Derbyshire Captain Wayne Madsen believes there is enough batting depth within the squad to cover his absence due to injury over the next few weeks.
Madsen will be out for at least a month after undergoing surgery on a finger injury sustained in the LV= County Championship fixture versus Northamptonshire at the start of May.
The 31-year-old spoke of his frustration but insists that there is enough depth in the squad for the side’s batting department to continue to produce the goods in his absence.
“It’s been nice to get some runs under my belt, but it’s disappointing that just as the NatWest T20 Blast was starting that I’ve picked up this broken finger,” Madsen said.
“The finger is good, I have had a few painkillers to help and I’m looking forward to when I’m able to get it moving again.
“It’s difficult to say when I’ll be back, it’s all about getting the movement back. We’re looking at a period of at least four weeks but I hope to be back playing in the not too distant future.
“I’m confident, however, that the side will play well in the next few weeks until I’m back fit and ready to play.”
Madsen added: “It gives an opportunity for the others batters to show what they can do.
“It’s a hugely encouraging for the team that the guys who have come in have put their hands up and scored hundreds.
“Chesney (Hughes) and Scott (Elstone) have both done outstanding jobs so far, and we’ve still got Billy (Godleman) and Wes (Durston) to come back into the four-day side so we certainly got the batting depth to cover.
“Myself and Graeme Welch will sit down at some point over the next day or two and have a chat about who will lead the side. There are a couple of standout candidates with Hashim Amla and Wes Durston both leaders around the team.
“We have a bit of time until the next LV= County Championship fixture, so we’ll have a think and discuss it.”
Derbyshire are back in NatWest T20 Blast action on Friday 22 May against Leicestershire Foxes at Grace Road; 5.30pm start. The Falcons host their first home NatWest T20 Blast fixture on Friday 29 May (7pm start) against Lancashire Lightning at The 3aaa County Ground.
To buy your NatWest T20 Blast tickets, please call 0871 350 1870 or CLICK HERE.
