Many will remember with misty eyes the halcyon days of the overseas stars. The 1960's and 70's, when everyone wanted to play County cricket (well, almost everyone, Graeme Pollock didn't fancy it at all but was on a very good salary in South Africa).
Most fans of the time could go through the counties in alphabetical order and rhyme off the stars - real stars - that each county had from abroad. Chris Wilkins at Derby, Keith Boyce at Essex, Majid Khan or Roy Fredericks at Glamorgan, Mike Procter at Gloucester, Barry Richards at Hampshire - it was a golden period that we thought would last for ever.
Sadly, it didn't. We all went to 2 overseas stars, which was great, but then the back door players - the ones with Irish Grannies, a father who'd once sung the national anthem - started to come in and now we're awash with them. The growth of international cricket and lucrative, if otherwise pointless, tournaments means that the very best overseas players will never be seen in County colours, unless it is in the short form of the game, the monster we call 20/20. It's a little like asking Al Pacino to do a walk on in Coronation Street, or get the Beatles to do an advertising jingle...
That then leaves teams with two options - a lesser light for a full season, or a big name for a part of it. With respect to Chris Rogers, a top bloke and a good cricketer, he is in the first category, whereas Ricky Ponting or Matt Hayden would have been in the first.
So who is doing well out of their player this year. Apologies if I've got an overseas player wrong here, as there are so many Kolpaks out there it is hard work to figure out who is who, but here's things as I see it
Championship
Derby - Chris Rogers 42 batting
Durham - Neil McKenzie - 19 batting
Essex - Danish Kaneria 19 wkts at 25
Glamorgan - Jason Gillespie 25 batting, 14 wkts at 29
Gloucester - Marcus North 35 batting, 9 wkts at 39
Hants - Shane Bond 19 wkts at 19
Kent- Martin Van Jaarsveld - 76 batting, 5 wkts at 6 each
Lancs - Brad Hodge 44, Yousuf 124
Leics - Botha Dipenaar 28 batting
Middlesex - Vernon Philander 15 batting, 10 wkts at 28
Northants - Nick Boje 62 batting, 20 wkts at 30
Notts - Adam Voges 38 battting
Somerset - Justin Langer - 48 batting
Surrey - Matt Nicholson - 80 batting, 86 bowling
Sussex - Mushtaq Ahmed 16 wkts at 38
Warwick - Zondeki 9 wkts at 42
Worcs - Magoffin 23 wkts at 33
Yorks - Naved 1 wkt at 98
Even allowing for the odd error (is Boje overseas at Northants? Is Dippenaar at Leics?) there are some spectacularly average figures there.
Neither Brad Hodge nor Mohammad Yousuf played long enough at Lancs to merit a true average, but there are some heads hanging in shame around the country. Matt Nicholson is doing well as a bat for Surrey, but his bowling is awful and supposedly his strong suit. Mushtaq appears on the wane and is increasingly injury prone at Sussex but he's at least played more than some.
To me, there's only two players genuinely earning their money on overseas star performances this season. Step forward Martin Van Jaarsveld at Kent and Shane Bond at Hampshire. Chris Rogers and Justin Langer have done OK for their counties, as of course has Nick Boje, but after that...
Maybe the time is coming when some of these players should be on performance-related pay. There might then be less money going out of the country on ordinary players delivering very ordinary performances.
I will accept that some 20/20 players did well, Herschelle Gibbs, Lou Vincent, Albie Morkel among them, and that there are also Kolpaks playing very well - take a bow Charl Langeveldt and HD Ackerman - but the overall standard is very poor and perhaps it is as well that the Kolpak loophole will be closed and young British players, as well as the England team, may benefit.
Sunday, 6 July 2008
Latest poll
89% of those who voted prefer some other form of cricket to 20/20.
That's the cold hard facts of the results from the latest poll. Maybe it reflects the age (maturity!) of the voters, but there is a groundswell of opinion suggesting that 20/20 is fine as it is but doesn't need increased.
I'm all for innovation, but cricket has lasted well for 200 years and the Championship is still, for many THE competition to win.
Hopefully, the people at Lords take this into account when they next make their decisions.
Why not enter this week's poll?
That's the cold hard facts of the results from the latest poll. Maybe it reflects the age (maturity!) of the voters, but there is a groundswell of opinion suggesting that 20/20 is fine as it is but doesn't need increased.
I'm all for innovation, but cricket has lasted well for 200 years and the Championship is still, for many THE competition to win.
Hopefully, the people at Lords take this into account when they next make their decisions.
Why not enter this week's poll?
Kids eh?
While down in Derbyshire last week, we enjoyed a trip to Chesterfield and I especially enjoyed lunch sitting on a bench at Queens Park, watching the groundsman going about his duties. A game would have been nice, but...
Anyway, as we ate our rolls, I pointed out various places where Dad and I had sat and regaled my wife and kids with the stuff of legend. Perrin's 300 in a day and still his team were beaten, George Pope's demolition of Yorkshire, Cliff and Les...
My daughter was especially interested in the tale of Charlie Lee being accompanied from the ground by a couple of ducks as he completed a pair back in the 1950s and looked with interest at the boating lake as I pointed it out. The same boating lake that Chris Wilkins peppered with sixes when he played there.
"Those nets wouldn't have been tall enough for Wilkins" I said, pointing at the additional safety measure in front of the kiddie playground.
"Can we go on the train now Dad?" said Rachel, impressed by the miniature loco chugging round the lake.
"You mean you don't want to hear about the day we bowled out Middlesex here for 23? Or about the Gillette Cup semi-final of 1969? Or about Ian Bishop bowling at the speed of light against India here?" said I
"Yes, I do, but maybe on the train... or maybe later" she said, sweetly, taking my hand.
"Come on Dad, let's go. Maybe we'll see one of those balls lying somewhere on the way round on the train".
We got up and walked across to the lake, Rachel leading the way, my wife, son and I a little behind. Suddenly she stopped and looked back, then across to the lake
"You know, that really is a long way to hit a ball Dad. I'm impressed. Who was he again?"
Can a man really love a daughter more?!
Anyway, as we ate our rolls, I pointed out various places where Dad and I had sat and regaled my wife and kids with the stuff of legend. Perrin's 300 in a day and still his team were beaten, George Pope's demolition of Yorkshire, Cliff and Les...
My daughter was especially interested in the tale of Charlie Lee being accompanied from the ground by a couple of ducks as he completed a pair back in the 1950s and looked with interest at the boating lake as I pointed it out. The same boating lake that Chris Wilkins peppered with sixes when he played there.
"Those nets wouldn't have been tall enough for Wilkins" I said, pointing at the additional safety measure in front of the kiddie playground.
"Can we go on the train now Dad?" said Rachel, impressed by the miniature loco chugging round the lake.
"You mean you don't want to hear about the day we bowled out Middlesex here for 23? Or about the Gillette Cup semi-final of 1969? Or about Ian Bishop bowling at the speed of light against India here?" said I
"Yes, I do, but maybe on the train... or maybe later" she said, sweetly, taking my hand.
"Come on Dad, let's go. Maybe we'll see one of those balls lying somewhere on the way round on the train".
We got up and walked across to the lake, Rachel leading the way, my wife, son and I a little behind. Suddenly she stopped and looked back, then across to the lake
"You know, that really is a long way to hit a ball Dad. I'm impressed. Who was he again?"
