Continuing our season reviews, here is an assessment of Derbyshire’s season.
Aprils come and go and each one brings optimism that a new dawn is breaking for Derbyshire cricket. We've had more false dawns than a Tony Orlando tribute act but this year was approached with more enthusiasm and anticipation than most.
That it failed was down to a combination of factors, the main failing being the abject one that was the highly priced Rikki Clarke. His signing was heralded with some messianic status round these parts, yet by season end he was gone to pastures new. Derbyshire Second Eleven - sorry, Warwickshire - signed him as they had done Ant Botha and Boyd Rankin before.
However you try to colour it, Clarke was a disaster. He barely made a run and rather than try to battle it out, often succumbed to a "big shot" that smacked of desperation and irresponsibility. His bowling could be threatening, but he bowls two bad balls an over and cannot keep batsmen under pressure. While he caught beautifully, his other failings meant that he had to be a brilliant captain and again he showed tactical naivety. When he left the club there was little sadness among supporters and it was no surprise when his good friend Nayan Doshi followed soon after. While asserting that his departure had nothing to do with Clarke's, Doshi felt he should be in the team. The facts suggested otherwise as the left arm spinner rarely looked dangerous. While he bowled accurately in one day matches and took a 20/20 hat trick, Doshi was no problem to a batsman prepared to work it around.
Our one day season was a disaster, especially once the 20/20 campaign got underway. An early win at Headingley promised much, but the batting desperately needed an explosive overseas star. While Wavell Hinds did quite well, we were too often several wickets down for very little. This continued in the other forms of the one- day game and until we develop a strategy for the game, the feeling remains that we will continue to struggle. As soon as the run rate gets above six an over in a run chase the panic is tangible, while bowlers struggle to keep a line and length.
Yet it was not all gloom and doom. Far from it, as we had three of the best imports in the country, all of whom are re-signed for 2009. Chris Rogers made a stackful of runs and took on the captaincy, while Charl Langeveldt evoked memories of Michael Holding with his willingness to bowl at any time and do so with energy, enthusiasm and consummate skill. Wavell Hinds never produced the big innings that we awaited, but showed enough in cameos to suggest he could be a real asset in a drier summer. His wobbling medium pace accounted for several good batsmen and he was a great asset in the dressing room.
Elsewhere, Graham Wagg was again as good as any all-rounder in the country. If he worked on his batting a little more he could do even better, but 500 runs was testimony to a keen eye and flashing blade. He also took over 50 wickets with left arm seam and spin, depending on the conditions and his injuries, while fielding superbly anywhere. England Sixes recognition was deserved, but Wagg should have been in the Development Squad this winter. Name another all-rounder who has done the mini-double in the past two seasons? You can't can you? Enough said...
Jon Clare emerged like a butterfly from a winter of gym work with a new physique and had a phenomenal first season, with over 500 runs and more than 30 wickets. If Greg Smith can return from his torn bicep muscle next year as a revitalised seam bowler, we will have three all-rounders of genuine talent, as Smith played some innings of brilliance. His off spin is useful, but as a seamer he could have a big role to play in the years ahead.
Jake Needham emerged as the first choice slow bowler and bowled with good flight for a young off-spinner. Another who knows how to bat, young Needham could be another with a sizeable role in the future.
The batting, Rogers apart, was "iffy". The Australian rarely failed but while Dan Birch showed he had learned from his first season, he needs to push on next year. Steve Stubbings rarely featured after May, victim to a shoulder injury that meant he couldn't throw and the side missed his "stickability" when the going was tough. South African Dominic Telo looked composed at the crease but rarely made runs, while John Sadler was a major disappointment after a move from Leicestershire, although late-season one day innings suggested that he may yet produce the goods.
As for the bowlers, Tom Lungley had a poor year with injuries and has to produce a big season next time, while Ian Hunter was probably only re-engaged because Kevin Dean announced his retirement after a fine career. Wayne White also left and the seam bowling strength needs reinforced for next year.
James Pipe kept wicket well until a broken finger ended his season, while Tom New let no one down after moving from Leicestershire on loan. Both contributed with the bat, Pipe's demolition of Worcestershire at Chesterfield being a season highlight.
So at the end of the season there are the usual pangs of disappointment, but even more causes for optimism. Paul Borrington came from University in June to show great promise as an opening batsman, while the mercurial Dan Redfern signed a professional contract and played far better than an 18-year old really should in the last weeks of the season. With Redfern, wicket-keeper Tom Poynton and fast left armer Atif Sheikh all gaining England Under 19 tour selection, the Academy is starting to produce some real gems that should serve us well.
Fans need to temper expectation with patience. With the exception of the overseas imports, this is a young squad and the signs are that, with experience, they will make Derbyshire a side to be reckoned with.
If - note, IF - we sign another seamer this winter and perhaps another good batsman, I would quite fancy us for promotion in the Championship next year. The signing of Mark Lawson, a young leg-spinner, from Yorkshire and that of Garry Park, a punishing batsman, from Durham augurs well. The next few months will be important for John Morris, who has money to spend after off-loading Clarke, Doshi, Dean and White from the wage bill.
