfied. Each has won plenty of matches for their various sides over the years and all of them offer with bat and ball.
Even more puzzling is that no one bid for Imran Tahir.
There's no great love lost, for obvious historical reasons, between India and Pakistan and Tahir, though South African, is Pakistani in origin. I would suggest that were the world's top-ranked bowler in the format of any other nationality, he would have breezed selection in the competition, one that likes to be seen as the greatest cricket show on earth.
How can it be, when the best bowler in the format isn't there? Big names abound, of course, but surely you would want the number one ranked bowler in the game to be involved? It's like a World Cup without Lionel Messi, or a new Live Aid, where no one asked Adele to perform and decided that no one would want to see Take That or Bruce Springsteen.
I accept that India is awash with spin bowlers, but for no one to sign Tahir and for Ish Sodhi, another fine bowler in the format, to miss out is ludicrous.
Crowds will doubtless turn up in their thousands, but I detect a diminished interest in a competition that has had its share of scandals and has a growing number of detractors.
Back home, there is still no news of any Neil Broom replacement, nor a T20 specialist of our own. I have seen plenty of comments from you on the former, but still hope that we don't opt for the loan market.
I was asked that question the other day in an email and my reasons are quite clear. Loan signings are OK if you have injuries, or batsmen who are collectively going through a bad trot. Yet if we go to another county to sign a batsman on loan before the season, for me we are sending out a wrong message. You are effectively telling your own players that the bloke from another team's periphery is better than those in our own squad.
I have no idea whether Tom Wood, Charlie McDonnell or Luis Reece will become good county cricketers, but we will never know if they don't get the opportunity. All have proven that they can score runs in second team cricket, so for me they should now get the chance to push for a senior role - unless we can find a player of near-international standing, who looks like he could win us matches.
No one is complaining about the signing of Imran Tahir blocking Matt Critchley, because he will work with him and in time aid his development. The same goes for Hardus Viljoen and our young clutch of seamers. Each will mentor the young players and will also, most likely, win us games.
If we picked up - plucking a couple of names very much at random - David Miller or Farhaan Behardien on a Kolpak, the likelihood is that they would do the same and show our young players how you handle run chases and pressure situations. You aren't going to get that from Johnny Average from another county, who averages around thirty but can't get a regular game.
Anyway, let's see what happens. In closing, I admit to being very impressed by the Briggs of Burton marquee, that has now been erected on the square at the 3aaa County Ground.
It is hard to fault the rationale that time spent in the nets on English wickets will be of greater benefit to the players than the considerably different surfaces of Dubai. While they doubtless enjoyed some sun on their backs, it would not be replicating early Spring in England.
For that idea, and many others this winter, Kim Barnett deserves a great deal of credit.
Saturday, 18 February 2017
Fixtures sorted - at last!
It has taken a while since they first came out, but I have at last managed to finalise my holidays, work commitments, family stuff and book requirements in time to get some cricket matches in the annual schedule. Let's declare today a national holiday to celebrate...
I don't know how it is for you, but this year's fixture list isn't Peakfan-friendly. There's no home cricket in June and our family holiday is in August, so that's two months gone from the schedule immediately. Early April is usually only recommended if you enjoy extreme cold, while I have so many work and other commitments in May that it is largely out of the equation too.
But I have got there and my cricket commitments - also known as 'seeing how the folks are and what they need done' are now in three neat mini tours. There's a lot of mid-week games this year, the problem being that I then need to use three days leave for one day of cricket, which isn't particularly handy.
Funnily enough, my first game will be at Durham, weather permitting, on April 27, when we play them in an RLODC fixture. I have always fancied a trip to the Riverside, so this is it. After the game, I will drive south and pull in the home game in the same competition against Northamptonshire on Sunday the 30th, before driving back home on the Monday.
My next trip will then be at the start of July, when I will pull in at least the first two days of the Chesterfield Festival (memo to self: take wellingtons...) which has been in my plans for some while and marks the 50th anniversary of my first trip there quite nicely. I hope to meet up with old friends there and it would be wonderful to see my favourite ground bathed in sunshine for the duration (but without a monsoon preceding it, like last year).
Then I have the full match set aside in September for the last home game against Kent, which could - who knows - be quite an important one.
I have a couple of other 'windows' where I might manage something and, if we do well in the T20, I would aim to overlook my dislike of T20 to go along should we make the nigh-mythical Finals Day. I'd actually take group qualification as progress, but one lives in hope.
Of course I would love to see more, but as I have previously written, it is getting the balance right between life's many commitments, something I think I have done quite well. If the ECB another year would start more four-day cricket on a Saturday, my viewing prospects will improve dramatically.
In the past I have had quite a few emails from people who have said that they'd have come along for a chat and a drink had they known when I was coming down, so there it is, well in advance and I am always happy to have a natter as I wander around the ground!
Enjoy your weekends...
I don't know how it is for you, but this year's fixture list isn't Peakfan-friendly. There's no home cricket in June and our family holiday is in August, so that's two months gone from the schedule immediately. Early April is usually only recommended if you enjoy extreme cold, while I have so many work and other commitments in May that it is largely out of the equation too.
But I have got there and my cricket commitments - also known as 'seeing how the folks are and what they need done' are now in three neat mini tours. There's a lot of mid-week games this year, the problem being that I then need to use three days leave for one day of cricket, which isn't particularly handy.
Funnily enough, my first game will be at Durham, weather permitting, on April 27, when we play them in an RLODC fixture. I have always fancied a trip to the Riverside, so this is it. After the game, I will drive south and pull in the home game in the same competition against Northamptonshire on Sunday the 30th, before driving back home on the Monday.
My next trip will then be at the start of July, when I will pull in at least the first two days of the Chesterfield Festival (memo to self: take wellingtons...) which has been in my plans for some while and marks the 50th anniversary of my first trip there quite nicely. I hope to meet up with old friends there and it would be wonderful to see my favourite ground bathed in sunshine for the duration (but without a monsoon preceding it, like last year).
Then I have the full match set aside in September for the last home game against Kent, which could - who knows - be quite an important one.
I have a couple of other 'windows' where I might manage something and, if we do well in the T20, I would aim to overlook my dislike of T20 to go along should we make the nigh-mythical Finals Day. I'd actually take group qualification as progress, but one lives in hope.
Of course I would love to see more, but as I have previously written, it is getting the balance right between life's many commitments, something I think I have done quite well. If the ECB another year would start more four-day cricket on a Saturday, my viewing prospects will improve dramatically.
In the past I have had quite a few emails from people who have said that they'd have come along for a chat and a drink had they known when I was coming down, so there it is, well in advance and I am always happy to have a natter as I wander around the ground!
Enjoy your weekends...
Friday, 17 February 2017
Some good lads at Derbyshire
Whatever else you might say about Derbyshire CCC, there are some good men in the squad.
There's Tony Palladino, man enough to stand up to match fixing when it would have been easier to turn a blind eye. Wayne Madsen, winner of a sportsmanship award for 'walking' when given not out by an umpire, then giving a percentage of his testimonial proceeds to charities. Now Billy Godleman, donating a third of his prize money for the PCA Scholarship Award to the local YMCA.
These are the actions of good men of fine character, aware of their status in life and wanting to give something back to people and causes that matter to them, as well as protecting the image of the game that they love. It is refreshing to see and all of them are to be commended on their generosity and professionalism.
Speaking of which, Imran Tahir destroyed New Zealand today in the first T20 at Auckland, taking 5 wickets for just 24 runs. It may not have been their first choice side, but once again it showed what a fine bowler he is and how difficult he is to face in this format. Perhaps the only way to play him with confidence is to just work it around, as his variations seem too much for those set on greater feats. He is quite a bowler and I look forward immensely to seeing him in Derbyshire colours.
Back home, it was great to see England legend Jack Russell working with Derbyshire wicket-keepers Gary Wilson and Harvey Hosein today. It appears to have been a similar masterclass to that enjoyed by Matt Critchley with Shane Warne and the players must pick up a lot in working with players of such status in the game.
All the work of Kim Barnett, of course, whose contacts book seems impressive in its depth. The variety of the pre-season work has been impressive and it deserves to be successful when the action starts.