Can a man really love a daughter more?!
Next two months crucial
Are we seeing a bright new dawn at Derbyshire? Or is this just the same old, same old?
Before the 20/20, most fans would have probably said that we were improved. By no means the finished article, but going in the right direction. A disastrous campaign in the thrash and bash followed by a defeat at Essex have changed the water temperature a little, but are our expectations realistic?
Well, I still think we are going the right way but the next two months are crucial to John Morris. I will say from the start that he needs to be given the time to get his side together, at least three years. I saw the 2nds in the week and there are some good young players in there who could well develop into top first class cricketers. Dan Redfern, Akhil Patel and Ross Whitely all impressed me, while Paul Borrington emerged from a horrid first ten overs in which he made only four runs to make a good fifty, showing a strong character in the process.
What of the first team? It was good to see Dominic Telo make a score at Chelmsford, and I would like to see him build on that from here to the season end. I think that Telo has the technique to be very good player for us in the years ahead, and now needs to show he has the required concentration to make the big scores. If Borrington or Redfern made a few decent scores in the 20/20 then followed it with an innings such as that at Chelmsford, we would be happy. For a young man with minimal first class experience, who has travelled half way around the world, had to set up a new life and get used to different wickets he is doing OK. Once flair is tempered by greater experience young Master Telo will do very nicely.
I'm more concerned with the contributions of Steve Stubbings, John Sadler and Rikki Clarke. Stubbo has the distractions of a benefit year and seldom fails to give us a start, but regularly gets out in the 30's when he should be "in". We need more from the genial giant in the second half of the season.
Sadler has been a big disappointment and although a player who usually made runs against us for Leicestershire, looks a moderate player at best. In the 2nds game Redfern looked a far better, more fluent and "classy" player while Sadler looked like a man desperate for a score but a long way from getting one. We will see if Andrew Brown and John Morris can help him, but he didn't look a first team player to me.
Rikki Clarke is a fine talent but the biggest source of fans frustration at present. Like Stubbo, he has had distractions (a first baby is pretty high on the distraction-ometer!) but he has not impressed with bat or ball. Like Stubbings, he regularly makes a start then gives it away. A thirty from 20-odd balls is neither here nor there and not enough for a man with England ambitions. His bowling is useful, but again he can suffer for his willingness to experiment and become expensive. He laudably will bowl when the flak is flying at the end of an innings but sometimes that might not be the best option and as captain he needs to realise that. He has kept the team together and players and fans speak of an improved spirit from last year, but the captain's role will be much stronger if he is seen to contribute more. At present, the jury is not just out but calling for long-term accommodation before a decision is made.
Greg Smith also needs a good end of season. On his day he is a superb stroke player, but the next couple of months will show whether he is the real deal or another Matt Cassar, who produced brilliance all too sporadically for first class cricket. I liked Cassar, and still follow his scores in local cricket, but his figures seldom did justice to the talent within. Smith has been unable to bowl much so far and needs a good couple of months.
Chris Rogers has done well without setting the heather on fire. An average of a shade over 40 is OK, but only that. As I've said before, an overseas batsman should average 50 to justify bringing him in. Rogers has one century and four 50's in 11 starts and needs to turn the 50s into big scores. Few others have shown sign of doing so and the onus lies on the Australian to get us a big score. I would think that he, Clarke and Langeveldt are the biggest earners at the club, and while the South African has throughly justified his salary, Clarke has yet to do so and Rogers needs some big scores to cement his reputation.
We have until Friday before we see another game. Hopefully by then, Rogers back problem will be sorted and we can make a good fist of the rest of the season.
Before the 20/20, most fans would have probably said that we were improved. By no means the finished article, but going in the right direction. A disastrous campaign in the thrash and bash followed by a defeat at Essex have changed the water temperature a little, but are our expectations realistic?
Well, I still think we are going the right way but the next two months are crucial to John Morris. I will say from the start that he needs to be given the time to get his side together, at least three years. I saw the 2nds in the week and there are some good young players in there who could well develop into top first class cricketers. Dan Redfern, Akhil Patel and Ross Whitely all impressed me, while Paul Borrington emerged from a horrid first ten overs in which he made only four runs to make a good fifty, showing a strong character in the process.
What of the first team? It was good to see Dominic Telo make a score at Chelmsford, and I would like to see him build on that from here to the season end. I think that Telo has the technique to be very good player for us in the years ahead, and now needs to show he has the required concentration to make the big scores. If Borrington or Redfern made a few decent scores in the 20/20 then followed it with an innings such as that at Chelmsford, we would be happy. For a young man with minimal first class experience, who has travelled half way around the world, had to set up a new life and get used to different wickets he is doing OK. Once flair is tempered by greater experience young Master Telo will do very nicely.
I'm more concerned with the contributions of Steve Stubbings, John Sadler and Rikki Clarke. Stubbo has the distractions of a benefit year and seldom fails to give us a start, but regularly gets out in the 30's when he should be "in". We need more from the genial giant in the second half of the season.
Sadler has been a big disappointment and although a player who usually made runs against us for Leicestershire, looks a moderate player at best. In the 2nds game Redfern looked a far better, more fluent and "classy" player while Sadler looked like a man desperate for a score but a long way from getting one. We will see if Andrew Brown and John Morris can help him, but he didn't look a first team player to me.
Rikki Clarke is a fine talent but the biggest source of fans frustration at present. Like Stubbo, he has had distractions (a first baby is pretty high on the distraction-ometer!) but he has not impressed with bat or ball. Like Stubbings, he regularly makes a start then gives it away. A thirty from 20-odd balls is neither here nor there and not enough for a man with England ambitions. His bowling is useful, but again he can suffer for his willingness to experiment and become expensive. He laudably will bowl when the flak is flying at the end of an innings but sometimes that might not be the best option and as captain he needs to realise that. He has kept the team together and players and fans speak of an improved spirit from last year, but the captain's role will be much stronger if he is seen to contribute more. At present, the jury is not just out but calling for long-term accommodation before a decision is made.
Greg Smith also needs a good end of season. On his day he is a superb stroke player, but the next couple of months will show whether he is the real deal or another Matt Cassar, who produced brilliance all too sporadically for first class cricket. I liked Cassar, and still follow his scores in local cricket, but his figures seldom did justice to the talent within. Smith has been unable to bowl much so far and needs a good couple of months.
Chris Rogers has done well without setting the heather on fire. An average of a shade over 40 is OK, but only that. As I've said before, an overseas batsman should average 50 to justify bringing him in. Rogers has one century and four 50's in 11 starts and needs to turn the 50s into big scores. Few others have shown sign of doing so and the onus lies on the Australian to get us a big score. I would think that he, Clarke and Langeveldt are the biggest earners at the club, and while the South African has throughly justified his salary, Clarke has yet to do so and Rogers needs some big scores to cement his reputation.
We have until Friday before we see another game. Hopefully by then, Rogers back problem will be sorted and we can make a good fist of the rest of the season.
View of the Second Eleven
Well, in some respects the second eleven viewing that we had earlier this week mirrored the first team - a lot of potential on view but ultimately the result went against us.