Six months till it all starts again. I'm excited already!
For more about Derbyshire cricket, go to my blog at www.derbyshirecricket.blogspot.com
If you're interested in writing a season review for your county (we still need reviews for Somerset, Lancashire, Warwickshire and Gloucestershire) or contributing in any way, it would be much appreciated - please email cricketingworld@hotmail.com
Showing posts with label Graeme Wagg. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Graeme Wagg. Show all posts
Tuesday, 14 October 2008
Monday, 22 September 2008
Championship - Week 20
It’s all set for a grandstand finish at both ends of the table in Division 1, while in Division 2, it’s all over as the Bears and Pears clinch their promotions.
Division 1
Starting with a battle at the bottom end of the table as struggling Lancashire faced Kent, who were also looking for their early season form. Kent put Lancs into bat, skittling them for just 107, extras top scoring with 32. 91 from Geraint Jones then took Kent to 233 and a substantial first innings lead. Lancs did better second time round, Stuart Law getting 79 while Glen Chapple held the tail together with 45 as they made 288. Needing just 162 to win, Chapple then came into his own with the ball, taking 6 for 40 as Kent made just 92 to lose by 70 runs. Lancs move a point ahead of Kent, and most critically five points out of the relegation zone. Both teams face title chasing teams next week and need decent points to keep themselves safe.
Suffering most from the Lancs come back were Yorkshire, who must have thought they would move above their Roses rivals after their draw with Somerset. Somerset batted first, knowing a win would take them to the top of the table. Having lost Marcus Trescothick first ball, they were indebted to an Ian Blackwell ton, with support from Peter Trego to reach 380. An Antony McGrath ton and 98 from Jacques Rudolph got Yorkshire to 414 and maximum bonus points. Somerset were then reduced to 39 for 3 as Yorkshire smelt victory. However, the time lost at the beginning of the game proved crucial and Somerset batted out to 317 for 8 and a draw. Yorks remain in the relegation zone with a trip to also struggling Sussex. Somerset entertain Lancs needing a win to stand any chance of taking the title.
Taking advantage at the top of the table were Nottinghamshire, who sent a woeful Surrey back to Division 2. Batting first Surrey made 267, by which point they knew that they had been relegated. Notts then went on to make 532, with Mark Wagh (141) and Samit Patel (135) putting on 242 for the 3rd wicket. Surrey then made just 122 second time round as they finished the season winless. Notts are in pole position and entertain in form Hampshire, who also have title ambitions.
Also in contention at the top are Durham, 380 who made against Sussex, Shiv Chanderpaul scoring a ton and Mohammed Sami taking five wickets. Chris Nash scored 96 as Sussex made 302 in reply. However, this was another game affected by the weather and Durham could only get to 125 for 2 as the game finished in a draw. Durham are 3rd, ten points behind Notts and face struggling Kent next week. Sussex play host to Yorks, knowing that a loser will almost certainly be relegated.
Prediction time: Very rarely this season has a team stayed at the top for more than a week (and most teams have topped the table at some point). I am therefore going to predict a Hants win over Notts, opening the door for Durham to take the title, whose win will relegate Kent, as Sussex and Yorks play out a draw.
Division 2
The match of the week was at Chelmsford where Essex needed to beat Warwickshire to keep their promotion push going. Batting first Essex made 341, with 18 year old Jaik Mickleburgh and Ryan ten Doeschate both making 72. The Bears then took charge in the form of Tony Frost, whose unbeaten 242 was the highest score for Warwicks against Essex. The Bears declared on 514 for 9 and then bowled Essex out for 316, John Maunders and Ravi Bopara both getting tons in a stand of 241 and Ian Salisbury taking six wickets as the last nine wickets fell for 69 runs. Warwickshire then made the 144 needed for the loss of 4 wickets to confirm their promotion. Essex face another season in Division 2.
Warwickshire’s win also promoted Worcestershire, who found themselves against a Middlesex team showing the form that I thought would lead them to the title at the beginning of the season. Tim Murtagh took six wickets as Worcester struggled to 265 despite a Stephen Moore century. Andrew Strauss (101) and Owais Shah (86) then put on 129 as Middlesex made 321, Gareth Andrew taking five wickets. Dirk Nannes took six wickets second time round to reduce Worcester to 122 and leave Middlesex needing 67 to win, which they did for the loss of 2 wickets. In the end, the result was not important to Worcester as now prepare for life in Division 1 and without Graeme Hick.
At the bottom of the table, Glamorgan took on Leicestershire. Batting first the Welshmen scored 450, with Gareth Rees and Michael Powell both getting tons. In reply, Leicester struggled to 201 and following on 311, despite Paul Nixon getting an unbeaten 106. Glamorgan scored the 63 needed for victory without losing a wicket and move above Leicester in the table.