With a little bit of luck and a flying start...who knows?
There's Tony Palladino, man enough to stand up to match fixing when it would have been easier to turn a blind eye. Wayne Madsen, winner of a sportsmanship award for 'walking' when given not out by an umpire, then giving a percentage of his testimonial proceeds to charities. Now Billy Godleman, donating a third of his prize money for the PCA Scholarship Award to the local YMCA.
These are the actions of good men of fine character, aware of their status in life and wanting to give something back to people and causes that matter to them, as well as protecting the image of the game that they love. It is refreshing to see and all of them are to be commended on their generosity and professionalism.
Speaking of which, Imran Tahir destroyed New Zealand today in the first T20 at Auckland, taking 5 wickets for just 24 runs. It may not have been their first choice side, but once again it showed what a fine bowler he is and how difficult he is to face in this format. Perhaps the only way to play him with confidence is to just work it around, as his variations seem too much for those set on greater feats. He is quite a bowler and I look forward immensely to seeing him in Derbyshire colours.
Back home, it was great to see England legend Jack Russell working with Derbyshire wicket-keepers Gary Wilson and Harvey Hosein today. It appears to have been a similar masterclass to that enjoyed by Matt Critchley with Shane Warne and the players must pick up a lot in working with players of such status in the game.
All the work of Kim Barnett, of course, whose contacts book seems impressive in its depth. The variety of the pre-season work has been impressive and it deserves to be successful when the action starts.
With a little bit of luck and a flying start...who knows?
Board fall out unfortunate
Yesterday, one day after the announcement of Chris Grant's departure, came news that the parting may not have been all that amicable after all.
On BBC Radio Derby last night, departing Business Director, David Booth, said that there was a 'majority feeling' among the surviving Board members that it was time for a change at the top and that there were specific concerns regarding 'right and proper behaviour' and 'a lack of engagement with business people' with regard to the Chairman.
I know both Chris and David and like both men. Each has worked hard to achieve success in their respective fields and has done so. Each has made a fine contribution to our cricket club, the chairman's six years falling short of David's near decade of involvement, on first the club committee and then the Board.
Mr Grant refuted the claim and, unless you were party to discussions around that board table and aware of what was going on, I suppose you pay your money and take your choice on which story to believe.
What I will say is that the complete overhaul of the Board came as something of a surprise to me and to change five of its six members in one fell swoop strikes me as excessive, whatever the needs of fulfilling the requirements of governance.
Succession planning can take various forms, of course and perhaps the presence of Jason Fage is deemed sufficient for a smooth transformation, but to have five new faces on a six-person committee, irrespective of the talents of those involved, will take a little time to bed in. They need to get to know one another, then learn how to work together. Talented or not, that takes a little time.
Perhaps the presence of another experienced head may have been beneficial. Indeed, on my chats with Derbyshire supporters and members over recent summers, there have been a few who thought that David Booth might himself have made an admirable chairman. Well respected and well engaged in the local business community and a lifelong fan of the county, there was a strong argument for him taking over the 'hot seat', if only for a two-year term to buy a little more time.
I have no arguments against the incoming chairman, Ian Morgan, who I am sure will do a fine job, as evidenced by his strong CV. Similarly, the other new members of the board are well able to fulfil their roles. That new board is:
Administration Director Jason Fage
Business Development Director Ian Morgan
Facilities Director Ian McFarlane
Finance Director Hari Punchihewa
Legal Services Director Kirpal Bidmead
Cricket Advisory Director Mike Hendrick
My only other comment? As long as Kim Barnett and Mike Hendrick can work well together, the on field stuff should be quite special this summer.
I only hope that there are no more off-field distractions.
We have had more than enough of that at Derbyshire over the years.
On BBC Radio Derby last night, departing Business Director, David Booth, said that there was a 'majority feeling' among the surviving Board members that it was time for a change at the top and that there were specific concerns regarding 'right and proper behaviour' and 'a lack of engagement with business people' with regard to the Chairman.
I know both Chris and David and like both men. Each has worked hard to achieve success in their respective fields and has done so. Each has made a fine contribution to our cricket club, the chairman's six years falling short of David's near decade of involvement, on first the club committee and then the Board.
Mr Grant refuted the claim and, unless you were party to discussions around that board table and aware of what was going on, I suppose you pay your money and take your choice on which story to believe.
What I will say is that the complete overhaul of the Board came as something of a surprise to me and to change five of its six members in one fell swoop strikes me as excessive, whatever the needs of fulfilling the requirements of governance.
Succession planning can take various forms, of course and perhaps the presence of Jason Fage is deemed sufficient for a smooth transformation, but to have five new faces on a six-person committee, irrespective of the talents of those involved, will take a little time to bed in. They need to get to know one another, then learn how to work together. Talented or not, that takes a little time.
Perhaps the presence of another experienced head may have been beneficial. Indeed, on my chats with Derbyshire supporters and members over recent summers, there have been a few who thought that David Booth might himself have made an admirable chairman. Well respected and well engaged in the local business community and a lifelong fan of the county, there was a strong argument for him taking over the 'hot seat', if only for a two-year term to buy a little more time.
I have no arguments against the incoming chairman, Ian Morgan, who I am sure will do a fine job, as evidenced by his strong CV. Similarly, the other new members of the board are well able to fulfil their roles. That new board is:
Administration Director Jason Fage
Business Development Director Ian Morgan
Facilities Director Ian McFarlane
Finance Director Hari Punchihewa
Legal Services Director Kirpal Bidmead
Cricket Advisory Director Mike Hendrick
My only other comment? As long as Kim Barnett and Mike Hendrick can work well together, the on field stuff should be quite special this summer.
I only hope that there are no more off-field distractions.
We have had more than enough of that at Derbyshire over the years.
Wednesday, 15 February 2017
Grant leaves with mission (partly) accomplished
The news that Chris Grant is not standing for re-election as chairman at Derbyshire County Cricket Club comes as a surprise, yet in some ways as no surprise.The Derbyshire chairman has made a great impression on Derbyshire cricket and on the wider cricket world since coming into post and there were always strong possibilities of him going on to greater things (if there are greater things than being chairman of Derbyshire...)
A role with the governing board of the ECB seems likely and Grant's wish to avoid a conflict of interest in doing the two jobs together has meant a parting of the ways with the county of his birth.
Six years in such a job is a great commitment and to his immense credit he has worked tirelessly on the club's behalf for no personal gain. I'm not sure that the club could have afforded what he put in anyway and having a man with his background, passion for the club and willingness to 'press the flesh' and get involved will have been appreciated by most.
Of course he will have regrets. In every job you will have those and there will be aspects of his time with the club that I am sure that he would do differently, with the great benefit of hindsight. I know from my chats with him that he took no pleasure from the departures of John Morris, Karl Krikken and Graeme Welch, but the world of professional sport is an unforgiving one and tough decisions need to be made at times.
None of them were taking the club to where we hoped to be and there were issues with all. Krikken came closest to the ideal, gaining a division two championship with a side that played aggressive cricket, something that sadly dissipated in the top tier as we immdiately fell back down the following summer. Morris recruited a better class of player than we had seen for some time, while Welch encouraged youth and sowed the seeds for a potentially fine side in the future. They were good men, but for varying reasons their tenures were shorter than they might otherwise have been.
Perhaps bringing a once-disaffected Kim Barnett back into the fold will prove his defining moment, a man who had lost contact with the club once more involved and leading a winter of recruitment that has been better than any in living memory, one that might just see a return to the excitement of 2012.
Which is what Grant has worked for, of course. He came into a club that, if not down on its knees, was about to announce an overdraft that sent a bell ringing as the end of the round came. As he said to me in his interview for my last book, had steps not been taken at that point to address some serious areas of concern and overspending, there may well have been a supermarket on the site of the ground now.
How things have changed. Each year since has yielded a small, yet significant profit, one that confirmed us as among the best run clubs in the country. He has worked well with his long-time friend Simon Storey, a chief executive of some brilliance and transformed a cricket team in an open space into a cricket club in a stadium, one which hosts events of local and national importance and will form a focal point of this summer's Women's World Cup.