Yorkshire had a very strong side out against us on Tuesday, with first eleven players such as Joe Sayers, Simon Guy, Richard Pyrah, Chris Taylor (ex-Derbyshire), Rana Naved Ul Hasan (the overseas star, recovering from injury) and Deon Kruis the South African fast bowler. Add in David Wainwright, Jonathan (son of David) Bairstow and Ajmal Shahzad and there was some strong opposition.
To be honest, the best player on display in the first innings was Chris Taylor, who helped the visitors recover from 37-4. Ross Whiteley was the cause of the collapse with three wickets, including the brilliant caught and bowled that accounted for ex-Derbyshire player Garry Ballance who barely middled a ball and was third out at 37 for just four runs, having opened. Taylor started slowly but then opened up with some trademark drives through mid off and the covers. He and Jonathan Bairstow added 105 for the fifth wicket, the latter showing why he is such a highly rated batsman with a composed 47 before a mix up saw them both at the same end. Put it this way - Taylor wasn't going to go.
He was eventually bowled by the excellent Whitely, who took 6-74. Expensive figures but mainly down to serious hammer from Rana Naved Ul Hasan, who hit 48 not out in 24 balls with several sixes and a peppering of fours through mid wicket. He was badly dropped twice at cow shot corner, the easiest by Dan Redfern. Yorkshire's final total of 260 all out was impressive, but on a small ground was gettable. Most of the Derbyshire bowlers (White, Hunter, Paget) went for five an over, but star man was Nayan Doshi with a exemplary 10-2-23-0 who had all the batsmen in trouble and conceded only one boundary in his spell.
On the subject of the ground, full marks to Denby Cricket Club for the splendid facilities. The ground is an absolute picture and a credit to all involved.
Derbyshire began their reply against Rana Naved and Kruis with the latter giving Paul Borrington a fierce grilling. At least three balls an over beat the latter's bat, but he emerged with credit and appeared unmoved and stoical. With Fred Klokker he emerged from a painfully slow start to put on 131 for the first wicket before being run out for 54. John Sadler, captain for the day, hit a couple of fours over the top but struggled to time it and was caught for 21. Dan Redfern looked a class player from ball one and very strong through mid wicket but perished as the run rate mounted.
Akhil Patel also played some excellent shots and was unlucky to be brilliantly caught at deep extra cover just when it looked like he could take us close. When Fred Klokker was well caught off another skied shot for an excellent 105 the game was gone and we ended up 16 short of the Yorkshire total.
Conclusions? Well, this Derbyshire side was much younger than their opponents but acquitted themselves well. White was very unlucky, while Whitely looked a player to watch, as a left armer who can really move the ball and a left hand bat who times the ball crisply. Patel also looks a left hander of talent, as does Redfern (as we all know). Borrington appears quite slight, as indeed does Redfern, but I would like to see these boys given an opportunity at a higher level before the season is out, especially with the batting frailties thus far.
Side note - Mike Hendrick and David Houghton were both at the game, along with Karl Krikken, Houghton doubtless there to see his nephew Ballance. I was left with the feeling that neither the latter nor Taylor have furthered their careers in joining Yorkshire, and the latter may well have been an asset to us this season. He may well play for himself, according to some people, but at least he sells his wicket dearly. A lot of us would be happy to see that from a few people in the second half of the season
Yorkshire had a very strong side out against us on Tuesday, with first eleven players such as Joe Sayers, Simon Guy, Richard Pyrah, Chris Taylor (ex-Derbyshire), Rana Naved Ul Hasan (the overseas star, recovering from injury) and Deon Kruis the South African fast bowler. Add in David Wainwright, Jonathan (son of David) Bairstow and Ajmal Shahzad and there was some strong opposition.
To be honest, the best player on display in the first innings was Chris Taylor, who helped the visitors recover from 37-4. Ross Whiteley was the cause of the collapse with three wickets, including the brilliant caught and bowled that accounted for ex-Derbyshire player Garry Ballance who barely middled a ball and was third out at 37 for just four runs, having opened. Taylor started slowly but then opened up with some trademark drives through mid off and the covers. He and Jonathan Bairstow added 105 for the fifth wicket, the latter showing why he is such a highly rated batsman with a composed 47 before a mix up saw them both at the same end. Put it this way - Taylor wasn't going to go.
He was eventually bowled by the excellent Whitely, who took 6-74. Expensive figures but mainly down to serious hammer from Rana Naved Ul Hasan, who hit 48 not out in 24 balls with several sixes and a peppering of fours through mid wicket. He was badly dropped twice at cow shot corner, the easiest by Dan Redfern. Yorkshire's final total of 260 all out was impressive, but on a small ground was gettable. Most of the Derbyshire bowlers (White, Hunter, Paget) went for five an over, but star man was Nayan Doshi with a exemplary 10-2-23-0 who had all the batsmen in trouble and conceded only one boundary in his spell.
On the subject of the ground, full marks to Denby Cricket Club for the splendid facilities. The ground is an absolute picture and a credit to all involved.
Derbyshire began their reply against Rana Naved and Kruis with the latter giving Paul Borrington a fierce grilling. At least three balls an over beat the latter's bat, but he emerged with credit and appeared unmoved and stoical. With Fred Klokker he emerged from a painfully slow start to put on 131 for the first wicket before being run out for 54. John Sadler, captain for the day, hit a couple of fours over the top but struggled to time it and was caught for 21. Dan Redfern looked a class player from ball one and very strong through mid wicket but perished as the run rate mounted.
Akhil Patel also played some excellent shots and was unlucky to be brilliantly caught at deep extra cover just when it looked like he could take us close. When Fred Klokker was well caught off another skied shot for an excellent 105 the game was gone and we ended up 16 short of the Yorkshire total.
Conclusions? Well, this Derbyshire side was much younger than their opponents but acquitted themselves well. White was very unlucky, while Whitely looked a player to watch, as a left armer who can really move the ball and a left hand bat who times the ball crisply. Patel also looks a left hander of talent, as does Redfern (as we all know). Borrington appears quite slight, as indeed does Redfern, but I would like to see these boys given an opportunity at a higher level before the season is out, especially with the batting frailties thus far.
Side note - Mike Hendrick and David Houghton were both at the game, along with Karl Krikken, Houghton doubtless there to see his nephew Ballance. I was left with the feeling that neither the latter nor Taylor have furthered their careers in joining Yorkshire, and the latter may well have been an asset to us this season. He may well play for himself, according to some people, but at least he sells his wicket dearly. A lot of us would be happy to see that from a few people in the second half of the season
I'm back!
More from me tomorrow, but suffice to say I'm back from a trip down to God's own county in which I got to see the budding talent in the seconds at Denby (what a lovely ground!)
Also managed a trip to Chesterfield where there was no game but a chance to see my favourite ground and have a new pic taken for this blog - have a look, who is that Johnny Depp lookalike...?!
Articles to follow tomorrow, thanks to all for taking the blog hit counter well past the 6,000 mark.
If we only had more batsmen so prolific!
Also managed a trip to Chesterfield where there was no game but a chance to see my favourite ground and have a new pic taken for this blog - have a look, who is that Johnny Depp lookalike...?!
Articles to follow tomorrow, thanks to all for taking the blog hit counter well past the 6,000 mark.
If we only had more batsmen so prolific!
Monday, 30 June 2008
Essex v Derbyshire
Well, I managed to find a spare terminal in the local library and at present we're slowly recovering against Essex.
