Derbys CC match

[glyn]

Slightly less random selection for tomorrow, Boyce had flu and is back instead of Thompson.

County (from): Boyce, Smith, Dippenaar (capt), Ackerman, Taylor, New (wk), du Toit, White, Henderson, Buck, Harris, Gurney.

 

[Jimmy Lad]

Same old story.... 114-6!

 

[Jeff]

177 all out

 

[fox58]

Derby 67-1 at the close

another poor batting performance only Taylor scored anything half decent, the last pair added 30 probably showing how good the wicket is.

 

[Redditch Fox]

Derby 67-1 at the close

another poor batting performance only Taylor scored anything half decent, the last pair added 30 probably showing how good the wicket is.

The wicket looked lively at the start as is the pattern of wickets towards the Meet side at the start of a championship game. Still we won the toss and chose to bat and took the usual step of largely batting ourselves out of the game by lunch on the first day. However, weather forecast is poor so all may not be lost. The batting was very fragile but the bowling attack looks weaker still to me.

 

[glyn]

I'm afraid Boyce's run of form is really having an impact, we never get off to a solid start and Dippenaar is usually at the crease before 5 overs are through. Anyone know where Gurney is, or just been given a rest?

 

[Redditch Fox]

I'm afraid Boyce's run of form is really having an impact, we never get off to a solid start and Dippenaar is usually at the crease before 5 overs are through. Anyone know where Gurney is, or just been given a rest?

I suppose once they had picked two spinners - albeit one stock spin bowler and another who I don't think will ever cut the mustard - they were led into wanting Derbys to bat last. However, this exposed the fragile batting - raw openers and at least one disillusioned looking Kolpak - to a lively wicket. You could have written the script as to what would happen from that point.

I admire the bravery of the current county selection policies.......but I think it's more likely to end in tears than the rosy future painted by the chief executive.

 

[glyn]

Predictable and depressing. Other than the two matches where O'Brien fired we have not looked like taking 15 wickets, let alone 20.

I really hoped we'd see progress this year, but other than Taylor, New (and Dippenaar compared with last year!) it hasn't happened.

 

[Redditch Fox]

There are big problems all the way round, but the lack of bowling strength is the worst. Both bowling departments are weak and it's asking too much for McDonald to remedy that next season.

County members are extremely tolerant and have very 'realistic' expectations but I sense that the whole set up is becoming an embarrassment.

 

[fox58]

I'm afraid Boyce's run of form is really having an impact, we never get off to a solid start and Dippenaar is usually at the crease before 5 overs are through. Anyone know where Gurney is, or just been given a rest?

he was named in the original 12 for this match. There then appears to have been a change of heart as Naik who was not in the 12 was selected and Gurney along with Du Toit were left out. i don't know if there is anything sinister involved.

 

[fox58]

finished on 154-2 Boyce 72no

 

[glyn]

I'm afraid Boyce's run of form is really having an impact

finished on 154-2 Boyce 72no

Hmm, after I slated Du Toit he made a ton and now Boyce has done this. Maybe I need to start picking on individual bowlers :icon_wink

 

[CM]

We're front runners for last place in both competitions at the moment. This really has been a poor season. I don't know if youngsters being on the end of some serious hidings will help their development.

Surprising to hear we're after Benning though, would be a very positive signing. We need an attacking batsman for one day cricket and I think he'll improve his FC record if he was actually given a run in the side!

I notice that Jimmy Ormond has been released too.

 

[CM]

****.

I am led to believe that Josh Cobb has joined Worcestershire.

Will the last talented player out of the door please turn off the light.

 

[Redditch Fox]

I notice that Jimmy Ormond has been released too.

Could we have a guess his weight competition before we sign him?

 

[Redditch Fox]

****.

I am led to believe that Josh Cobb has joined Worcestershire.

Will the last talented player out of the door please turn off the light.

I heard some speculative remarks after he was not selected for the current game but......

See http://www.cricketworld.com/uk_county_cricket/article/?aid=21599

 

[glyn]

It is a sorry situation if the youngsters, the very people supposed to benefit from our policies, want to leave before they are even established first eleven players. The club needs to urgently review what is going on before taylor and new follow suit. And i was someone who backed boon at the start of the season. Saying that if josh is upset at losing his place perhaps a few more runs earlier in the summer would have helped...!

 

[Redditch Fox]

It is a sorry situation if the youngsters, the very people supposed to benefit from our policies, want to leave before they are even established first eleven players. The club needs to urgently review what is going on before taylor and new follow suit. And i was someone who backed boon at the start of the season. Saying that if josh is upset at losing his place perhaps a few more runs earlier in the summer would have helped...!

I don't think for a moment that Tim Boon calls the shots at Grace Road. The club has a very forceful chief executive who seems to lead and front on cricketing matters.

I have always thought that the notion that we have a group of potential stars of the future is somewhat over-stated which is not to deny that James Taylor for one looks a prospect for future wider recognition. Unfortunately, past experience suggests that if and when they get too good then they will be off elsewhere. This has been the case ever since professional cricketers gained reasonable mobility amongst counties.

 

[Fox From The Hudd]

Unfortunately, past experience suggests that if and when they get too good then they will be off elsewhere. This has been the case ever since professional cricketers gained reasonable mobility amongst counties.

I agree that has been the case probably starting with Gower and then Daffy, Lewis etc etc

But we used to be successful in recruiting ourselves and getting the most out of players who had been released from other counties as not being good enough, over the hill or in need of a fresh start - that list is also long and would include Lock, Illy, Higgs,Balderstone, Willey, Daffy again,Wells, Millns

Overseas signings are also key and IMO HD, Dippy etc have been very poor value

HD was brought in on a long lucrative contract as skipper and then gives it up after a season???

Last year we sign on an unknown Pakistani leg spinner and this year a Kiwi who only plays half a season and is not replaced?

We are heading back to where we were before Mike Turner joined i.e. the poorest team in the league from both a playing and financial perspective

 

[Redditch Fox]

I agree that has been the case probably starting with Gower and then Daffy, Lewis etc etc

But we used to be successful in recruiting ourselves and getting the most out of players who had been released from other counties as not being good enough, over the hill or in need of a fresh start - that list is also long and would include Lock, Illy, Higgs,Balderstone, Willey, Daffy again,Wells, Millns

Overseas signings are also key and IMO HD, Dippy etc have been very poor value

HD was brought in on a long lucrative contract as skipper and then gives it up after a season???

Last year we sign on an unknown Pakistani leg spinner and this year a Kiwi who only plays half a season and is not replaced?

We are heading back to where we were before Mike Turner joined i.e. the poorest team in the league from both a playing and financial perspective

A bit of a generalisation if you don't mind me saying so. Some of the players we acquired were not cast offs e.g. Northants were very sorry about losing Peter Willey.

Also - I think HD has been a fine player for Leicestershire. Loads of runs. Slightly selfish sometimes maybe - like many top bats. I also think that he has not been treated that well by the county.

It's difficult to compare teams from completely different eras, but I think that we have a poorer squad than the difficult days of the 1950's. At least we had some players that were crowd pleasers then e.g. Maurice Hallam, Maurice Tompkin and Jack Walsh. I enjoy watching most half-decent cricket but i have to say that there is no one in the present set up that is particularly worth watching as an individual player with the possible exception of HD who knows how to craft an innings.