posted Apr 14, 2008

We've signed some good players this year. But Jayawardene looks to be going to the IPl if im correct. The trouble is every other team has also upgraded their team.

can't wait til seasons starts come on derbyshire!

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posted Apr 14, 2008

Hi Pranav - we're currently one of the few counties without a Kolpak, now Greg Smith is English qualified. Could change if CL signs, but that appears to be in the air somewhat.
I'm not aware of Derbyshire lodging an appeal for Wavell Hinds. Indeed, I'd have thought the Hinds/Weston/quickie money we had is probably spent on Telo and CL, but I may be wrong. Can't think we'd now need Hinds personally.
A top order of Stubbings, Rogers, Sadler, Telo, Clarke and Smith is, on paper, the best we've had for a while.
With talented youngsters like Paul Borrington and Dan Redfern in the wings, I'm happier than I was when we all thought Hinds was coming!

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posted Apr 14, 2008

Me too! Langeveldt would be icing on quite an appetising looking cake though.

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posted Apr 14, 2008

Not so much Peach Melba as Langeveldt Gateau eh phantom?!
If we get him, I think we could do well in one dayers this year, always assuming he doesn't do his back after all his domestic exertions.

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posted Apr 14, 2008

Pranav, I agree with Peakfan and many other followers of Derbyshire, that to be competitive this season would be a huge step forward. Personally I don't think John Morris could have done much more than he has in preparation for the new season - I've been absolutely delighted with the new signings and it's great to be able to follow his thought processes in the logical way he has gone about his job.I do feel Langeveldt would be a great capture and I am concerned about the delay- it has to be some administative issue to do with registration and I'm not too optimistic now. However I am very optimistic about our new Captain. We knew he was a good cricketer but his attitude seems spot-on and this guy can lift the club to all sorts of new heights with enough support from others on and off the field. We never take anything for granted at this County but we're not just here to make up the numbers this year.

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posted Apr 15, 2008

CL has their domestic 20/20 semi final this Friday, and if they win the final the weekend after. Whether he signs or has signed, we'll not see him at least until that commitment is fulfilled.
The uncharitable might hope his team gets beaten on Friday...

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posted Apr 16, 2008

Notice of Jayawardene's withdrawal is hardly a surprise. His commitment to the club seemed to diminish by the week, mainly due to his ever changing international commitments.

Overall though, I think the squad looks reasonably well balanced. Clarke, Smith and Wagg offer plenty of bowling options whilst ensuring the 'tail' is kept short. Whether we can then produce sufficient weight of runs to push forward in the Championship is the big question. Rogers, Telo and Clarke will be the key men.

Certainly, CL's extra bite to the attack would make me feel more confident that we can now finish other sides off, though Messrs Doshi and Needham will need to come into their own during the run in.

My big hope is that both Smith and Wagg really come on this year and realise their undoubted potential as excellent young all rounders.

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posted Apr 16, 2008

Famous last words - Smith and Wagg christen the season with ducks!

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posted Apr 26, 2008

a good first win against a good essex side on paper!

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