Nice to see Jake Needham get a long and fruitful bowl, though slightly worrying that a spinner is getting wickets and turn at the start of a four day match when we have to bat last.
Sorry to see Chris Rogers ruled out with a recurrence of his back problem, as it leaves us a little short in the batting. Again, the top order have failed and seem to have not grasped the fact that we're no longer playing 20/20.
Hopefully Pipe and Smith can continue the current recovery and get us a bigger total than looked likely earlier today.
Need to go, but hope for continued improvement and a score of 300 would at least keep us in contention. With Wagg, Clare and Needham (plus slugger Langeveldt) still to bat we should be around that total.
Nice to see Jake Needham get a long and fruitful bowl, though slightly worrying that a spinner is getting wickets and turn at the start of a four day match when we have to bat last.
Sorry to see Chris Rogers ruled out with a recurrence of his back problem, as it leaves us a little short in the batting. Again, the top order have failed and seem to have not grasped the fact that we're no longer playing 20/20.
Hopefully Pipe and Smith can continue the current recovery and get us a bigger total than looked likely earlier today.
Need to go, but hope for continued improvement and a score of 300 would at least keep us in contention. With Wagg, Clare and Needham (plus slugger Langeveldt) still to bat we should be around that total.
Saturday, 28 June 2008
Essex v Derbyshire
Hey, old Peakie called it right!
The 13 has been announced for the Essex game and it is as I suggested the other night, with Jake Needham and Wayne White also travelling.
So expect the side to line-up, barring late mishaps:
Rogers
Stubbings
Birch
Hinds
Clarke
Smith
Pipe
Wagg
Clare
Langeveldt
Doshi
Essex have a 12 man squad, namely:
Jason Gallian
Alastair Cook
Neil Dexter
Ravinder Bopara
Mark Pettini
James Foster
Ryan ten Doeschate
James Middlebrook
Alex Tudor
Danish Kaneria
Maurice Chambers
Chris Wright
Dexter is on loan from Kent and Chambers makes his Championship debut for this season. Their bowling doesn't look too scary, although the batting might be tough work for our attack. I'm confident in that part of the team though, if we can mount a score.
My prediction? Expect no last afternoon declaration from the home side setting us a target... once bitten, twice shy.
See you next week!
The 13 has been announced for the Essex game and it is as I suggested the other night, with Jake Needham and Wayne White also travelling.
So expect the side to line-up, barring late mishaps:
Rogers
Stubbings
Birch
Hinds
Clarke
Smith
Pipe
Wagg
Clare
Langeveldt
Doshi
Essex have a 12 man squad, namely:
Jason Gallian
Alastair Cook
Neil Dexter
Ravinder Bopara
Mark Pettini
James Foster
Ryan ten Doeschate
James Middlebrook
Alex Tudor
Danish Kaneria
Maurice Chambers
Chris Wright
Dexter is on loan from Kent and Chambers makes his Championship debut for this season. Their bowling doesn't look too scary, although the batting might be tough work for our attack. I'm confident in that part of the team though, if we can mount a score.
My prediction? Expect no last afternoon declaration from the home side setting us a target... once bitten, twice shy.
See you next week!
That my friends is that...
Probably until next weekend.
I'm off to Derbyshire tomorrow and will not have computer access until next weekend, unless I pop into the local library, which is a fine place for free Internet access...
Anyway, if you're at the second team game at Denby on Tuesday I might see you, as current plans are to be there with my Dad and son. Knowing my luck it'll be pouring and it'll be plan B, a trot around MacArthur Glen or somesuch.
Remember to let me know anything you'd like to see covered on this blog, whether thoughts on the game, players or history.
Hopefully by the time I get down there tomorrow, we'll have bowled out Essex and be 85-0 in reply.
Come on Derbyshire!
I'm off to Derbyshire tomorrow and will not have computer access until next weekend, unless I pop into the local library, which is a fine place for free Internet access...
Anyway, if you're at the second team game at Denby on Tuesday I might see you, as current plans are to be there with my Dad and son. Knowing my luck it'll be pouring and it'll be plan B, a trot around MacArthur Glen or somesuch.
Remember to let me know anything you'd like to see covered on this blog, whether thoughts on the game, players or history.
Hopefully by the time I get down there tomorrow, we'll have bowled out Essex and be 85-0 in reply.
Come on Derbyshire!
It was 60 years ago today...
That Derbyshire fans looked forward to the second day's play against Yorkshire at Chesterfield with unbelievable excitement tempered with disappointment.
It was raining and was to do so for most of the following day too, thus robbing Derbyshire of what would have been one of their greatest ever wins.
On Saturday 26th June 1948, a large crowd went to Chesterfield to see the traditional battle between the two counties in the idyllic setting. Glamorgan were top of the table - just - and were to win the title for the first time that year, but Derbyshire were close in second place and Yorkshire third. The visitors were missing three players to injury and Test call ups. Len Hutton and Norman Yardley were fine batsmen and Alec Coxon a good bowler, but we were missing batsman Pat Vaulkhard, all rounder Les Townsend and fast bowler Bill Copson.
Their skipper Brian Sellers won the toss and decided to bat on what seemed a good batting track. Opening the bowling for Derbyshire from the pavilion end was the great all-rounder George Pope, with Cliff Gladwin opening from the Lake End. As always, there was an air of excitement as the day began.
After an hour, Yorkshire were 18-6, most of them off the edge.
There were three wickets for Gladwin, two brilliantly caught by Charlie Elliott. One held at silly mid on and another in the gully. Willie Watson was run out and Pope had two. Yorkshire had no answer to Pope's fast medium leg-cutters and Gladwin's accurate off-cutters and by shortly after 1pm they were all out for just 44. No one made double figures and the bowling figures are worth recording:
George Pope 14.1 - 9 - 12 - 6
Cliff Gladwin 14 - 1 - 29 - 3
George bowled four, had one caught behind and one lbw.
When Derbyshire's openers Charlie Elliott and Albert Alderman started the reply there were reportedly 14,000 people on the ground! Elliott followed his brilliant fielding with a patient 62, while Pope (73) and wicket-keeper George Dawkes (68) used the long handle to good effect on the way to a total of 277.
Left arm chinaman bowler John Wardle took 8-87 for Yorkshire in a Derbyshire innings that lasted 95 overs.
You do the maths. That was 123 overs in the day, yet there was STILL time for Yorkshire to go back in again. By the close they would have wished they hadn't, as they were 15-3. Pope removed both openers and Cliff Gladwin having Watson caught in the leg trap by Alan Revill.
So in one day's play there had been 336 runs and 23 wickets with Derbyshire 218 runs ahead and only 7 wickets needed for a win. How well must the County fans have slept that night!
Then came the rain and no play on day two. Still, if the weather was fair we must have won, but only 90 minutes play was possible on the third day, when Yorkshire "advanced" - not sure if that's the right word - to 37-6 in 40 overs before the game was abandoned as a draw. Let's look at those second innings figures:
George Pope 17 -11 - 13 - 4
Cliff Gladwin 10 - 8 - 5 - 1
Albert Rhodes 10 - 5 - 12 - 0
Les Jackson 3 - 2 - 3 - 1
That's right, Les Jackson, in his second season, on as second change, with "Dusty" Rhodes, father of Harold, trying his leggies first.