Off-field affairs have never been more encouraging and this has enabled the club to recruit in both a prudent and exciting manner. While some big name recruits failed, prospects for this summer are bright and the additional revenue streams that have been created have played a full part in this.
Like anyone in any walk of life, Chris Grant will have his detractors, but he can leave the role with his head held high. If one judges success in any position as leaving things in a better place than when you started, he has exceeded all expectations.
We didn't build on that wonderful summer of 2012 and I guess that will be his one big regret, but Derbyshire are in rude health, with excellent facilities, a competitive staff and an off-field operation that, pound for pound, will stand up against the very best in the country.
I am sure that all of you, like me, wish him the very best in his future ventures, though I know it will not be the last time we see him at the 3aaa County Ground. He is much too big a fan to give up on that.
I know little about Ian Morgan, his replacement as chairman, other than what is on the official CV. As a lifetime supporter and a shrewd businessman he has the key attributes for success.
He will know all too well that he has some big shoes to fill and I will discuss the new appointments, his included, in a future piece when they are announced.
For now - Chris, thank you.
Onwards and upwards - for you and for Derbyshire.
Saturday, 11 February 2017
Case for Hughes retention far from compelling
I don't know how many of you follow overseas cricket in the winter, but those who do may have noticed some continued poor form from Chesney Hughes, playing for the Leeward Islands in the West Indian domestic competition.
In twelve innings, the powerful left-hander has made only 289 runs at an average just over twenty and with a highest score of just 54.
Without doubt it is sad to see, as Chesney, at 26, should be at the stage where he has his game worked out right now. Instead, his form, from the last two months of last summer and into the winter back home, has been very poor. Instead of a player coming into his cricketing prime, Chesney appears to be in a premature decline.
It would, I think, be very brave of any county to take a punt on him right now. We all know that at his best he could be an imposing, compelling sight, hitting through the ball and watching it disappear with the power of the great West Indian batsmen of the past.
Yet his good days were becoming more sporadic and Ches-watching on the bad days was painful. The feet didn't move, he looked cumbersome at the crease and could be a liability to his partner with some poor calling and running.
There was considerable criticism of the decision to let him go and the all-encompassing 'couldn't agree terms' phrase was used once more. Was his desire to play back home, rather than stay here and work on his game an issue, or were the financial demands too great?
Who knows, outwith the club, but the reality is that recent suggestions that he could be worth chatting to again, about that Neil Broom position, are unrealistic.
It is also telling that, almost five months after the season ended, he still doesn't have a county for 2017. He may have wanted time to think, but there have been no suggestions of interest from anywhere, which is strange, at the very least.
We will all recall Chesney's good days, when boundaries didn't seem big enough, he held on to blinders in the field or he took someone's wicket with his slow left arm 'darts'.
Based on his winter form, however, I don't see a queue of county coaches building up any time soon for his signature and there is a strong possibility that a player of talent could be lost to the county game, at least for the time being.
Whether he has the appetite to work on the very obvious weaknesses in his game, only he can tell, but to remain a first-class cricketer of any merit, he simply has to. Every player enjoys peaks and suffers troughs of form over a career, but Chesney's trough has gone on a little too long for comfort.
I wish him well, as I am sure you all do.
In twelve innings, the powerful left-hander has made only 289 runs at an average just over twenty and with a highest score of just 54.
Without doubt it is sad to see, as Chesney, at 26, should be at the stage where he has his game worked out right now. Instead, his form, from the last two months of last summer and into the winter back home, has been very poor. Instead of a player coming into his cricketing prime, Chesney appears to be in a premature decline.
It would, I think, be very brave of any county to take a punt on him right now. We all know that at his best he could be an imposing, compelling sight, hitting through the ball and watching it disappear with the power of the great West Indian batsmen of the past.
Yet his good days were becoming more sporadic and Ches-watching on the bad days was painful. The feet didn't move, he looked cumbersome at the crease and could be a liability to his partner with some poor calling and running.
There was considerable criticism of the decision to let him go and the all-encompassing 'couldn't agree terms' phrase was used once more. Was his desire to play back home, rather than stay here and work on his game an issue, or were the financial demands too great?
Who knows, outwith the club, but the reality is that recent suggestions that he could be worth chatting to again, about that Neil Broom position, are unrealistic.
It is also telling that, almost five months after the season ended, he still doesn't have a county for 2017. He may have wanted time to think, but there have been no suggestions of interest from anywhere, which is strange, at the very least.
We will all recall Chesney's good days, when boundaries didn't seem big enough, he held on to blinders in the field or he took someone's wicket with his slow left arm 'darts'.
Based on his winter form, however, I don't see a queue of county coaches building up any time soon for his signature and there is a strong possibility that a player of talent could be lost to the county game, at least for the time being.
Whether he has the appetite to work on the very obvious weaknesses in his game, only he can tell, but to remain a first-class cricketer of any merit, he simply has to. Every player enjoys peaks and suffers troughs of form over a career, but Chesney's trough has gone on a little too long for comfort.
I wish him well, as I am sure you all do.
Tahir top of 50 and 20 over world rankings
Terrific news this morning, as Imran Tahir moves from third to first in the world rankings for one-day internationals, having already moved ahead of Trent Boult and Sunil Narine in the short form of the game.
It is exciting, ahead of what promises to be a special 2017 season and Imran is to be congratulated on his achievement. He is a clear example of a bowler who has worked at his craft and, although fairly late into the first-class game, he has become pretty much the complete bowler over the past twelve months.
His puzzling combination of lateral and top spin, combined with clever changes of pace and flight, make him a very difficult bowler to get on top of. He took a little 'tap' in this week's one-day internationals. but one was on a very good batting wicket and on the other he bowled a more miserly second spell after his first one was expensive.
There isn't a bowler in the game's long history who has never been hit around the ground, but the key is in how you come back and Tahir's skills and fitness suggest he will be playing the game for some time yet.
Our other summer leggie, Jeevan Mendis, took 5-97 for his Tamil Union side in the week, but they were beaten by an innings by the Sri Lankan Army side. He has had a good winter though, taking 32 wickets at 26 and scoring 414 runs at a shade under 40. We would take those statistics in Derbyshire colours, that's for sure. The way he bats, he is either going to get runs quickly or not at all, but we must hope for a quick acclimatisation and weather that isn't too cold for him to feel the ball between his fingers!
Finally today, it was interesting to see the words of Ashwell Prince, who as coach has revitalised the Cape Cobras franchise in South Africa after dreadful early season form. Prince, such a fine overseas player for Lancashire attributed it as follows:
"It was important for me that we went back to the kind of thinking where senior players drive the standards. They were around in the days when the team was winning and now they are around when the team is struggling. They know where the team needs to be and what it needs to get back to winning."
Rather similar to what Kim Barnett has suggested we do at Derbyshire, bring in senior players with a winning mentality, who know what is required in tight situations and have the nerve and the skills to get their team across the line.
All rather exciting, isn't it?
It is exciting, ahead of what promises to be a special 2017 season and Imran is to be congratulated on his achievement. He is a clear example of a bowler who has worked at his craft and, although fairly late into the first-class game, he has become pretty much the complete bowler over the past twelve months.
His puzzling combination of lateral and top spin, combined with clever changes of pace and flight, make him a very difficult bowler to get on top of. He took a little 'tap' in this week's one-day internationals. but one was on a very good batting wicket and on the other he bowled a more miserly second spell after his first one was expensive.
There isn't a bowler in the game's long history who has never been hit around the ground, but the key is in how you come back and Tahir's skills and fitness suggest he will be playing the game for some time yet.
Our other summer leggie, Jeevan Mendis, took 5-97 for his Tamil Union side in the week, but they were beaten by an innings by the Sri Lankan Army side. He has had a good winter though, taking 32 wickets at 26 and scoring 414 runs at a shade under 40. We would take those statistics in Derbyshire colours, that's for sure. The way he bats, he is either going to get runs quickly or not at all, but we must hope for a quick acclimatisation and weather that isn't too cold for him to feel the ball between his fingers!
