John Sadler praised the performance of first-class debutant Callum Parkinson and all-rounder Tom Milnes after his Derbyshire side drew to Leicestershire last week.
The 19-year-old Parkinson claimed figures of 4-90 and 3-88, whilst also proving useful with the bat, contributing 48 not in the first innings, despite coming in at number 11.
Opening bowler, Milnes, meanwhile, took a wicket in his first over in each innings, and finished with three wickets in the match, playing in his first four-day game in almost a year.
Derbyshire were given 313 to win in on the final day, but Sadler was surprised that their opponents did not declare earlier in an attempt to force a victory to boost their promotion hopes.
He said: “I was surprised to be honest, I thought they would have put their foot down a little bit and tried to score a bit quicker and try to chance their arm and get a good lead upwards and over of 300 as quick as they could.
“We were very positive, we wanted to bowl them out as close to 200 as we could. We dropped a catch in the first over of the [final] morning which could have proved costly.
“We were willing to have a go as long as it was reasonable and try to get that win but it was not to be as we were not given the chance.
Sadler singled out Parkinson, praising his contribution and his attitude: “He’s a very fine cricketer, he’s got the attitude, he’s a good lad and he’s fit in really well with the other players.
“He’s matured beyond his years; he loves the game as well which I think is a must. He ticks every box and we’ve got a very good cricketer on our hands.”
Milnes also received high praise from his Head Coach, who said: “He got a wicket in both innings in the first over which was brilliant, he bowled really well with the new ball.
“He’s worked hard for his chance and he batted really well too, he went in during a pressure situation, so again, he’s another cricketer on our hands that’s got a bright future.”
Derbyshire are back in action at The 3aaa County Ground this week, beginning their Championship game against Essex on Saturday 13 August.
Derbyshire host their first ever Real Ale Beer Festival on Day One and Day Two of the Specsavers County Championship fixture versus Essex, on Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 August. To book your tickets, or for more information, please call 01332 388 101, email [email protected] or buy online HERE.
