Mark Footitt is targeting a repeat of last season’s heroics as he prepares for the start of the new LV= County Championship campaign, starting on Sunday.
The 29-year-old left-arm paceman was the country’s leading wicket-taker last year racking up a tally of 84 wickets in first-class cricket at an average of 19.19, including six five-wicket hauls.
Footitt says that the players are relishing the visit of Lancashire to The 3aaa County Ground this week as they look to start the season in winning fashion.
“All the lads in the squad are raring to go and wanting to get this first game underway,” Footitt said.
“It’s a massive game for us, if we start well and get the points on the board, the momentum carries us on for the rest of the season.
“The win against Cambridge MCCU gives you a bit of confidence, it gives you momentum going into this game and the confidence is quite high for the lads to perform and hopefully get the win.
“Lancashire are a good side, they’ve come down from Division One last year. They’ve got a good batting line-up with some handy bowlers as well.
“It’s going to be a tough game, but we’ve trained well and are ready to go.”
Footitt’s achievements last season earned him a call-up to the England Performance Programme in South Africa this winter, and he aims to replicate his dazzling bowling form this campaign.
“It’s been a busy winter. It’s been really exciting and really good for me,” he added.
“The gym stuff I’ve done is going to hopefully help me to produce what I did last year.
“Every single bowler in the County Championship will look to take 50 wickets, if you take 50 wickets then it has been a good season, every wicket after that is a bonus.
“For me personally, it would be amazing to get another season like it was last year, it doesn’t always happen like that in cricket, but hopefully I can put in similar performances and help the side compete well.”
Supporters can buy Membership, Six Packs and matchday tickets for the 2015 season either over the phone by calling 0871 350 1870, online HERE or in person at The 3aaa Pavilion; Nottingham Road, Derby, DE21 6DA.