Finally today, it was interesting to see the words of Ashwell Prince, who as coach has revitalised the Cape Cobras franchise in South Africa after dreadful early season form. Prince, such a fine overseas player for Lancashire attributed it as follows:
"It was important for me that we went back to the kind of thinking where senior players drive the standards. They were around in the days when the team was winning and now they are around when the team is struggling. They know where the team needs to be and what it needs to get back to winning."
Rather similar to what Kim Barnett has suggested we do at Derbyshire, bring in senior players with a winning mentality, who know what is required in tight situations and have the nerve and the skills to get their team across the line.
All rather exciting, isn't it?
Tuesday, 7 February 2017
Old Trafford event a big thrill
I had the very great pleasure of a trip to Old Trafford last night, for a talk to the Lancashire and Cheshire Cricket Society about my books, blog and all things Derbyshire cricket.
What a lovely bunch of people! They were a very friendly and knowledgeable bunch and after a short break, almost 45 minutes of questions after a similar length talk confirmed their interest and we covered a wide range of subjects. There was concern over the signing of Shiv Chanderpaul, interest in Derbyshire's winter work and plenty of discussion about the relative merits of the various forms of the game.
Interestingly - but I suppose unsurprisingly from an audience of established cricket lovers - there was little interest in a city franchise cricket tournament, as proposed by the ECB. There were people there from across the two counties and those from outwith Manchester would find it very difficult (or impossible) to support a team that bore that name. Old rivalries die hard across sport and this is something that the marketing gurus advising the ECB seem to have overlooked. When I was asked if I could, as a Derbyshire supporter, get behind an East Midlands side playing at Nottingham, my answer was simple - no.
As I said last night, the only way that they can draw audiences of the desired quantities to this new form of the game is by changing the rules and making it all the more gimmicky, unrecognisable, perhaps, from the game we love.
So look forward to cannons firing confetti bombs into the crowd when a six is hit, players in fancy dress costume, bowlers allowed one ball an over from twenty, instead of 22 yards. Daft? The rule book could well be tossed out of the window for this one. They have to be radical to stand a chance of filling stadiums.
What a horrid thought.
If anyone out there is part of a cricket club or society that would like to book me as a speaker, please drop me an email to the usual address - peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk
I am more than happy to help out and discuss options, either for an evening through the summer or for next winter's calendar.
It wasn't cricket weather last night, pouring with rain, but Old Trafford is an impressive site. I was especially impressed by the warm welcome from reception and security staff, who were personable, professional and efficient.
Thanks to everyone for that and to all those who came along. A particular thanks to Peakview, who came along to say hello and lend support.
The gesture was very much appreciated.
Thank you, my friend.
What a lovely bunch of people! They were a very friendly and knowledgeable bunch and after a short break, almost 45 minutes of questions after a similar length talk confirmed their interest and we covered a wide range of subjects. There was concern over the signing of Shiv Chanderpaul, interest in Derbyshire's winter work and plenty of discussion about the relative merits of the various forms of the game.
Interestingly - but I suppose unsurprisingly from an audience of established cricket lovers - there was little interest in a city franchise cricket tournament, as proposed by the ECB. There were people there from across the two counties and those from outwith Manchester would find it very difficult (or impossible) to support a team that bore that name. Old rivalries die hard across sport and this is something that the marketing gurus advising the ECB seem to have overlooked. When I was asked if I could, as a Derbyshire supporter, get behind an East Midlands side playing at Nottingham, my answer was simple - no.
As I said last night, the only way that they can draw audiences of the desired quantities to this new form of the game is by changing the rules and making it all the more gimmicky, unrecognisable, perhaps, from the game we love.
So look forward to cannons firing confetti bombs into the crowd when a six is hit, players in fancy dress costume, bowlers allowed one ball an over from twenty, instead of 22 yards. Daft? The rule book could well be tossed out of the window for this one. They have to be radical to stand a chance of filling stadiums.
What a horrid thought.
If anyone out there is part of a cricket club or society that would like to book me as a speaker, please drop me an email to the usual address - peakfan36@yahoo.co.uk
I am more than happy to help out and discuss options, either for an evening through the summer or for next winter's calendar.
It wasn't cricket weather last night, pouring with rain, but Old Trafford is an impressive site. I was especially impressed by the warm welcome from reception and security staff, who were personable, professional and efficient.
Thanks to everyone for that and to all those who came along. A particular thanks to Peakview, who came along to say hello and lend support.
The gesture was very much appreciated.
Thank you, my friend.
Saturday, 4 February 2017
Box office Tahir
Another day, another masterclass in leg spin from Imran Tahir today.
2-21 in 9.2 overs with 41 dot balls...considering the Sri Lankans are reasonably adept players of spin, having plenty of their own, they haven't come to terms with our man at all on their current tour. He seems so full of confidence and to me looks better than he has ever looked. It augurs well for the summer ahead and Derbyshire can be excited at his addition to the squad.
It has been a fairly quiet week and we are still none the wiser as to whether there will be a new Broom or we stick or twist, if you will. Then again, we are hardly likely to know and have no right to expect an announcement. I have little doubt that work will continue behind the scenes for a T20 player and possibly, just possibly for another Kolpak.
That last word has become synonymous with the game in recent weeks and the divide is even between those who are for and those against. I'll be honest, if the people coming over are of top quality and will enhance both the team and the overall standard of competition, I have no issue with it.
Derbyshire could quite easily go on being 'good old Derbyshire', making a modest profit each year, playing ten youngsters and gaining patronising plaudits for doing so, yet getting beaten way too often for supporters tastes. Or we can bring in some overseas help and improve the team dramatically. As long as the majority of the Derbyshire side is from this country and the people who come in improve our fortunes, I can live with it.
I want more, with respect, than Andrew Gait and Dominic Telo. I want players of proven pedigree, like Hardus Viljoen and if the opportunity came along to sign another at some point and it improves the chances of my side being a winning one, you can count me in.
The best players will still come through and one assumes that any such signings would be to enhance what we have, offer something different and put a few more bums on seats. That's what the game needs and a few 'box office' players, here for the season rather than a flying visit, will be a shot in the arm for the county game. You can't wait for Tahir to take a wicket and run half way to the Gateway, can you? I know I can't.
Anyway, that's enough from me for now. In closing, I would just like to say that I am looking forward immensely to my speaking engagement at Old Trafford on Monday evening, when I will be talking to the Lancashire and Cheshire Cricket Society about the blog, my books and all things cricket.
The weather is set fair for the trip and we're all getting through the winter rather well.
Roll on summer...
2-21 in 9.2 overs with 41 dot balls...considering the Sri Lankans are reasonably adept players of spin, having plenty of their own, they haven't come to terms with our man at all on their current tour. He seems so full of confidence and to me looks better than he has ever looked. It augurs well for the summer ahead and Derbyshire can be excited at his addition to the squad.
It has been a fairly quiet week and we are still none the wiser as to whether there will be a new Broom or we stick or twist, if you will. Then again, we are hardly likely to know and have no right to expect an announcement. I have little doubt that work will continue behind the scenes for a T20 player and possibly, just possibly for another Kolpak.
That last word has become synonymous with the game in recent weeks and the divide is even between those who are for and those against. I'll be honest, if the people coming over are of top quality and will enhance both the team and the overall standard of competition, I have no issue with it.
Derbyshire could quite easily go on being 'good old Derbyshire', making a modest profit each year, playing ten youngsters and gaining patronising plaudits for doing so, yet getting beaten way too often for supporters tastes. Or we can bring in some overseas help and improve the team dramatically. As long as the majority of the Derbyshire side is from this country and the people who come in improve our fortunes, I can live with it.
I want more, with respect, than Andrew Gait and Dominic Telo. I want players of proven pedigree, like Hardus Viljoen and if the opportunity came along to sign another at some point and it improves the chances of my side being a winning one, you can count me in.
The best players will still come through and one assumes that any such signings would be to enhance what we have, offer something different and put a few more bums on seats. That's what the game needs and a few 'box office' players, here for the season rather than a flying visit, will be a shot in the arm for the county game. You can't wait for Tahir to take a wicket and run half way to the Gateway, can you? I know I can't.