So George Pope returned match figures of 31.1 - 20 - 25 - 10, socred 73 and still didn't figure on a winning side.
Mind you, the bragging rights were all ours for sure!
Not a lot of people know that...
What have WG Grace, KS Ranjitsinjhi, Donald Bradman, Peter May and Colin Cowdrey got in common?
They're all great batsmen, legends of the game, highly regarded by cricket fans the world over.
But that's not it.
The answer is that none of them ever made a century against Derbyshire!
Not even Bradman, who in four innings against us returned a highest score of 71.
Interesting huh? Impress your friends with that one...
They're all great batsmen, legends of the game, highly regarded by cricket fans the world over.
But that's not it.
The answer is that none of them ever made a century against Derbyshire!
Not even Bradman, who in four innings against us returned a highest score of 71.
Interesting huh? Impress your friends with that one...
Leicestershire v Derbyshire
I'm not going to dwell on last night's "nothing" game except to say that it was another disappointing performance. Then again, everyone knows that.
The 20/20 campaign was, after the pinnacle of Headingley, a fast downward spiral of mediocrity that few emerged from with any credit. Charl Langeveldt did a professional job until he missed the last couple of games with a sore knee and Wavell Hinds batted well and bowled steadily most of the time. Nayan Doshi also showed that he is as steady as any spinner in this form of the game and James Pipe kept wicket well and provided impetus on occasion with the bat.
Apart from that - not much to report. Greg Smith was brilliant at Headingley but afterwards declined and scratched around at the top of the order. Dom Telo showed promise but frustratingly kept getting out at 20 and 30, Dan Birch and John Sadler never really got going and the skipper, like Telo threatened without delivering real substance.
Graham Wagg was fair with bat and ball without pulling up the trees, Jon Clare didn't get much of a chance and Jake Needham varied between steady and eminently hittable
Overall 4 out of 10 - can and must do much better.
One final comment on the competition. Derbyshire La-La-La reports on his message board of shocking comments made in the direction of Waggy last night. This is another of the unfortunate side effects of this form of the game, the attraction of a no concentration span LCD (lowest common denominator) to the game that we can frankly live without. I've no problem with one day games and fans shouting and singing if the play merits it, but the day that cricket goes the same as football is the day that I cease interest.
Banter, chanting, a few shouts - that's all part of the game. Shouting abuse - personal abuse - at people who cannot answer back is pathetic, cowardly and the act of morons. I stopped going to football because I couldn't accept that players being called for all manner of things, really personal stuff, was right. Telling David Beckham he's useless is one thing if he makes a mistake, but disputing his parentage and singing about his wife is unacceptable. Those in the wrong defend themselves by saying that they've paid their money and can say what they like.
Wrong.
You pay your money to be entertained. Clap if you like, boo if you must and its warranted. But don't offend decent people around you, wary of objecting because you and your boozed up mates outnumber them, by shouting and singing filth. It's neither big nor clever and the game doesn't need you.
I've no problem with people having a drink at games, as long as they don't get into a state that lessens the experience for others. Mind you, with coloured clothes, loud music, girls in hot tubs and reports of crowd problems, the next step will be topless beer tents and extreme fighting.
Hope its not like that at Denby next week. I'll not last ten minutes...
The 20/20 campaign was, after the pinnacle of Headingley, a fast downward spiral of mediocrity that few emerged from with any credit. Charl Langeveldt did a professional job until he missed the last couple of games with a sore knee and Wavell Hinds batted well and bowled steadily most of the time. Nayan Doshi also showed that he is as steady as any spinner in this form of the game and James Pipe kept wicket well and provided impetus on occasion with the bat.
Apart from that - not much to report. Greg Smith was brilliant at Headingley but afterwards declined and scratched around at the top of the order. Dom Telo showed promise but frustratingly kept getting out at 20 and 30, Dan Birch and John Sadler never really got going and the skipper, like Telo threatened without delivering real substance.
Graham Wagg was fair with bat and ball without pulling up the trees, Jon Clare didn't get much of a chance and Jake Needham varied between steady and eminently hittable
Overall 4 out of 10 - can and must do much better.
One final comment on the competition. Derbyshire La-La-La reports on his message board of shocking comments made in the direction of Waggy last night. This is another of the unfortunate side effects of this form of the game, the attraction of a no concentration span LCD (lowest common denominator) to the game that we can frankly live without. I've no problem with one day games and fans shouting and singing if the play merits it, but the day that cricket goes the same as football is the day that I cease interest.
Banter, chanting, a few shouts - that's all part of the game. Shouting abuse - personal abuse - at people who cannot answer back is pathetic, cowardly and the act of morons. I stopped going to football because I couldn't accept that players being called for all manner of things, really personal stuff, was right. Telling David Beckham he's useless is one thing if he makes a mistake, but disputing his parentage and singing about his wife is unacceptable. Those in the wrong defend themselves by saying that they've paid their money and can say what they like.
Wrong.
You pay your money to be entertained. Clap if you like, boo if you must and its warranted. But don't offend decent people around you, wary of objecting because you and your boozed up mates outnumber them, by shouting and singing filth. It's neither big nor clever and the game doesn't need you.
I've no problem with people having a drink at games, as long as they don't get into a state that lessens the experience for others. Mind you, with coloured clothes, loud music, girls in hot tubs and reports of crowd problems, the next step will be topless beer tents and extreme fighting.
Hope its not like that at Denby next week. I'll not last ten minutes...
Friday, 27 June 2008
Leicestershire v Derbyshire
What's happened to Dasher Dan?
Scourge of league bowling around the county, all of a sudden he can't get the ball off the square and as I type has 5 from 18 balls. I can only assume that we're planning a major last five overs assault as, after a good start from Dom Telo, we've become bogged down. From 44 after 5 overs we now have added 33 in the next seven.
Not looking good, my friends. Maybe James Pipe could produce fireworks, but we need 69 from 43 balls. Form thus far doesn't offer cause for optimism.
Nice to see Jon Clare back and in form and Nayan Doshi producing his normal tight spell, but we now need ten an over from the last seven and I don't rate our chances - even against as poor an attack as this.
86-5. Lawdy Miss Clawdy. This is dire...
Scourge of league bowling around the county, all of a sudden he can't get the ball off the square and as I type has 5 from 18 balls. I can only assume that we're planning a major last five overs assault as, after a good start from Dom Telo, we've become bogged down. From 44 after 5 overs we now have added 33 in the next seven.
Not looking good, my friends. Maybe James Pipe could produce fireworks, but we need 69 from 43 balls. Form thus far doesn't offer cause for optimism.
Nice to see Jon Clare back and in form and Nayan Doshi producing his normal tight spell, but we now need ten an over from the last seven and I don't rate our chances - even against as poor an attack as this.
86-5. Lawdy Miss Clawdy. This is dire...
Thursday, 26 June 2008
Ho hum...
Random thoughts today:
Paul Collingwood - how could he not recall the New Zealand player? He said that after consideration and with the benefit of hindsight, he made a mistake. Oh, really? If it takes him that long for things to compute, its little wonder he's banned for a slow over rate. It is quite staggering that a captain at any level would initially accept a wicket under those circumstances. At club level you'd never play the club again if they did that to you. I hope he realises how lucky he is during his 4-match suspension as such an action wasa disgrace to the game.