Both Leicester and Glamorgan are above Gloucestershire, who played Derbyshire, bowling the home side out for just 188, David Brown taking 5 wickets. Graeme Wagg went one wicket better as Gloucester made 222. He then scored 72 as Derby made 431, Greg Smith top scoring with 92. Four more wickets for Wagg saw Gloucester bowled out for 280 and a Derbyshire win by 117 runs. Derbyshire move above Essex in the table while Gloucester remain winless and bottom.
England Player Watch
Michael Vaughan did better than Marcus Trescothick, although neither scored many and both got injured. In contrast, Andrew Strauss, Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara all got big scores in their matches and Matt Prior scored another half century.
Three more wickets for Steve Harmison in his excellent season, while Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid were both in the wickets for Yorkshire
Player of the Week
Some brilliant individual performances this week including Antony McGrath, Ian Blackwell, Mark Wagh and Samit Patel with the bat, Ian Salisbury with the ball and Graeme Wagg with both. In any other week, Glen Chapple would have been a shoe-in for the award. However, for an unbeaten 242 in promotion clash that saw his team promoted, the Player of the Week is Tony Frost
Division 1
Starting with a battle at the bottom end of the table as struggling Lancashire faced Kent, who were also looking for their early season form. Kent put Lancs into bat, skittling them for just 107, extras top scoring with 32. 91 from Geraint Jones then took Kent to 233 and a substantial first innings lead. Lancs did better second time round, Stuart Law getting 79 while Glen Chapple held the tail together with 45 as they made 288. Needing just 162 to win, Chapple then came into his own with the ball, taking 6 for 40 as Kent made just 92 to lose by 70 runs. Lancs move a point ahead of Kent, and most critically five points out of the relegation zone. Both teams face title chasing teams next week and need decent points to keep themselves safe.
Suffering most from the Lancs come back were Yorkshire, who must have thought they would move above their Roses rivals after their draw with Somerset. Somerset batted first, knowing a win would take them to the top of the table. Having lost Marcus Trescothick first ball, they were indebted to an Ian Blackwell ton, with support from Peter Trego to reach 380. An Antony McGrath ton and 98 from Jacques Rudolph got Yorkshire to 414 and maximum bonus points. Somerset were then reduced to 39 for 3 as Yorkshire smelt victory. However, the time lost at the beginning of the game proved crucial and Somerset batted out to 317 for 8 and a draw. Yorks remain in the relegation zone with a trip to also struggling Sussex. Somerset entertain Lancs needing a win to stand any chance of taking the title.
Taking advantage at the top of the table were Nottinghamshire, who sent a woeful Surrey back to Division 2. Batting first Surrey made 267, by which point they knew that they had been relegated. Notts then went on to make 532, with Mark Wagh (141) and Samit Patel (135) putting on 242 for the 3rd wicket. Surrey then made just 122 second time round as they finished the season winless. Notts are in pole position and entertain in form Hampshire, who also have title ambitions.
Also in contention at the top are Durham, 380 who made against Sussex, Shiv Chanderpaul scoring a ton and Mohammed Sami taking five wickets. Chris Nash scored 96 as Sussex made 302 in reply. However, this was another game affected by the weather and Durham could only get to 125 for 2 as the game finished in a draw. Durham are 3rd, ten points behind Notts and face struggling Kent next week. Sussex play host to Yorks, knowing that a loser will almost certainly be relegated.
Prediction time: Very rarely this season has a team stayed at the top for more than a week (and most teams have topped the table at some point). I am therefore going to predict a Hants win over Notts, opening the door for Durham to take the title, whose win will relegate Kent, as Sussex and Yorks play out a draw.
Division 2
The match of the week was at Chelmsford where Essex needed to beat Warwickshire to keep their promotion push going. Batting first Essex made 341, with 18 year old Jaik Mickleburgh and Ryan ten Doeschate both making 72. The Bears then took charge in the form of Tony Frost, whose unbeaten 242 was the highest score for Warwicks against Essex. The Bears declared on 514 for 9 and then bowled Essex out for 316, John Maunders and Ravi Bopara both getting tons in a stand of 241 and Ian Salisbury taking six wickets as the last nine wickets fell for 69 runs. Warwickshire then made the 144 needed for the loss of 4 wickets to confirm their promotion. Essex face another season in Division 2.
Warwickshire’s win also promoted Worcestershire, who found themselves against a Middlesex team showing the form that I thought would lead them to the title at the beginning of the season. Tim Murtagh took six wickets as Worcester struggled to 265 despite a Stephen Moore century. Andrew Strauss (101) and Owais Shah (86) then put on 129 as Middlesex made 321, Gareth Andrew taking five wickets. Dirk Nannes took six wickets second time round to reduce Worcester to 122 and leave Middlesex needing 67 to win, which they did for the loss of 2 wickets. In the end, the result was not important to Worcester as now prepare for life in Division 1 and without Graeme Hick.
At the bottom of the table, Glamorgan took on Leicestershire. Batting first the Welshmen scored 450, with Gareth Rees and Michael Powell both getting tons. In reply, Leicester struggled to 201 and following on 311, despite Paul Nixon getting an unbeaten 106. Glamorgan scored the 63 needed for victory without losing a wicket and move above Leicester in the table.