Anyway, that's enough from me for now. In closing, I would just like to say that I am looking forward immensely to my speaking engagement at Old Trafford on Monday evening, when I will be talking to the Lancashire and Cheshire Cricket Society about the blog, my books and all things cricket.
The weather is set fair for the trip and we're all getting through the winter rather well.
Roll on summer...
Tuesday, 31 January 2017
T20 'script' becoming formulaic
There was an interesting piece over on Cricinfo the other day, with regard to the Big Bash League in Australia.
In 35 matches, including the final, 28 teams decided to bowl first. The seven sides that opted to bat all regretted it, because they all lost the matches in question.
It is a telling statistic and reinforces what I have espoused on here for years - that batting second affords a far greater chance of a win in the short format game.
Why? A range of reasons. First of all, when you bat first you have no idea what represents a good score on a wicket and in over-reaching, quite often end up 20 runs short of par, as batsmen fail to realise that 160 would win it, aim for 180 and end up getting bowled out for 145.
I'm no first-class cricketer, but skippered a club side of limited ability through nine seasons of T20, in which we won far more games than we should by adopting this method. We had three/four decent batsmen who could then pace their innings, knowing full well what they had to do, rather than giving it away. The perils of batting as it got darker were outweighed by this and we claimed some prize scalps, as opponents strived for scores that would have tested India, rather than a motley collection of amateurs.
Alex Wakely of Northamptonshire says that they prefer to bat second as they bat so deep and the presence in any side of a couple of lower order 'biffers' who can clear the ropes is of huge value. If you get to the last couple of overs now, with shorter boundaries and bats like cudgels, anything under thirty with a man 'in' offers good possibilities. That is when your top bowlers come in to their own, but the odds are firmly in favour of the batting side when one six and some adroit placement and running can turn the game your way.
There are grounds - Nagpur, where England lost on Sunday being one - where the wicket gets slower and runs harder to score as the game goes on, but crowds, sadly, don't turn out for T20 to see bowlers, unless they are real magicians. Mitchell Johnson was brilliant in the BBL, while Imran Tahir gives a rare sense of expectation when he takes the ball in his hand, but crowds want to see a ball heading their way on a regular basis.
It was good to read about Tahir on the same website yesterday, where it said that he rarely bowls a bad ball these days. I think he is a classic spin bowler who, like most of his kind, has got better with age and is now at a stage where he can pitch his many variations at will. At 37, I could see him playing on for another five or six years and losing little over that period. He is box office material and while some say that his wicket celebrations are over the top, supporters identify with someone who so obviously enjoys his game.
Long may he play it and hopefully the coming season isn't the only one in which we see him in Derbyshire colours.
Finally today, and answering Michael, who emailed me over the weekend, the two Big Bash players who most impressed me this year were Chris Lynn and Marcus Stoinis. Lynn is an incredible hitter of a cricket ball and would be a huge catch for any side over here, while Stoinis, a good bowler as well as a fine batsman (as he showed yesterday against New Zealand) would be a very canny signing.
Yet neither can play here. Unless they have changed, my understanding of the rules is that any player who wants an overseas contract in the county game must have either one Test match or 15 T20/one day appearances for their country in the preceding 24 months. Neither of those two come close, so it must remain a pipe dream for counties, at least for now.
Nor, sadly, and to answer another question, do I expect to see Martin Guptill back for the T20. He has been announced as the captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors (now THAT's a name!) for the Caribbean Premier League and its timing would mean that 'The Gup' could only play four, maybe five matches here.
One of his team mates is Chris Lynn.
Now their fans are set for some serious entertainment...
In 35 matches, including the final, 28 teams decided to bowl first. The seven sides that opted to bat all regretted it, because they all lost the matches in question.
It is a telling statistic and reinforces what I have espoused on here for years - that batting second affords a far greater chance of a win in the short format game.
Why? A range of reasons. First of all, when you bat first you have no idea what represents a good score on a wicket and in over-reaching, quite often end up 20 runs short of par, as batsmen fail to realise that 160 would win it, aim for 180 and end up getting bowled out for 145.
I'm no first-class cricketer, but skippered a club side of limited ability through nine seasons of T20, in which we won far more games than we should by adopting this method. We had three/four decent batsmen who could then pace their innings, knowing full well what they had to do, rather than giving it away. The perils of batting as it got darker were outweighed by this and we claimed some prize scalps, as opponents strived for scores that would have tested India, rather than a motley collection of amateurs.
Alex Wakely of Northamptonshire says that they prefer to bat second as they bat so deep and the presence in any side of a couple of lower order 'biffers' who can clear the ropes is of huge value. If you get to the last couple of overs now, with shorter boundaries and bats like cudgels, anything under thirty with a man 'in' offers good possibilities. That is when your top bowlers come in to their own, but the odds are firmly in favour of the batting side when one six and some adroit placement and running can turn the game your way.
There are grounds - Nagpur, where England lost on Sunday being one - where the wicket gets slower and runs harder to score as the game goes on, but crowds, sadly, don't turn out for T20 to see bowlers, unless they are real magicians. Mitchell Johnson was brilliant in the BBL, while Imran Tahir gives a rare sense of expectation when he takes the ball in his hand, but crowds want to see a ball heading their way on a regular basis.
It was good to read about Tahir on the same website yesterday, where it said that he rarely bowls a bad ball these days. I think he is a classic spin bowler who, like most of his kind, has got better with age and is now at a stage where he can pitch his many variations at will. At 37, I could see him playing on for another five or six years and losing little over that period. He is box office material and while some say that his wicket celebrations are over the top, supporters identify with someone who so obviously enjoys his game.
Long may he play it and hopefully the coming season isn't the only one in which we see him in Derbyshire colours.
Finally today, and answering Michael, who emailed me over the weekend, the two Big Bash players who most impressed me this year were Chris Lynn and Marcus Stoinis. Lynn is an incredible hitter of a cricket ball and would be a huge catch for any side over here, while Stoinis, a good bowler as well as a fine batsman (as he showed yesterday against New Zealand) would be a very canny signing.
Yet neither can play here. Unless they have changed, my understanding of the rules is that any player who wants an overseas contract in the county game must have either one Test match or 15 T20/one day appearances for their country in the preceding 24 months. Neither of those two come close, so it must remain a pipe dream for counties, at least for now.
Nor, sadly, and to answer another question, do I expect to see Martin Guptill back for the T20. He has been announced as the captain of the Guyana Amazon Warriors (now THAT's a name!) for the Caribbean Premier League and its timing would mean that 'The Gup' could only play four, maybe five matches here.
One of his team mates is Chris Lynn.
Now their fans are set for some serious entertainment...
Sunday, 29 January 2017
Support from far and wide for Derbyshire cricket
It was good to read this week that Derbyshire's innovative and impressive membership campaign has thus far recruited over 150 new members. It deserved to, as the pricing of £139 for a season's county cricket viewing makes it a purchase of wonderful value.
Yet it should never be considered that Derbyshire support and a passion for the club and its cricket, is the preserve of members alone.
Back in the days of gaslight when I started this blog (so it seems), my reason for doing so was simple - to see if it would enable me to make contact with any other Derbyshire supporters out there on the internet.
Never in a million years did I imagine it would take off as it has, nor that it would enable me to make more friends and acquaintances than I ever felt possible. I have exchanged regular emails with people living all over the UK and have had occasional messages from others overseas, as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, Canada and the United States. I have become friends with former and current heroes, managed to get two books published and had more fun in the process than one could ever imagine.
Support isn't the sole preserve of those whose personal circumstances allow them to go to most or all home games, nor those whose lifestyle allows them to travel the country with their interest. Hats off to all concerned who do, as I'm sure their dedication is appreciated, but this is a shout out to many others who, for a myriad of reasons, are simply not able to do so.
When I was a lad, between the ages of nine and twenty-two, I was rarely away from Derbyshire matches. I lived locally and my Dad, or friends, regularly used to attend with me. Further education intervened a little, but long summer holidays meant I could still get along to more games than I missed. I saw the dark days of the early seventies in fine detail, then enjoyed the Barlow years along with everyone else. I saw many wonderful cricketers along the way. They were glorious days.
