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English county update - Derbyshire

Sunday, February 15 2004

At the end of the 2003 English county season, there was only one club that couldn't have feared for a worse result, and that was Derbyshire, finishing at rock bottom in the County Championship. Several years of poor performances, and internal unrest has put the county through one of worst period in it's history.

Some serious work needed to be put in by the entire unit of the club to lift their standards to what are required in an English county season. The county chairman, Trevor Bowring alongside the committee has taken the initiative though, and now all depends on how the drastic changes to the management and the team will bring an effect on the field.

The first and foremost appointment has been that of David Houghton, as the county's director of cricket. His inclusion was made immediately at the end of last season's poor run. As a former Zimbabwe captain and coach, and a former county cricketer and coach with Worcestershire, he is well placed to lead a revival.

Houghton understands that he will need to put a lot of effort into the county, for it maybe as difficult a task as the re-building of his home country, Zimbabwe's cricket. He was the coach of his national side for a while, but gave the priority to this English job, because of the political condition back in his country.

At last season's closing, another controversy swept the ill-fated county. Dominic Cork after what is belived to be mutual consent between him and the management, announced publicly that he didn't wish to stay back, and was looking for a new cricketing home. This was largely due to the fact that Cork's captainship was in doubt, and he was almost a certainty to be sacked from the leadership spot. He had been with the club for as many as 14 seasons, the last six as captain.

Cork's replacement was announced immediately, as being Australian Michael DiVenuto. Having been the county's first choice overseas player for three seasons now, and also the top scorer with 1520 Championship runs in 2003, it didn't come as a surprise. However, the void Cork's absence in the bowling department created seems too difficult to fill.

As if these troubles weren't enough, some potential performers for the county also have had to leave the side for various reasons. All-rounder Jason Kerr, who had moved to Derby last season from Somerset, has announced his early retirement following a persistent shoulder injury. Spinner Lian Wharton will also not return in 2004 after his contract expired. Veteran wicket-keeper Karl Krikken's contract too is nearing an end, and he's looking to find out-of-field roles, rather than return for another season.

In the midst of all the bad news, the county also found something to smile about. Vice-captain Lake Sutton re-signed with the county for two more seasons, and will act as deputy to DiVenuto for the two seasons, barring any other unexpected changes.

Cork's replacement finally came, as DiVenuto's Tasmanian team mate and fast bowler Damien Wright signed up with the county. Before Wright's signing, the spot was largely speculated to be current Zimbabwean captain Heath Streak's. However, he was over-looked by the county due to his international commitments for Zimbabwe, as well as his personal unwillingness. Wright, who boasts a batting average of 20.55, and has taken 120 wickets at 34.48 since his first-class debut in 1997, played for Australia A last year.

The county also has the word of South African left-arm spinner Anthony Botha for a two-year deal on the condition that he can attain a British passport, through his English father.

The final recruitment thus far has been of now former Somerset batsman James Bryant, who too has signed a two-year contact. South African-born Bryant was released by Somerset at the end of last season, after failing to average even above 30 in the Championship. Bryant however, qualifies as a domestic player after gaining a British passport through his English born parents.

So, with this, all the changes required and within attainable limits have been made by Derbyshire. It now depends on how the new signees as well as the old horses perspire to change the fortunes of the county.

Summary:

In: Damien Wright (Aus), Paul Havell, Jamie Bryant
Out: Dominic Cork, Jason Kerr, Lian Wharton, Karl Krikken
Probable(s): Anthony Botha

Posted by Sudeep