Both Leicester and Glamorgan are above Gloucestershire, who played Derbyshire, bowling the home side out for just 188, David Brown taking 5 wickets. Graeme Wagg went one wicket better as Gloucester made 222. He then scored 72 as Derby made 431, Greg Smith top scoring with 92. Four more wickets for Wagg saw Gloucester bowled out for 280 and a Derbyshire win by 117 runs. Derbyshire move above Essex in the table while Gloucester remain winless and bottom.
England Player Watch
Michael Vaughan did better than Marcus Trescothick, although neither scored many and both got injured. In contrast, Andrew Strauss, Owais Shah and Ravi Bopara all got big scores in their matches and Matt Prior scored another half century.
Three more wickets for Steve Harmison in his excellent season, while Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid were both in the wickets for Yorkshire
Player of the Week
Some brilliant individual performances this week including Antony McGrath, Ian Blackwell, Mark Wagh and Samit Patel with the bat, Ian Salisbury with the ball and Graeme Wagg with both. In any other week, Glen Chapple would have been a shoe-in for the award. However, for an unbeaten 242 in promotion clash that saw his team promoted, the Player of the Week is Tony Frost
Thursday, 12 June 2008
Championship review - Week 8
As we move in to the 20:Twenty break, just 19 points separate the whole of Division 1 as last week’s leaders lose and the bottom team win in thrilling matches. In Division 2 Warwickshire’s charge to promotion continues while Middlesex finally show some batting form.
Division 1
Last week’s leaders Somerset entertained a much changed Yorkshire team, who only fielded four specialist batsmen and had Jacques Rudolph opening in place of the out of form Joe Sayers. The changes worked as Yorks made 372, with Rudolph making 155. This was enough for a healthy first innings lead as the home side struggled to 258. Yorks then lost both openers for ducks and despite a second 50 in the match for Andrew Gale, the total of 202 meant that Somerset needed 323 to win. Despite a century from Zander de Bruyn, Somerset finished 40 runs short and Yorkshire replace Somerset at the top of the table.
Last week I said that Hampshire were struggling and this looked to be continuing as Durham’s Callum Thorp took five wickets to restrict Hants to 239. The returning Shane Bond also took 5-fer as Durham made just 202 to give Hants a small lead. Steve Harmison took 6 wickets second time round, but 74 from Dimi Mascaranhas gave Hants a total of 256 and meant that Durham needed 294 for victory. Losing their 9th wicket at 232, victory looked a long way off, but Harmison and Mark Mavies took Durham to within four runs before Bond took the crucial wicket. Hants climb to equal 5th with Durham, but only two points ahead of bottom club, Surrey.
Poor weather in the south east of the country restricted Kent and Sussex to just two days play. Kent were indebted to a century from Justin Kemp to allow them to declare on 350 for 8, while Sussex called a halt 50 runs shy of that, also for 8 wickets. There was only just enough time for Kent to start their innings, and Joe Denly have a dent made in his average, before the game was called to a close.
Rain also played a part as Lancashire entertained Nottinghamshire. Lancs scored 384 in their first innings with Steven Croft getting a century. Mark Wagh made 94 as Notts made 304 in reply. Lancs then declared on 234 for 6 to try to force a result and at 46 for 3 there seemed to be a glimmer of hope. However, 71 from Chris Read put paid to any thoughts of victory and the spoils were shared.
Division 2
Ian Westwood scored 176 as Warwickshire put on 421 against Glamorgan. The Welshmen fell well short of the follow on with James Anyon taking 6-fer as they made just 248. They did better second time round, but with 19 year old Chris Woakes (below right) taking 5 wickets for the first time in first class cricket, Glamorgan made 355 to set the Bears a winning target of 183, which they reached for the loss of 5 wickets, Westwood making another 50. Warwickshire are clear at the top of the table and look well set to go straight back up again.
Left: Glamorgan's David Harrison takes a breather as Warwickshire pile on the runs.
Right: Warwickshire's impressive Chris Woakes on his way to 5 wickets in the 2nd innings (Pics c/o RTE).
Tim Murtagh took six wickets as Middlesex skittled Essex for just 161 runs. The much vaunted Middlesex batting line up then fired as only Ed Smith of the top 6 didn’t reach 50 and Owais Shah scored 144 in a total of 583, despite Danesh Kaneria’s seven wickets. Batting 422 runs behind, Essex made a decent fist of trying to make Middlesex bat again, but with Murtagh taking another four wickets they made 384 and Middlesex won by an innings to move to 3rd in the table.
Gloucestershire are the only team in Division 2 without a win and they started well against Northamptonshire, Marcus North top scoring with 96 in a total of 475. The was enough for a big lead as Northants only just avoided the follow on, scoring 329 despite a ton from Stephen Peters. However, Gloucester collapsed in their second innings, with David Lucas taking 5 wickets as they made just 142 to set Northants a target of 289 to win. Robert White hit an unbeaten 132 as Northants reached their total for the loss of just four wickets. They remain in contention at the top of the table and even more pleasingly, the major contributors to this latest win were English born and bred.