My job then took me to Scotland, a country that I love dearly and I have been there ever since. Every April I wish I was closer to the best place on earth, Derbyshire, but I know that, for now at least, my life will continue to be where my job is, my son works and my daughter studies. Family contentment is a big thing for me, like many others, so I accept that my opportunities to attend games are limited. Even more so, as the needs of elderly parents, north and south of the border, increasingly eat in to available time to go and see some cricket.
As things stand, with a range of other things on the go, I will perhaps manage between six and eight days cricket this summer, assuming that the 'family stuff' doesn't take priority between times. I will be down for the first two days of the Leicestershire four-day game in May, all being well, then the first couple of days of the Chesterfield Festival, when I hope to meet up with an old friend or two and am praying it doesn't rain. I had hoped to see the season opener, but couldn't get time off work. Maybe no bad thing, based on seasons past, when I have sat in the stand with more layers than a show-stopper cake on The Great British Bake Off.
I'll make a couple of days late season too, but the fixture schedule is such that I need a decent forecast and at least three days to make it worthwhile, one for traveling in each direction. You don't do a 650-mile round trip without planning and I have book stuff that needs to fit into my holiday allocation, along with family breaks. T20, with ten hours driving for three hours cricket, isn't realistic, unless I am down there for other reasons.
Does it make me less of a fan? Of course it doesn't. The very occasional critic of the blog has usually used the 'you're never at games, so how can you comment?' tactic, rather overlooking the fact that the blog is and always will be an opinion piece. I don't write commentaries on games and am grateful for the comments of those who were there to fill in the blanks that are there between many press reports.
Yet, when you have watched enough cricket, you know how Billy Godleman square cuts, Wayne Madsen cover drives and Imran Tahir bowls. It doesn't stop me from wishing I was there on the good days, and being glad that I wasn't on the bad, yet nor does it change the fact that there is no one any more passionate about the club, its performances and its ongoing and gratifying stability. There's plenty of others like me out there too.
You might look at 150 new members and think that's good, or you may think 'is that all?'. In the context of football support, it is perhaps small beer, but the comments of people on here who have come back in to the fold and plan trips to see Derbyshire this summer for the first time in many years is gratifying.
Interest in Derbyshire cricket is booming. We have recruited well and the on field 'offer' this summer is the best it has been for some time, while off field there are 'proper' facilities. There are genuine reasons for optimism and that will result in a few more planned trips, IF it translates into results and improved performance.
For those, like me, whose attendance is limited, feel free to pitch in with comments, to mail me when you wish and to share in that passion. If you are able to get along more frequently, enjoy every minute and remember that there are a lot of people out there, all over the globe, who are slightly envious of you and are following every ball on a phone, tablet, computer or television somewhere far away.
But sharing that passion, all the way.
And massive supporters, as they have always been.
Yet it should never be considered that Derbyshire support and a passion for the club and its cricket, is the preserve of members alone.
Back in the days of gaslight when I started this blog (so it seems), my reason for doing so was simple - to see if it would enable me to make contact with any other Derbyshire supporters out there on the internet.
Never in a million years did I imagine it would take off as it has, nor that it would enable me to make more friends and acquaintances than I ever felt possible. I have exchanged regular emails with people living all over the UK and have had occasional messages from others overseas, as far away as New Zealand, Australia, Sri Lanka, Canada and the United States. I have become friends with former and current heroes, managed to get two books published and had more fun in the process than one could ever imagine.
Support isn't the sole preserve of those whose personal circumstances allow them to go to most or all home games, nor those whose lifestyle allows them to travel the country with their interest. Hats off to all concerned who do, as I'm sure their dedication is appreciated, but this is a shout out to many others who, for a myriad of reasons, are simply not able to do so.
When I was a lad, between the ages of nine and twenty-two, I was rarely away from Derbyshire matches. I lived locally and my Dad, or friends, regularly used to attend with me. Further education intervened a little, but long summer holidays meant I could still get along to more games than I missed. I saw the dark days of the early seventies in fine detail, then enjoyed the Barlow years along with everyone else. I saw many wonderful cricketers along the way. They were glorious days.
My job then took me to Scotland, a country that I love dearly and I have been there ever since. Every April I wish I was closer to the best place on earth, Derbyshire, but I know that, for now at least, my life will continue to be where my job is, my son works and my daughter studies. Family contentment is a big thing for me, like many others, so I accept that my opportunities to attend games are limited. Even more so, as the needs of elderly parents, north and south of the border, increasingly eat in to available time to go and see some cricket.
As things stand, with a range of other things on the go, I will perhaps manage between six and eight days cricket this summer, assuming that the 'family stuff' doesn't take priority between times. I will be down for the first two days of the Leicestershire four-day game in May, all being well, then the first couple of days of the Chesterfield Festival, when I hope to meet up with an old friend or two and am praying it doesn't rain. I had hoped to see the season opener, but couldn't get time off work. Maybe no bad thing, based on seasons past, when I have sat in the stand with more layers than a show-stopper cake on The Great British Bake Off.
I'll make a couple of days late season too, but the fixture schedule is such that I need a decent forecast and at least three days to make it worthwhile, one for traveling in each direction. You don't do a 650-mile round trip without planning and I have book stuff that needs to fit into my holiday allocation, along with family breaks. T20, with ten hours driving for three hours cricket, isn't realistic, unless I am down there for other reasons.
Does it make me less of a fan? Of course it doesn't. The very occasional critic of the blog has usually used the 'you're never at games, so how can you comment?' tactic, rather overlooking the fact that the blog is and always will be an opinion piece. I don't write commentaries on games and am grateful for the comments of those who were there to fill in the blanks that are there between many press reports.
Yet, when you have watched enough cricket, you know how Billy Godleman square cuts, Wayne Madsen cover drives and Imran Tahir bowls. It doesn't stop me from wishing I was there on the good days, and being glad that I wasn't on the bad, yet nor does it change the fact that there is no one any more passionate about the club, its performances and its ongoing and gratifying stability. There's plenty of others like me out there too.
You might look at 150 new members and think that's good, or you may think 'is that all?'. In the context of football support, it is perhaps small beer, but the comments of people on here who have come back in to the fold and plan trips to see Derbyshire this summer for the first time in many years is gratifying.
Interest in Derbyshire cricket is booming. We have recruited well and the on field 'offer' this summer is the best it has been for some time, while off field there are 'proper' facilities. There are genuine reasons for optimism and that will result in a few more planned trips, IF it translates into results and improved performance.
For those, like me, whose attendance is limited, feel free to pitch in with comments, to mail me when you wish and to share in that passion. If you are able to get along more frequently, enjoy every minute and remember that there are a lot of people out there, all over the globe, who are slightly envious of you and are following every ball on a phone, tablet, computer or television somewhere far away.
But sharing that passion, all the way.
And massive supporters, as they have always been.
Friday, 27 January 2017
Madsen testimonial gesture typical of the man
"I will give a percentage of all the money
raised this year to my three nominated charities – the Derby Hospitals
Charity, LIV village in South Africa and the PCA Benevolent Fund," said Wayne Madsen. "But I'm also looking to support other charities like the Cricket
Derbyshire Foundation because, for me, it is about leaving a legacy –
something that can be taken up and developed after this year. It's a
huge honour and a privilege to be awarded a testimonial year and one of
the benefits of it is that I am able to do a lot more for charity to
help people who are less fortunate."
There, in a paragraph, is the essence of the man. In an era when too many sportsmen are seen as in it for everything they can get, Wayne is thinking of others and it is heartening and refreshing to see.
I hope that his testimonial year is a huge success, as it deserves to be. There is an excellent range of events and his organising committee deserves warm congratulations for the breadth of activities available.
I look forward to helping to broadcast them in due course and if they coincide with trips down south, hopefully getting along to one or two. I hope you do too, because he has been a wonderful servant to the club - and hopefully will continue to be for many years to come.
Finally tonight, what do you reckon to Lancashire signing Shivnarine Chanderpaul and Dane Vilas? I have to say that it strikes me as a little odd for them to sign another wicket keeper, irrespective of his minimal international record. I know that they will be short of Jos Buttler for a fair part of the summer, but one would hope they have enough in Alex Davies, to cover in his absence.