What's happened at Leicestershire? A bright start exceeded expectations, but they've really gone off the rails. Looking at their fans board on 606, the natives are getting restless and even Ackerman is criticising their recruitment policy, even though it is basically along the lines of "lets bring in people from South Africa". Same with Notts, their fans are a-grumbling because they have messed up the 20/20. The biggest problen was that Voges, while performing steadily, is no Hussey and Patel didn't perform with the bat. Nor for that matter did Cairns to the expected standard.
We were two good batsmen short of doing well in that competition. An overseas batsman and A.N. Other. The focus of the close season work this year has to be improving the batting. A reliable middle order bat and retaining Rogers (or signing someone comparable) is essential.
As long as whoever signs can play the 20/20. When you see that India and Pakistan are playing those heavyweights of United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong during our tournament takes some good playing options from the equation.
Finally, can we get back on track in the Championship. Yes, if Charl is fit and Rogers rejuvenated from his rest. Assuming the other seamers retain form and fitness and we can squeeze extra runs from Hinds and Smith than we've had thus far, we might well be up there come season end.
My team for the Essex game:
Stubbings
Rogers
Birch
Hinds
Clarke
Smith
Pipe
Wagg
Clare
Langeveldt
Doshi
My team for the Leicestershire game? Don't care quite frankly, the game is deader than the dodo. I hope we win, but let's get onto the real stuff!
Paul Collingwood - how could he not recall the New Zealand player? He said that after consideration and with the benefit of hindsight, he made a mistake. Oh, really? If it takes him that long for things to compute, its little wonder he's banned for a slow over rate. It is quite staggering that a captain at any level would initially accept a wicket under those circumstances. At club level you'd never play the club again if they did that to you. I hope he realises how lucky he is during his 4-match suspension as such an action wasa disgrace to the game.
What's happened at Leicestershire? A bright start exceeded expectations, but they've really gone off the rails. Looking at their fans board on 606, the natives are getting restless and even Ackerman is criticising their recruitment policy, even though it is basically along the lines of "lets bring in people from South Africa". Same with Notts, their fans are a-grumbling because they have messed up the 20/20. The biggest problen was that Voges, while performing steadily, is no Hussey and Patel didn't perform with the bat. Nor for that matter did Cairns to the expected standard.
We were two good batsmen short of doing well in that competition. An overseas batsman and A.N. Other. The focus of the close season work this year has to be improving the batting. A reliable middle order bat and retaining Rogers (or signing someone comparable) is essential.
As long as whoever signs can play the 20/20. When you see that India and Pakistan are playing those heavyweights of United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong during our tournament takes some good playing options from the equation.
Finally, can we get back on track in the Championship. Yes, if Charl is fit and Rogers rejuvenated from his rest. Assuming the other seamers retain form and fitness and we can squeeze extra runs from Hinds and Smith than we've had thus far, we might well be up there come season end.
My team for the Essex game:
Stubbings
Rogers
Birch
Hinds
Clarke
Smith
Pipe
Wagg
Clare
Langeveldt
Doshi
My team for the Leicestershire game? Don't care quite frankly, the game is deader than the dodo. I hope we win, but let's get onto the real stuff!
Wednesday, 25 June 2008
Derbyshire v Durham
June 25th and for the first time this season I haven't followed a Derbyshire game closely.
I switched on to see who was batting and then watched the Turkey v Germany Euro semi-final before checking the score. With Langeveldt missing I'd little hope we could contain a strong Durham side, especially with nothing to play for but pride.
118 in 18 overs is OK, but one wouldn't expect it to overtax Durham. Nonetheless, as I type they are 37-3 and making a meal of it. It would be good to get a win but I'm looking forward to the resumption of the "proper" game.
I saw the innings of Graham Napier of Essex last night. He hit the ball well, but I can't say that I was enthused. Every dog has its day, and Napier had a night where he wouldn't have missed if he'd batted with a garden cane. It was, however you look at it, just a slog. Anyone suggesting he is the answers to England's prayers is just crazy. If he managed it on a regular basis I might take it more seriously, but I got more from watching Peter Gibbs lean into a cover drive or Peter Kirsten play the deftest of late cuts for four than such a knock could ever do.
I've said it before but this has as much relevance to cricket as my efforts at a dovetail joint years ago in woodwork at school had to carpentry. On the way to work this morning I pondered whether I would go to 20/20 if I lived closer to Derby and came up with the answer - no.
Next week I will be down at God's own county for a week and will pull in (weather permitting) the 2nd XI game at Denby v Yorkshire in the Trophy competition. 50 overs a side, proper cricket and a chance to see some of our prospects. It will definitely be more to my taste than this competition, even allowing for a lack of international talent. Hopefully I'll see one or two of you there!
Getting my apologies in early, I don't see me adding to the column after Saturday as I'll not have Internet access. I may get 10 minutes in the local library to post a few quick thoughts but the blog will be more sparse until the following Saturday, when I promise to catch up.
73-3 as I close. Not looking good, but as Scarlett O'Hara once said, tomorrow is another day.
I switched on to see who was batting and then watched the Turkey v Germany Euro semi-final before checking the score. With Langeveldt missing I'd little hope we could contain a strong Durham side, especially with nothing to play for but pride.
118 in 18 overs is OK, but one wouldn't expect it to overtax Durham. Nonetheless, as I type they are 37-3 and making a meal of it. It would be good to get a win but I'm looking forward to the resumption of the "proper" game.
I saw the innings of Graham Napier of Essex last night. He hit the ball well, but I can't say that I was enthused. Every dog has its day, and Napier had a night where he wouldn't have missed if he'd batted with a garden cane. It was, however you look at it, just a slog. Anyone suggesting he is the answers to England's prayers is just crazy. If he managed it on a regular basis I might take it more seriously, but I got more from watching Peter Gibbs lean into a cover drive or Peter Kirsten play the deftest of late cuts for four than such a knock could ever do.
I've said it before but this has as much relevance to cricket as my efforts at a dovetail joint years ago in woodwork at school had to carpentry. On the way to work this morning I pondered whether I would go to 20/20 if I lived closer to Derby and came up with the answer - no.
Next week I will be down at God's own county for a week and will pull in (weather permitting) the 2nd XI game at Denby v Yorkshire in the Trophy competition. 50 overs a side, proper cricket and a chance to see some of our prospects. It will definitely be more to my taste than this competition, even allowing for a lack of international talent. Hopefully I'll see one or two of you there!
Getting my apologies in early, I don't see me adding to the column after Saturday as I'll not have Internet access. I may get 10 minutes in the local library to post a few quick thoughts but the blog will be more sparse until the following Saturday, when I promise to catch up.
73-3 as I close. Not looking good, but as Scarlett O'Hara once said, tomorrow is another day.
Tuesday, 24 June 2008
The nicest bloke I ever met in cricket
Graeme Welch, end of story.
I've never got especially close to any player though have had conversations with many. My concern has always been that if you find your idols have feet of clay a lot of the magic might dissipate. That could quite easily have happened early on in my cricket supporting career when, after a game at Chesterfield, I politely asked a then Derbyshire batsman for his autograph as he stood by his car and was told to "**** off".
I was only eleven at the time and seriously upset by the incident. If that was how cricketers behaved I really didn't want to know them. After that incident I hoped that the player in question failed whenever he played for us. Apart from the odd innings, my prayers were answered and I celebrated quietly when he was released.