Worcestershire have started the season well without getting the results but they were skittled by Derbyshire for just 151 and were indebted to a final wicket stand of 50 between Steve Magoffin and Simon Jones to get that far. Derby were seven wickets down for around the same score, but a ton from wicket keeper James Pipe with support from Graham Wagg took Derby to 356 and a healthy lead. Jones took five wickets for Worcester to continue his promising return to form. Worcester did worse second time round, scoring just 110 to hand Derby an innings victory.
England Player Watch
Michael Carberry showed something of a return to form for Hants, although opportunities are likely to be limited at the top of the England batting order. Owais Shah hit a big century, while Ravi Bopara was the pick of a poor Essex batting line up. Matt Prior scored just one for Sussex, while Chris Read’s match saving 71 was a large improvement on his first innings golden duck.
Chris Tremlett took a couple of wickets in each innings for Hants, while Steve Harmison took 6-fer for Durham in the same game. Tim Bresnan outbowled his opening bowling partner, the returning Matthew Hoggard by 6 wickets to 4 while Adil Rashid also picked up 4 wickets and will be hoping for a drier second half to the season.
Player of the Week
I seem to be saying this every week, but it’s a tricky call. Jacques Rudolph and Shane Bond are the main contenders from Division 1. However, this week’s winner is from Division 2 and yet another wicket keeping win. Despite Ian Westwood's two fine innings and Graham Wagg’s all round contribution for Derby for a career best 133 in a low scoring game, the player of the week is Derbyshire’s James Pipe.
Division 1
Last week’s leaders Somerset entertained a much changed Yorkshire team, who only fielded four specialist batsmen and had Jacques Rudolph opening in place of the out of form Joe Sayers. The changes worked as Yorks made 372, with Rudolph making 155. This was enough for a healthy first innings lead as the home side struggled to 258. Yorks then lost both openers for ducks and despite a second 50 in the match for Andrew Gale, the total of 202 meant that Somerset needed 323 to win. Despite a century from Zander de Bruyn, Somerset finished 40 runs short and Yorkshire replace Somerset at the top of the table.
Last week I said that Hampshire were struggling and this looked to be continuing as Durham’s Callum Thorp took five wickets to restrict Hants to 239. The returning Shane Bond also took 5-fer as Durham made just 202 to give Hants a small lead. Steve Harmison took 6 wickets second time round, but 74 from Dimi Mascaranhas gave Hants a total of 256 and meant that Durham needed 294 for victory. Losing their 9th wicket at 232, victory looked a long way off, but Harmison and Mark Mavies took Durham to within four runs before Bond took the crucial wicket. Hants climb to equal 5th with Durham, but only two points ahead of bottom club, Surrey.
Poor weather in the south east of the country restricted Kent and Sussex to just two days play. Kent were indebted to a century from Justin Kemp to allow them to declare on 350 for 8, while Sussex called a halt 50 runs shy of that, also for 8 wickets. There was only just enough time for Kent to start their innings, and Joe Denly have a dent made in his average, before the game was called to a close.
Rain also played a part as Lancashire entertained Nottinghamshire. Lancs scored 384 in their first innings with Steven Croft getting a century. Mark Wagh made 94 as Notts made 304 in reply. Lancs then declared on 234 for 6 to try to force a result and at 46 for 3 there seemed to be a glimmer of hope. However, 71 from Chris Read put paid to any thoughts of victory and the spoils were shared.
Division 2
Ian Westwood scored 176 as Warwickshire put on 421 against Glamorgan. The Welshmen fell well short of the follow on with James Anyon taking 6-fer as they made just 248. They did better second time round, but with 19 year old Chris Woakes (below right) taking 5 wickets for the first time in first class cricket, Glamorgan made 355 to set the Bears a winning target of 183, which they reached for the loss of 5 wickets, Westwood making another 50. Warwickshire are clear at the top of the table and look well set to go straight back up again.
Left: Glamorgan's David Harrison takes a breather as Warwickshire pile on the runs.
Right: Warwickshire's impressive Chris Woakes on his way to 5 wickets in the 2nd innings (Pics c/o RTE).
Tim Murtagh took six wickets as Middlesex skittled Essex for just 161 runs. The much vaunted Middlesex batting line up then fired as only Ed Smith of the top 6 didn’t reach 50 and Owais Shah scored 144 in a total of 583, despite Danesh Kaneria’s seven wickets. Batting 422 runs behind, Essex made a decent fist of trying to make Middlesex bat again, but with Murtagh taking another four wickets they made 384 and Middlesex won by an innings to move to 3rd in the table.
Gloucestershire are the only team in Division 2 without a win and they started well against Northamptonshire, Marcus North top scoring with 96 in a total of 475. The was enough for a big lead as Northants only just avoided the follow on, scoring 329 despite a ton from Stephen Peters. However, Gloucester collapsed in their second innings, with David Lucas taking 5 wickets as they made just 142 to set Northants a target of 289 to win. Robert White hit an unbeaten 132 as Northants reached their total for the loss of just four wickets. They remain in contention at the top of the table and even more pleasingly, the major contributors to this latest win were English born and bred.