In some ways it mirrors Derbyshire, with Gary Wilson and Harvey Hosein. I know there have been lively discussions over signing Daryn Smit, but were we to move for the South African I would see him as a batsman and occasional leggie, with his wicket-keeping as emergency back up.
I'm not sure Vilas is good enough with the bat, in English conditions, to be a specialist, so it will be interesting to see how that goes.
Shiv? Of course he is a legend and his influence of the pitch will doubtless be important. Yet he struggled in his final season with us to translate the hard work into weight of runs and three years on will be 43 when the action starts.
I acknowledge he is scoring runs heavily in West Indies domestic cricket, but the level is considerably lower than division one of the county championship. If you need any proof of that, try and find another West Indian cricketer on a county deal that isn't T20 alone (I'll allow you Fidel Edwards...)
Shiv will grind out some runs, but at 43, six months in England will test his unique technique and fitness. I hope that the runs come, if for no other reason than to preserve the legend, but I think it will be tough for him and a strange call by Lancashire.
I can't think that any county since the last war has signed a player of 43. Crikey, back in the day when we picked up Fred Trueman and Clive Inman, they were relatively young lads of 41 and 37 respectively.
Mind you, Inman had been retired for a year...
Tuesday, 24 January 2017
Interesting news on Daryn Smit
I picked up an interesting story on Twitter tonight, with the news that Daryn Smit of the Dolphins franchise in South Africa has announced his retirement from the game in that country to make a permanent move to the UK.You may recall that a man who is pretty much a complete all-rounder (bats, bowls leg spin and keeps wicket to a high standard) made a double century at the end of the summer for our second team at Belper. This came at the end of another season in which he dominated in the Lancashire League, averaging 86 with the bat and taking 69 wickets at eight runs each.
Having averaged 113 and taken 74 wickets in 2015, it might be said that Smit has come to terms with English wickets rather well...
He will be 33 when the next English county season begins, the same age as Basil D'Oliveira when he made his county bow for Worcestershire in 1964. That didn't turn out too badly for all concerned and I would suggest that Smit's arrival, given that he has an ancestral visa that allows him to play in the UK as a local, might be watched quite closely around the shires.
He has had a truncated winter back home, shoulder surgery ruling him out of a fair amount of cricket, but two centuries in eight matches has been a decent return and I am sure that bowlers will be wary of facing a player who has become a run machine in the Lancashire League. If the runs start to flow again, I suspect opportunity may knock, somewhere, for a man who has earned respect as a consummate professional, both in South Africa and in the north west.
Given opportunity, he would be well worth someone's trouble in the county game. I am a big fan of South African cricketers and there are many examples of those who have come to this country and given exemplary service.
Daryn Smit might be another to open eyes, this summer.
Monday, 23 January 2017
Tahir watching reveals South African travails
I tuned in to Sky yesterday afternoon to watch the second T20 international between South Africa and Sri Lanka. I was keen to see Imran Tahir in action and he didn't disappoint.
Imran bowled a beautiful four-over spell with nary a bad ball. Even on a wicket that favours the bowlers, you have to put the ball in the right areas and Sri Lanka, realising he was the danger man, took no risks against him. Four overs for 14 was an exceptional effort and he has a delightful loop to his bowling, as well as an ever-dangerous quicker ball. He seems to bowl more googlies than orthodox leg spin these days, but batsmen still struggle to work out which is which, testimony to a very wily bowler when you have played all these years.
He has today been included in his country's one-day squad for the forthcoming series against the same opponents and rightly so. On the basis of yesterday's viewing, Aaron Phangiso is a country mile back in terms of ability. Indeed, that must be a worry for supporters, because with most of their big names rested, the next tier down looked to be of questionable ability, especially with people who may have been in the mix having signed Kolpak deals.
For all the protestations from the convenor of selectors that they have four men (Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo) now vying to replace Jacques Kallis, that is, with respect, like saying you are replacing Pavarotti with Paul Potts. Decent cricketers all, but you don't replace a craftsman quite that easily.
There were wretched shots from several players and the whole thing looked like the sort of mess that we have become all too used to from Derbyshire in recent summers. Sri Lankan debutant Lakshan Sandakan bowled one or two balls of absolute filth, yet ended up with four wickets as batsmen who couldn't read his left hand leg spin action attempted to second guess and reverse sweep, with inevitable and ugly results.
There was one bright spot though, with new fast bowler Lungi Ngidi looking a huge talent at 20. On a slow wicket he was still too quick for some of the Sri Lankans, despite a first-class career in which he has comfortably under fifty wickets. If he develops like Kagiso Rabada, South Africa will have a pair of quicks who will keep batsmen a-hopping for many years to come.
Still, what the game did was confirm that leggies are potent weapons in the format and the man who can disguise his variations will likely do very well.
Nice that we will have three of them a-twirling this summer...
Imran bowled a beautiful four-over spell with nary a bad ball. Even on a wicket that favours the bowlers, you have to put the ball in the right areas and Sri Lanka, realising he was the danger man, took no risks against him. Four overs for 14 was an exceptional effort and he has a delightful loop to his bowling, as well as an ever-dangerous quicker ball. He seems to bowl more googlies than orthodox leg spin these days, but batsmen still struggle to work out which is which, testimony to a very wily bowler when you have played all these years.
He has today been included in his country's one-day squad for the forthcoming series against the same opponents and rightly so. On the basis of yesterday's viewing, Aaron Phangiso is a country mile back in terms of ability. Indeed, that must be a worry for supporters, because with most of their big names rested, the next tier down looked to be of questionable ability, especially with people who may have been in the mix having signed Kolpak deals.
For all the protestations from the convenor of selectors that they have four men (Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Dwaine Pretorius and Andile Phehlukwayo) now vying to replace Jacques Kallis, that is, with respect, like saying you are replacing Pavarotti with Paul Potts. Decent cricketers all, but you don't replace a craftsman quite that easily.
There were wretched shots from several players and the whole thing looked like the sort of mess that we have become all too used to from Derbyshire in recent summers. Sri Lankan debutant Lakshan Sandakan bowled one or two balls of absolute filth, yet ended up with four wickets as batsmen who couldn't read his left hand leg spin action attempted to second guess and reverse sweep, with inevitable and ugly results.
There was one bright spot though, with new fast bowler Lungi Ngidi looking a huge talent at 20. On a slow wicket he was still too quick for some of the Sri Lankans, despite a first-class career in which he has comfortably under fifty wickets. If he develops like Kagiso Rabada, South Africa will have a pair of quicks who will keep batsmen a-hopping for many years to come.
Still, what the game did was confirm that leggies are potent weapons in the format and the man who can disguise his variations will likely do very well.
Nice that we will have three of them a-twirling this summer...
Saturday, 21 January 2017
Clues on plans in week's news
It might just be me reading too much into it, but this week's media pieces emanating from the 3aaa County Ground gave me, at least, an indication of the decision on a 'Neil Broom replacement' having been made.
There have been articles on both Tom Wood and Charlie MacDonnell, both of them with plans for a top order place in the batting line-up. Rightly so, as both are young players with talent and the potential to get better. As Second XI player of the year, as well as a heavy scorer in a strong Derbyshire Premier League, Wood has proved that he has the skills to make a good fist of the first-class game, but that final level is the biggie.
T20 Innings for the Unicorns against strong county elevens have been strong indicators of his talent and he would be a good pick for John Wright in our first choice side in the format. Wood has the power and the range of shots to capitalise on the so important Powerplay and in the company of an experienced top order 'biffer' his game could flourish.
We also read that MacDonnell is enjoying his winter and feels he is ready for his game to kick on, both as a batsman and a useful off-spinner. He certainly looked as if he belonged last year, making 21 and a composed, unbeaten 35 as all around him collapsed against Essex, the highlight of a season in which he too scored heavily for the second team.
Indeed, after eight first-class innings, the rest for Durham MCCU, his average is just a shade under 50, indicative of a talent worthy of opportunity.
So, in publicising their desire to get into the team, is it a subtle statement that we are going to go with what we have?