Subsequently I've known professional players as club pros and been unimpressed. A South African we had was incredibly full of his own importance and chatted up anything in a skirt with a greater determination than he showed at the crease, while an Aussie of some reputation was patently incapable of explaining to lesser mortals how to play a particular shot or how to get into the mindset of batting.
I've spoken with a number of Derbyshire players past and present and most have been OK. Steve Stubbings is a top bloke and I had a few pleasant chats with Kim Barnett. Dave Houghton was also a really nice man, happy to chat cricket for as long as you wished.
Best of them all was "Pop" Welch. A very fine cricketer and fantastic bloke.
A few years ago I took my son to see his first cricket match. A pre-season friendly at Derby, nice day and Chris Bassano in full flight. Derbyshire players were going to and fro between pavilion and nets and my son had a new autograph book. I saw the familiar Derbyshire all-rounder, hot and sweaty from a vigorous net, making his way back to the pavilion.
My son and I headed towards him, and before I could say anything he said "Hiya, how ya doing?"
After introducing ourselves, we stood for 10-15 minutes talking cricket and he happily became the first signature in my son's book. He asked my son questions too and included him in the conversation, which made him feel important, then came out with the bombshell.
"Would you like me to take your book into the dressing room and get the other guys to sign it"?
My son's face had the look that normally crosses it when Nintendo bring out another top game, and we walked with him to the pavilion. Five minutes later he emerged with a book laden with signatures, talked a while longer then excused himself as he needed a shower and a massage.
Pop Welch didn't need to do what he did that day, but he increased my son's interest in the game tenfold. He also restored his Dad's faith in professional cricketers. It was a sad day when injury forced his early retirement, but he will always be my son's favourite cricketer. For that matter, mine too...
Now there's a turn up...
No, I'm not talking about my trouser leg but about tonight's result between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire, with the thus far winless home side coming out narrowly on top. Now that's a shame...
This leaves Durham top of the group after their win over Yorkshire and Notts in real danger of missing out with Lancashire second in the group. I said at the start that Durham were the team to beat and that has proved the case. Lancashire have improved but despite beating us twice with plenty to spare I don't think they are a great side. Indeed, with Lancashire the sum of the parts never seems to make a decent whole and if you get among the top order they are beatable. Yorkshire are too heavily dependant on Rudolph and McGrath and the positions in the table are about right.
As for Derbyshire, our biggest concern is Charl Langeveldt's knee injury. Hopefully a few days rest is all that is needed as to lose him for the remainder of the season would be a cruel blow. He is as good as any seamer in the country on present form and although it would make John Morris' team selections easier, that would be scant consolation if we lost our best bowler.
I think a few of us felt we were well equipped for the 20/20 this year, but for me the pivotal moment was when we heard that Chris Rogers would not be playing. Don't get me wrong, the Aussie thoroughly deserved a break and will hopefully return refreshed, but having taken on Wavell Hinds as a Kolpak as well as Langeveldt we were light in batting. Wavell is a fine player, but not an outstanding batsman. I would love him to make me regret those words by season-end, but looking around other teams, those that have done well have had a top batsman. With the exception of Greg Smith's ton at Headingley, none of our batsmen really took an attack apart. Wavell's fine knock yesterday was pedestrian alongside that of Lou Vincent.
I am looking forward to the return of proper cricket. As long as Charl stays fit, I still think we could gain promotion in the Championship. At present Warwickshire are top but were outplayed at Derby and I can see our fortunes coming down to how well Nayan Doshi bowls. I suspect he will be first choice after the 20/20 and with drier tracks he could come into his own. It would be good to see Greg Smith able to bowl his spinners alongside him, though Jake Needham may get the odd run out on a turning track.
So Rogers back refreshed, Stubbo back in the side, Wavell in good nick, Smith back (at least as a batsman) and competition for places in the seam bowling ranks.
Now, if any two from Messrs Sadler, Clarke, Telo and Birch could fire with the bat we could be worth a shout. Current form suggests they won't, but we live in hope. To be fair to the skipper, imminent fatherhood can't have been helping his concentration. I hope that all goes well with the birth and he celebrates with some serious runs in July and August.
Hurray for proper cricket...
This leaves Durham top of the group after their win over Yorkshire and Notts in real danger of missing out with Lancashire second in the group. I said at the start that Durham were the team to beat and that has proved the case. Lancashire have improved but despite beating us twice with plenty to spare I don't think they are a great side. Indeed, with Lancashire the sum of the parts never seems to make a decent whole and if you get among the top order they are beatable. Yorkshire are too heavily dependant on Rudolph and McGrath and the positions in the table are about right.
As for Derbyshire, our biggest concern is Charl Langeveldt's knee injury. Hopefully a few days rest is all that is needed as to lose him for the remainder of the season would be a cruel blow. He is as good as any seamer in the country on present form and although it would make John Morris' team selections easier, that would be scant consolation if we lost our best bowler.
I think a few of us felt we were well equipped for the 20/20 this year, but for me the pivotal moment was when we heard that Chris Rogers would not be playing. Don't get me wrong, the Aussie thoroughly deserved a break and will hopefully return refreshed, but having taken on Wavell Hinds as a Kolpak as well as Langeveldt we were light in batting. Wavell is a fine player, but not an outstanding batsman. I would love him to make me regret those words by season-end, but looking around other teams, those that have done well have had a top batsman. With the exception of Greg Smith's ton at Headingley, none of our batsmen really took an attack apart. Wavell's fine knock yesterday was pedestrian alongside that of Lou Vincent.
I am looking forward to the return of proper cricket. As long as Charl stays fit, I still think we could gain promotion in the Championship. At present Warwickshire are top but were outplayed at Derby and I can see our fortunes coming down to how well Nayan Doshi bowls. I suspect he will be first choice after the 20/20 and with drier tracks he could come into his own. It would be good to see Greg Smith able to bowl his spinners alongside him, though Jake Needham may get the odd run out on a turning track.
So Rogers back refreshed, Stubbo back in the side, Wavell in good nick, Smith back (at least as a batsman) and competition for places in the seam bowling ranks.
Now, if any two from Messrs Sadler, Clarke, Telo and Birch could fire with the bat we could be worth a shout. Current form suggests they won't, but we live in hope. To be fair to the skipper, imminent fatherhood can't have been helping his concentration. I hope that all goes well with the birth and he celebrates with some serious runs in July and August.
Hurray for proper cricket...
Monday, 23 June 2008
Lancashire v Derbyshire
Well and truly gubbed by the Red Rose again.
I can't believe that in two matches against them in the 20/20 we only took one wicket. Vincent is a decent player but Loye is nothing special and after a more encouraging batting display the bowling was, without the injured Charl Langeveldt, pretty toothless.
To score 150 at Old Trafford is good going and full marks to Wavell and Pipe for a battling partnership that at least made a game of it. Hinds is proving a good acquisition, and although not a "top drawer" West Indian is a good, solid pro.
I can understand Tom Lungley being a little rusty after injury, but am a little baffled as to why, amid the carnage, Clare didn't get a bowl. If everyone else was keeping it tight it would have made sense but if not, lets see who might be putting it on the spot.
One who wasn't and who is under pressure right now is the captain. 1-0-22-0 and three runs with the bat is poor return for a man who is supposedly aiming to get back in the England frame.