Worcestershire have started the season well without getting the results but they were skittled by Derbyshire for just 151 and were indebted to a final wicket stand of 50 between Steve Magoffin and Simon Jones to get that far. Derby were seven wickets down for around the same score, but a ton from wicket keeper James Pipe with support from Graham Wagg took Derby to 356 and a healthy lead. Jones took five wickets for Worcester to continue his promising return to form. Worcester did worse second time round, scoring just 110 to hand Derby an innings victory.
England Player Watch
Michael Carberry showed something of a return to form for Hants, although opportunities are likely to be limited at the top of the England batting order. Owais Shah hit a big century, while Ravi Bopara was the pick of a poor Essex batting line up. Matt Prior scored just one for Sussex, while Chris Read’s match saving 71 was a large improvement on his first innings golden duck.
Chris Tremlett took a couple of wickets in each innings for Hants, while Steve Harmison took 6-fer for Durham in the same game. Tim Bresnan outbowled his opening bowling partner, the returning Matthew Hoggard by 6 wickets to 4 while Adil Rashid also picked up 4 wickets and will be hoping for a drier second half to the season.
Player of the Week
I seem to be saying this every week, but it’s a tricky call. Jacques Rudolph and Shane Bond are the main contenders from Division 1. However, this week’s winner is from Division 2 and yet another wicket keeping win. Despite Ian Westwood's two fine innings and Graham Wagg’s all round contribution for Derby for a career best 133 in a low scoring game, the player of the week is Derbyshire’s James Pipe.
Saturday, 5 April 2008
2008 Season Preview: Derbyshire
For years Derbyshire's loyal fans have had to put up with unfulfilled promise.But 2008 could just be the year when things start to go right.Many fans were unconvinced when John Morris became Head Coach towards the end of last season. He had been a fine batsman, good enough to play for his country. Many knew him as a regular at the County Ground, still passionate about his home county despite spells at Durham and (gulp) Nottinghamshire.
To be perfectly honest, we still don't know if he is a coach. He's done the first essential of any good one though, and recruited with flair and intelligence over the winter.For years Derbyshire have got by on other people's cast-offs. Some offered valuable service (Pop Welch, James Pipe) but many others were merely adequate (Steve Titchard, Tim Munton).Perhaps his best signing may turn out to be former opening batsman for the county Andrew Brown. With a good reputation in the leagues and Minor Counties, Brown joins Karl Krikken (Academy) and Mike Hendrick (bowling) in a good - and all-Derbyshire - coaching setup.
So who can we expect to see on the field this year?
Opening Batsmen
The admirable Steve Stubbings has a well earned Benefit this year, and will hopefully score the runs to ensure a worthy and well deserved return. Strangely omitted from many one day games last year, he should see more action this time as a sheet anchor who has the ability to unfurl the shots when required.
Chris Rogers may well be his partner, although the stylish Western Australia bat could just as easily drop down to four if the eagerly awaited EU passport player is also an opener. Rogers looked the real deal in his last short stay at the County Ground, sadly truncated by injury. If he hits form early, Derbyshire fans are in for a treat.
Dan Birch is the other regular opener, and after several years of annihilating league attacks, he found last season, his first class debut, a tough one. There is no doubt he has plenty of shots, but at times his footwork left a lot to be desired and he went after the bowling too early. When he came off - especially against Gloucestershire - it was magnificent. Time will tell if he has tempered his ability with a little more savvy.
Middle order
John Sadler could be a great asset after moving from Leicester in the close season. After a fine 4-day season in 2006 and a great one-day season last year, we hope he can get it all together as the first choice number three. It would appear that Leicester's loss could be very much our gain after the pre-season tour, where he has impressed with some stylish innings.
Rikki Clarke has moved from Surrey as the new skipper and its a big year for him. He is both a brilliant batsman and a bowler capable of real pace. Logic suggests that if he gets it together he could yet be the answer to England's prayers, although he will in all likelihood have to do twice as well as his rivals. Derbyshire players do. We look forward to some of his glorious drives being unfurled and hope that his captaincy proves inspirational.
Mid-season he should get some assistance from the great Mahela Jayawardena. A word used advisedly, although his county stint may only be the duration of the 20/20. Nonetheless, the Sri Lankan is a lovely player to watch and should add to the crowds wherever he plays. His stint will enable Chris Rogers to get a well earned break and probably sees Derbyshire with as good an overseas representation as anyone in the country.
Greg Smith could also move forward this year. Last year he made several brilliant innings between 50 and 80 and he needs to turn some of these into hundreds now. The South African is now English-qualified and could easily force his way into the international set up if his batting adds concentration to its undoubted flair. Add in useful medium pace, improving off spin and brilliant fielding and there's a player to be reckoned with - and he's still only 24.