After all, one would assume that both Luis Reece and Alex Hughes were a little ahead in the pecking order, certainly in terms of experience, although we don't know how they are all looking in the nets, of course.
Were we to sign a Kolpak batsman to replace Neil Broom, their chances of first team opportunity would probably be quite slim, so perhaps we have had a sign that the Kiwi will not be directly replaced.
There is, of course, a chance that we don't go for a direct replacement, something to which I have alluded before. The addition of Hardus Viljoen and the Mendis/Tahir combo gives us two good experienced bowlers, but we only need one to get an injury and we aren't that far ahead of where we were last year.
I think it unrealistic to expect Viljoen to steam in from April to September without an occasional breather, then we are back to a largely unproven seam attack in which only Tony Palladino can be regarded as a time served and bona fide county cricketer. Several have showed promise, and I hope to see them kick on this year, but much will depend on Viljoen hitting his stride and staying fit.
Kim Barnett has gone on record as saying he wants opponents to be unsure whether to bat against a testing pace attack, or opt to bat against a quality leg spinner on the last afternoon. Were Viljoen to be injured, it would be a similar situation to last year, where opposition captains won the toss and settled back to bat until mid-afternoon on day 2.
Hopefully the seamers will benefit from that experience, but supporters will be excused a few concerns. Will Davis had a few injuries, Tom Taylor missed almost the whole of last season, Ben Cotton hasn't yet shown himself as adept at the four-day game as the one-day, while Greg Cork hasn't yet convinced as a first team bowler.
With Tony Palladino now in a combined bowling/coaching role, it leaves seam bowling in the hands of the improved Tom Milnes and Shiv Thakor. With the latter perhaps doing too much bowling last year through necessity and suffering a back injury as a consequence, there are perhaps a few questions to be answered.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
There have been articles on both Tom Wood and Charlie MacDonnell, both of them with plans for a top order place in the batting line-up. Rightly so, as both are young players with talent and the potential to get better. As Second XI player of the year, as well as a heavy scorer in a strong Derbyshire Premier League, Wood has proved that he has the skills to make a good fist of the first-class game, but that final level is the biggie.
T20 Innings for the Unicorns against strong county elevens have been strong indicators of his talent and he would be a good pick for John Wright in our first choice side in the format. Wood has the power and the range of shots to capitalise on the so important Powerplay and in the company of an experienced top order 'biffer' his game could flourish.
We also read that MacDonnell is enjoying his winter and feels he is ready for his game to kick on, both as a batsman and a useful off-spinner. He certainly looked as if he belonged last year, making 21 and a composed, unbeaten 35 as all around him collapsed against Essex, the highlight of a season in which he too scored heavily for the second team.
Indeed, after eight first-class innings, the rest for Durham MCCU, his average is just a shade under 50, indicative of a talent worthy of opportunity.
So, in publicising their desire to get into the team, is it a subtle statement that we are going to go with what we have?
After all, one would assume that both Luis Reece and Alex Hughes were a little ahead in the pecking order, certainly in terms of experience, although we don't know how they are all looking in the nets, of course.
Were we to sign a Kolpak batsman to replace Neil Broom, their chances of first team opportunity would probably be quite slim, so perhaps we have had a sign that the Kiwi will not be directly replaced.
There is, of course, a chance that we don't go for a direct replacement, something to which I have alluded before. The addition of Hardus Viljoen and the Mendis/Tahir combo gives us two good experienced bowlers, but we only need one to get an injury and we aren't that far ahead of where we were last year.
I think it unrealistic to expect Viljoen to steam in from April to September without an occasional breather, then we are back to a largely unproven seam attack in which only Tony Palladino can be regarded as a time served and bona fide county cricketer. Several have showed promise, and I hope to see them kick on this year, but much will depend on Viljoen hitting his stride and staying fit.
Kim Barnett has gone on record as saying he wants opponents to be unsure whether to bat against a testing pace attack, or opt to bat against a quality leg spinner on the last afternoon. Were Viljoen to be injured, it would be a similar situation to last year, where opposition captains won the toss and settled back to bat until mid-afternoon on day 2.
Hopefully the seamers will benefit from that experience, but supporters will be excused a few concerns. Will Davis had a few injuries, Tom Taylor missed almost the whole of last season, Ben Cotton hasn't yet shown himself as adept at the four-day game as the one-day, while Greg Cork hasn't yet convinced as a first team bowler.
With Tony Palladino now in a combined bowling/coaching role, it leaves seam bowling in the hands of the improved Tom Milnes and Shiv Thakor. With the latter perhaps doing too much bowling last year through necessity and suffering a back injury as a consequence, there are perhaps a few questions to be answered.
As always, I welcome your thoughts.
Wednesday, 18 January 2017
More encouraging signs from Derbyshire
There was a time, when I started writing this blog, when I was baffled by some of the goings on at Derbyshire and said so on a regular basis. For all the good intentions of those involved, we seemed to do some odd things and make signings that were of questionable judgement and value.
Maybe I am mellowing with age, or more likely we just have the right, professional people in charge of the club affairs now.
Take today's news, for example. Instead of a pre-season tour to Dubai, Derbyshire will train at home in a Briggs of Burton-sponsored 750 square metre marquee. It makes total sense to me for the players to be ready for the first match on what we assume will be seaming tracks, rather than going to Dubai and playing on wickets that are considerably different.
OK, I guess that the players might enjoy the change of climate and the opportunity to get some warm sun on their backs, but the positive impact of this development, complete with its daylight panels, cannot be over-estimated.
It apparently encourages grass growth too, so the 3aaa County Ground will be at its most lush in April, when hopefully we win the toss a few times and bowl...
On the pitch, it has been good to follow the fortunes of Ireland and Gary Wilson. He looks a good player, which we knew from his averages anyway, but the composed way with which he steered his side to a win yesterday augured well for 2017. He has a reputation as a player who runs hard, times the ball well and turns ones into twos, little things that make a big difference in T20, especially.
He played another cameo today, as his side won once more and there is no doubt that our new vice captain will be a definite enhancement to Derbyshire, as we aim to improve on a largely dismal 2016.
Speaking of T20, did anyone see Kiwi leg-spinner Ish Sodhi demolish Sydney Thunder today in the BBL, with 6-11 in 21 balls? To be fair, he didn't bowl THAT well, but it showed the value of leggies in this format and the batsmen appeared baffled for the best part. At one point Brad Hodge had three slips and a leg slip set for him, which I have never seen before in the format - and don't expect to see to many more times either.
Mind you, we have two leg-spinners for the format this year...
See you soon.
Maybe I am mellowing with age, or more likely we just have the right, professional people in charge of the club affairs now.
Take today's news, for example. Instead of a pre-season tour to Dubai, Derbyshire will train at home in a Briggs of Burton-sponsored 750 square metre marquee. It makes total sense to me for the players to be ready for the first match on what we assume will be seaming tracks, rather than going to Dubai and playing on wickets that are considerably different.
OK, I guess that the players might enjoy the change of climate and the opportunity to get some warm sun on their backs, but the positive impact of this development, complete with its daylight panels, cannot be over-estimated.
It apparently encourages grass growth too, so the 3aaa County Ground will be at its most lush in April, when hopefully we win the toss a few times and bowl...
On the pitch, it has been good to follow the fortunes of Ireland and Gary Wilson. He looks a good player, which we knew from his averages anyway, but the composed way with which he steered his side to a win yesterday augured well for 2017. He has a reputation as a player who runs hard, times the ball well and turns ones into twos, little things that make a big difference in T20, especially.
He played another cameo today, as his side won once more and there is no doubt that our new vice captain will be a definite enhancement to Derbyshire, as we aim to improve on a largely dismal 2016.
Speaking of T20, did anyone see Kiwi leg-spinner Ish Sodhi demolish Sydney Thunder today in the BBL, with 6-11 in 21 balls? To be fair, he didn't bowl THAT well, but it showed the value of leggies in this format and the batsmen appeared baffled for the best part. At one point Brad Hodge had three slips and a leg slip set for him, which I have never seen before in the format - and don't expect to see to many more times either.
Mind you, we have two leg-spinners for the format this year...
See you soon.
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