Derbyshire v Surrey YB40 and Championship

I’ve decided to preface the two games against Surrey in the coming days in the one article for a couple of reasons.

One is that the weather appears likely to render tomorrow’s game one of these truncated affairs that are hated by cricketers, fans, TV viewers and, most importantly, the side batting first.

The other is that tomorrow marks the 16th birthday of my delightful daughter, Rachel. She’s got to that age with no tantrums and moods and is now a lovely young woman (though it hurts me to say that last word…), who has the sunniest temperament I have ever seen, something for which Mrs P and I are eternally grateful.

It promises to be a busy old day that may well legislate against another report until later, so I’ll gladly offer a two for the price of one deal tonight…

For me, the certainty is that Ben Slater HAS to play. Another unbeaten century against strong Yorkshire opposition today for the Seconds means that there is no valid reason for the lad to be omitted. Some might say that he will be up against a good attack of international quality, a long way removed from second XI and Premier League, but my answer is simple – he is in form. That is a precious commodity down Derby way and he should play, without question.

As for his team mates, James Pipe will know better than most who they are likely to be. With three first-choice seam bowlers currently hors de combat along with Wes Durston, and Ross Whiteley and Dan Redfern out of form, much of the side picks itself. It would be good to see Tim Groenewald back, while Tony Palladino would be welcomed back with open arms should his side strain be improved.

I don’t think there will be many changes from the last two games, but based on form and likely fitness my side for the Championship game would be:

Slater, Hughes, Madsen, Chanderpaul, Durston, Borrington, Johnson, Wainwright, Groenewald, Turner, Footitt

One of the problems at present is balance. Whiteley’s absence affects it, as does Hughes’ inability to bowl. If Durston’s recent niggle prevents the same we’re back where we were yesterday, with Madsen’s off-spin needing to be utilised. That might be an argument for the recall of Dan Redfern, who took four wickets today, but his best mate wouldn’t call him a front line spinner. Wainwright didn’t look to have a lot of rhythm or loop when I saw him in Edinburgh, but we need a slow bowler for variation and Peter Burgoyne appears to have edged ahead of Tom Knight for the time being if an alternative is sought.

So there’s Karl Krikken’s dilemma. Does he lengthen the fragile batting or allow more bowling options? Based on recent days, Paul Borrington gets the nod from me. He batted nicely in Edinburgh and better than anyone yesterday. Some may be surprised to see him in the middle order, but he did that with success for England U19s and at University while playing spin better than most.

The track will decide the final side, but I can’t predict this one. Surrey are full of big names who haven’t fired; we’re missing a lot of players and are equally low on confidence.

Maybe this is where it turns for the better. The one-day game, with Ponting included, will be entertaining if the weather allows it.

The championship game will be massive.