When the academic year ends, the county will also be able to call on two fine young players in Dan Redfern and Paul Borrington. The former, a lovely left-hander, is still only 17 and seems destined for the top. He has all the strokes and looks a very organised player. His handy offspin will also get use in years to come. Borrington, son of former county batsman Tony, is at University but has acquired an early reputation as a player who has to be dug out. For a county that has often seen players throw wickets away, this is a pleasant sight.
Bowlers
Last year we had two of the country's best opening bowlers in Graham Wagg and Tom Lungley. At 24 Wagg has years ahead of him and has done very well to come back from his problems at Warwickshire. A move up the order, perhaps to number seven, may see him emerge as a genuine all-rounder, as Wagg has all the shots. Lungley overcame years of injuries to become a very good bowler last year. He may have been worth a winter tour, certainly ahead of older, less able bowlers who ended up on one.
Rumours (and stories from South African media) suggest that they will be joined as a Kolpak by Charl Langeveldt, and the South African is a very good swing bowler. With plenty of Test and one-day International experience behind him, confirmation of his signing could be the difference between a good, improved season and a trophy or promotion.
The county are well off for seamers. Kevin Dean is still providing classic left arm swing at a reduced pace, while John Clare emerged at the end of last year as a bustling fast medium bowler with the knack of taking wickets. He is another with good batting talent, and it would be good to see him force his way into the side as another talented youngster (21).
Ian Hunter and Wayne White make up the seam bowling strength and both have important years. The former needs a good year for another contract after missing most of last season through injury, while the latter needs to show his undoubted talent is matched by a professional attitude. He has the ability to take big wickets, but now needs to stay fit and bowl some good spells.
The two spinners are Jake Needham and Nayan Doshi. Needham at 21 is a very talented bowler who appears to have wintered well in Australia and is bowling very well pre-season. He has a nice loop to his off spin, is a fine fielder and another who could be a genuine all-rounder. Many would like to see him bowl in tandem with Doshi, especially in one-day games.Doshi is a fine bowler, a shrewd import from Surrey and a more than adequate replacement for Ant Botha. The bottom line is that Doshi takes wickets, with a strike rate around that of Danny Vettori. He can't really bat, but he's not there for that. A few wickets will do very nicely, and he is capable of 50 this year.
The Keeper
James Pipe is a terrific keeper and a batsman who is capable of great power and fast scoring. Up to the stumps he is as good as anyone, with glovework in the same vein as Karl Krikken. Strangely, he seems to score more runs batting lower down, and seldom produces the goods when moves up the order. Mind you, with the improved batting this year, it would be a surprise if he got higher up!
The Kids
Karl Krikken's work at the Academy is bearing fruit. Akhil Patel, brother of Notts star Samit, is a good batsman and chinaman bowler who is only 17. Seamer Ollie Saffell, off spinner Chris Paget and keeper Tom Poynton all have the potential to make the county side in the years ahead.
The Team
Morris will no doubt know his first choice side for the opener against Gloucestershire. For what its worth, I'd see it as something like:
Stubbings
Rogers
Sadler
EU Qualified batsman
Clarke
Smith
Wagg
Pipe
Lungley
Langeveldt
Doshi
Lengthy batting, four seamers, two spinners - hey, that's a balanced side!
Prospects
Better than for a long while. A trophy might be too ambitious, but we should be competitive. If the new batsman is a good one, there might be enough flair in this side to nick a promotion slot and possibly push for finals day in the 20/20. Certainly Langeveldt would give something we've not had in years, a good death bowler.It all comes down to injuries. We avoid them, we'll do well. We get them - different story.I am optimistic though, more than I've been in a long time.
Posted by Peakfan at 15:14
To be perfectly honest, we still don't know if he is a coach. He's done the first essential of any good one though, and recruited with flair and intelligence over the winter.For years Derbyshire have got by on other people's cast-offs. Some offered valuable service (Pop Welch, James Pipe) but many others were merely adequate (Steve Titchard, Tim Munton).Perhaps his best signing may turn out to be former opening batsman for the county Andrew Brown. With a good reputation in the leagues and Minor Counties, Brown joins Karl Krikken (Academy) and Mike Hendrick (bowling) in a good - and all-Derbyshire - coaching setup.
So who can we expect to see on the field this year?
Opening Batsmen
The admirable Steve Stubbings has a well earned Benefit this year, and will hopefully score the runs to ensure a worthy and well deserved return. Strangely omitted from many one day games last year, he should see more action this time as a sheet anchor who has the ability to unfurl the shots when required.
Chris Rogers may well be his partner, although the stylish Western Australia bat could just as easily drop down to four if the eagerly awaited EU passport player is also an opener. Rogers looked the real deal in his last short stay at the County Ground, sadly truncated by injury. If he hits form early, Derbyshire fans are in for a treat.
Dan Birch is the other regular opener, and after several years of annihilating league attacks, he found last season, his first class debut, a tough one. There is no doubt he has plenty of shots, but at times his footwork left a lot to be desired and he went after the bowling too early. When he came off - especially against Gloucestershire - it was magnificent. Time will tell if he has tempered his ability with a little more savvy.
