Match Preview: Derbyshire vs. Hampshire

Sorry about the lack of bloggery in the past couple of days, but domestic commitments have meant that this side of things was a little quieter than usual.

Still, I’m back now, and Derbyshire will be entertaining Hampshire at the County Ground tomorrow with a better weather forecast in store than was showing earlier in the week.

Jonathan Clare misses out from the thirteen that travelled to Essex, and I would think the final decision will be on whether Mark Turner retains his place or is replaced by Tony Palladino. There is always the possibility that we could go with four seamers, but David Wainwright’s good all-round game at Chelmsford may well ensure he gets the nod. As always, the final decision will be dependent on the wicket.

Hampshire have a solid-looking side, shorn of wicket-keeper Adam Wheater through injury and they bring the following squad:

Will Smith, Michael Carberry, Joe Gatting, Sean Ervine, Jimmy Adams, Liam Dawson, James Vince, Michael Bates, Danny Briggs, James Tomlinson, Matt Coles, David Balcombe,  Kyle Abbott.

As I wrote earlier in the week, I am not concerned at the loss against Essex. One outstanding player produced an excellent innings that won them the game, and Derbyshire’s fighting effort on the final day bodes well for the summer.

The forecast rain over the four days suggests to me that we may need to wait for that first win, however, with a draw in a truncated game the likely outcome.

I hope I’m wrong though…

I’ll be down at the ground on the first couple of days and look forward to seeing some good cricket and catching up with friends old and new.

And, naturally, I will be reporting back each evening…. hope to catch you down there!