I don't doubt that Rikki is a player of talent, but he needs to start showing it fast. I have no doubt that getting him to Derby required a sizeable salary and it represented a coup, but at this stage we are considerably down on the investment. The problem is that a batsman with panache like Clarke at his best can quickly look like a batsman of irresponsibility when it is not going his way. I am sure that he must be feeling the pressure at present and really, genuinely hope he emerges from this trough.
I hope it is quick though. The 20/20 is no longer an option for us - irrespective of what the website said it wasn't anyway, as it would have needed too many results going our way. We must now regroup and do better in the Pro 40 and on our return to Championship action.
I can't believe that in two matches against them in the 20/20 we only took one wicket. Vincent is a decent player but Loye is nothing special and after a more encouraging batting display the bowling was, without the injured Charl Langeveldt, pretty toothless.
To score 150 at Old Trafford is good going and full marks to Wavell and Pipe for a battling partnership that at least made a game of it. Hinds is proving a good acquisition, and although not a "top drawer" West Indian is a good, solid pro.
I can understand Tom Lungley being a little rusty after injury, but am a little baffled as to why, amid the carnage, Clare didn't get a bowl. If everyone else was keeping it tight it would have made sense but if not, lets see who might be putting it on the spot.
One who wasn't and who is under pressure right now is the captain. 1-0-22-0 and three runs with the bat is poor return for a man who is supposedly aiming to get back in the England frame.
I don't doubt that Rikki is a player of talent, but he needs to start showing it fast. I have no doubt that getting him to Derby required a sizeable salary and it represented a coup, but at this stage we are considerably down on the investment. The problem is that a batsman with panache like Clarke at his best can quickly look like a batsman of irresponsibility when it is not going his way. I am sure that he must be feeling the pressure at present and really, genuinely hope he emerges from this trough.
I hope it is quick though. The 20/20 is no longer an option for us - irrespective of what the website said it wasn't anyway, as it would have needed too many results going our way. We must now regroup and do better in the Pro 40 and on our return to Championship action.
Sunday, 22 June 2008
Derbyshire v Leicestershire
At the half way stage we surely cannot make a mess of this?
Having restricted Leicester to just 118-6 in 20 overs, a total of 119 at 6 an over SHOULD be a breeze. Once again the bowlers have done well. The only surprise is that Charl only bowled two overs (one of them a maiden) but everyone bowled steadily and I would hope even our fragile batting might manage this.
Greg Smith has gone quickly in reply and Dom Telo appeared to be getting going when he was out. As I type, Wavell Hinds is unbeaten on 18 after an excellent spell of bowling (four overs for thirteen) and we need 67 from 13 overs with eight wickets in hand.
I really, really hope that Hinds and skipper Rikki Clarke see us to the win and a morale booster. If we win this with seven wickets down it is hardly anything to crow about, but a convincing win, even against South Africa B (sorry Foxes fans, but...) would be worthwhile.
I'm a bit baffled by HD Ackerman in this cricket. If I batted through for 49 in 20 overs at my club they'd reckon I was batting for my average, unless someone blazed away at the other end. That's not the first time he's done that and although it must be reassuring to have a batsman who can bat through the innings (we haven't got many who could) it isn't overly impressive.
Talking of club batting, I'm still the proud partner of a club record partnership record in an opening stand of 117. My share was eleven...
The chap at the other end was a huge hitter and was seeing it like a barrage balloon, let alone a football. I simply pushed singles (I only faced 12 balls during the partnership) and let him continue the fun. Some might think my contribution negligible, but considering it only took 11 overs I thought it a sensible approach then, and still do. Hey, and we won the match so it must have worked!
73-2 as I close. 46 needed from eleven overs. With two mates from the club, my wife, kids and family guinea pigs still to bat I could win this one from here. If we make a cobblers of it from here they should all take up macrame.
Having restricted Leicester to just 118-6 in 20 overs, a total of 119 at 6 an over SHOULD be a breeze. Once again the bowlers have done well. The only surprise is that Charl only bowled two overs (one of them a maiden) but everyone bowled steadily and I would hope even our fragile batting might manage this.
Greg Smith has gone quickly in reply and Dom Telo appeared to be getting going when he was out. As I type, Wavell Hinds is unbeaten on 18 after an excellent spell of bowling (four overs for thirteen) and we need 67 from 13 overs with eight wickets in hand.
I really, really hope that Hinds and skipper Rikki Clarke see us to the win and a morale booster. If we win this with seven wickets down it is hardly anything to crow about, but a convincing win, even against South Africa B (sorry Foxes fans, but...) would be worthwhile.
I'm a bit baffled by HD Ackerman in this cricket. If I batted through for 49 in 20 overs at my club they'd reckon I was batting for my average, unless someone blazed away at the other end. That's not the first time he's done that and although it must be reassuring to have a batsman who can bat through the innings (we haven't got many who could) it isn't overly impressive.
Talking of club batting, I'm still the proud partner of a club record partnership record in an opening stand of 117. My share was eleven...
The chap at the other end was a huge hitter and was seeing it like a barrage balloon, let alone a football. I simply pushed singles (I only faced 12 balls during the partnership) and let him continue the fun. Some might think my contribution negligible, but considering it only took 11 overs I thought it a sensible approach then, and still do. Hey, and we won the match so it must have worked!
73-2 as I close. 46 needed from eleven overs. With two mates from the club, my wife, kids and family guinea pigs still to bat I could win this one from here. If we make a cobblers of it from here they should all take up macrame.
A good story
I've been re-reading one of my favourite cricket books, Stephen Chalke's wonderful Runs in the Memory which is about County Cricket in the 1950's. If you have read it I am sure you will agree with me, if you haven't, it is well worth a look in second-hand book shops as it is a quite memorable read and is chock-full of lovely stories.
One that made me chuckle concerned Eric Hollies, the Warwickshire spinner whose greatest claim to fame, despite a long and successful career, was of having bowled Bradman in his last Test innings to prevent him finishing with a Test match average of 100.
He was a great servant to Warwickshire but was the archetypal rabbit as a batsman and the regular number eleven. He was also a great joker and much loved on the circuit.
One day at Derby, Cliff Gladwin was running through the Warwickshire batting and each in turn went back to the dressing room bemoaning their luck.
He listened to the accounts of the many and varied deliveries that Cliff had bowled and got a team mate to write them down for him. When it was his turn to bat, he walked briskly out to the middle and straght up to Cliff.
"Here you are" he said, handing him the piece of paper, "bowl them in this order and I should be OK"...
Great stuff!
One that made me chuckle concerned Eric Hollies, the Warwickshire spinner whose greatest claim to fame, despite a long and successful career, was of having bowled Bradman in his last Test innings to prevent him finishing with a Test match average of 100.
He was a great servant to Warwickshire but was the archetypal rabbit as a batsman and the regular number eleven. He was also a great joker and much loved on the circuit.
One day at Derby, Cliff Gladwin was running through the Warwickshire batting and each in turn went back to the dressing room bemoaning their luck.
He listened to the accounts of the many and varied deliveries that Cliff had bowled and got a team mate to write them down for him. When it was his turn to bat, he walked briskly out to the middle and straght up to Cliff.
"Here you are" he said, handing him the piece of paper, "bowl them in this order and I should be OK"...
Great stuff!
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