Derbyshire v Nottinghamshire - the build up

It will be a big call for Karl Krikken. Perhaps another question is the fitness of Jon Clare, who didn’t bowl a full spell last night and appeared some way from full pace. If he is unfit, then perhaps Whiteley or Hughes may play in his stead, leaving the spinners to fight it out for the other place.

Whatever the decision, these are heady times for the club. By a growing consensus we have perhaps the two biggest names in the tournament as overseas stars and both have done very well. I can write little about Chanderpaul that hasn’t already been said and he is a diamond. As for Morkel, his use of the new ball has been key to establishing early control, while his influence on and off the pitch cannot be overestimated. We have not yet seen him unleash the range of shots we know he has, but our Friday opponents will be wary of the damage that he can do once he gets his range.

Albie Morkel can be a really dangerous batsman in the shortest format of the game

Yet they will also be aware that Durston and Hughes can inflict damage at the top and the former seems to enjoy their bowling. Madsen is another who plays with great common sense but has the shots to rack up the runs on the right track. Derbyshire bat deep, as Yorkshire found out last week, though we’d prefer not to replicate that batting effort again, thanks very much.

Nottinghamshire will also be wary of Tim Groenewald, who is a cricketer for whom I have the greatest respect. Over his time at Derbyshire, he has missed precious few matches and he usually uses the new ball well and with great intelligence. He will have a key role on Friday, that’s for sure and any repetition of his bowling effort last night will be appreciated by the home support.

I’m not going to suggest that we will hammer Nottinghamshire. I’ll not even say that we will beat them. Their batting line-up is international quality and, while the bowling is less convincing, they are a team that cost a lot to put together and logically should win more matches than they lose. I think T20 is their strongest suit, yet they somehow fail to win the competition, year after year.

Friday will be a great game of cricket and I hope that our added experience from Shiv and Albie helps us to compete, put our visitors under pressure and makes a real game of it. If it does, then you never know what can happen. We’re on a roll and I hope that it continues for some time yet. Even if we lose, we’re still in a very strong position in the group.

If we win, oh boy!