Middle order
John Sadler could be a great asset after moving from Leicester in the close season. After a fine 4-day season in 2006 and a great one-day season last year, we hope he can get it all together as the first choice number three. It would appear that Leicester's loss could be very much our gain after the pre-season tour, where he has impressed with some stylish innings.
Rikki Clarke has moved from Surrey as the new skipper and its a big year for him. He is both a brilliant batsman and a bowler capable of real pace. Logic suggests that if he gets it together he could yet be the answer to England's prayers, although he will in all likelihood have to do twice as well as his rivals. Derbyshire players do. We look forward to some of his glorious drives being unfurled and hope that his captaincy proves inspirational.
Mid-season he should get some assistance from the great Mahela Jayawardena. A word used advisedly, although his county stint may only be the duration of the 20/20. Nonetheless, the Sri Lankan is a lovely player to watch and should add to the crowds wherever he plays. His stint will enable Chris Rogers to get a well earned break and probably sees Derbyshire with as good an overseas representation as anyone in the country.
Greg Smith could also move forward this year. Last year he made several brilliant innings between 50 and 80 and he needs to turn some of these into hundreds now. The South African is now English-qualified and could easily force his way into the international set up if his batting adds concentration to its undoubted flair. Add in useful medium pace, improving off spin and brilliant fielding and there's a player to be reckoned with - and he's still only 24.
When the academic year ends, the county will also be able to call on two fine young players in Dan Redfern and Paul Borrington. The former, a lovely left-hander, is still only 17 and seems destined for the top. He has all the strokes and looks a very organised player. His handy offspin will also get use in years to come. Borrington, son of former county batsman Tony, is at University but has acquired an early reputation as a player who has to be dug out. For a county that has often seen players throw wickets away, this is a pleasant sight.
Bowlers
Last year we had two of the country's best opening bowlers in Graham Wagg and Tom Lungley. At 24 Wagg has years ahead of him and has done very well to come back from his problems at Warwickshire. A move up the order, perhaps to number seven, may see him emerge as a genuine all-rounder, as Wagg has all the shots. Lungley overcame years of injuries to become a very good bowler last year. He may have been worth a winter tour, certainly ahead of older, less able bowlers who ended up on one.
Rumours (and stories from South African media) suggest that they will be joined as a Kolpak by Charl Langeveldt, and the South African is a very good swing bowler. With plenty of Test and one-day International experience behind him, confirmation of his signing could be the difference between a good, improved season and a trophy or promotion.
The county are well off for seamers. Kevin Dean is still providing classic left arm swing at a reduced pace, while John Clare emerged at the end of last year as a bustling fast medium bowler with the knack of taking wickets. He is another with good batting talent, and it would be good to see him force his way into the side as another talented youngster (21).
Ian Hunter and Wayne White make up the seam bowling strength and both have important years. The former needs a good year for another contract after missing most of last season through injury, while the latter needs to show his undoubted talent is matched by a professional attitude. He has the ability to take big wickets, but now needs to stay fit and bowl some good spells.
The two spinners are Jake Needham and Nayan Doshi. Needham at 21 is a very talented bowler who appears to have wintered well in Australia and is bowling very well pre-season. He has a nice loop to his off spin, is a fine fielder and another who could be a genuine all-rounder. Many would like to see him bowl in tandem with Doshi, especially in one-day games.Doshi is a fine bowler, a shrewd import from Surrey and a more than adequate replacement for Ant Botha. The bottom line is that Doshi takes wickets, with a strike rate around that of Danny Vettori. He can't really bat, but he's not there for that. A few wickets will do very nicely, and he is capable of 50 this year.
The Keeper
James Pipe is a terrific keeper and a batsman who is capable of great power and fast scoring. Up to the stumps he is as good as anyone, with glovework in the same vein as Karl Krikken. Strangely, he seems to score more runs batting lower down, and seldom produces the goods when moves up the order. Mind you, with the improved batting this year, it would be a surprise if he got higher up!
The Kids
Karl Krikken's work at the Academy is bearing fruit. Akhil Patel, brother of Notts star Samit, is a good batsman and chinaman bowler who is only 17. Seamer Ollie Saffell, off spinner Chris Paget and keeper Tom Poynton all have the potential to make the county side in the years ahead.
The Team
Morris will no doubt know his first choice side for the opener against Gloucestershire. For what its worth, I'd see it as something like:
Stubbings
Rogers
Sadler
EU Qualified batsman
Clarke
Smith
Wagg
Pipe
Lungley
Langeveldt
Doshi
Lengthy batting, four seamers, two spinners - hey, that's a balanced side!
Prospects
Better than for a long while. A trophy might be too ambitious, but we should be competitive. If the new batsman is a good one, there might be enough flair in this side to nick a promotion slot and possibly push for finals day in the 20/20. Certainly Langeveldt would give something we've not had in years, a good death bowler.It all comes down to injuries. We avoid them, we'll do well. We get them - different story.I am optimistic though, more than I've been in a long time.
Posted by Peakfan at 15:14
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