Derbyshire’s four-day Captain Billy Godleman paid tribute to “fantastic” debutant Callum Parkinson, after the spinner took seven wickets against Leicestershire at Grace Road.
After a string of impressive performances in the second team, Parkinson was promoted to the first-team for the first time and did not disappoint, taking four wickets in the first innings, followed by three in the second, in addition to scoring 48 not out with the bat.
Godleman was suitably impressed with Parkinson’s contribution with both bat and ball, but also the 19-year-old’s positive attitude and confidence in setting his own field on debut.
“Callum was fantastic and rightfully so he gets some headlines,” Godleman said. “For someone so young, he bowled with great control and discipline in the first innings and really tied the Leicestershire batters down.
“When the ball started to turn a little bit more in the second innings he bowled a very aggressive line which helped put us in a positive position going into the final morning.”
Godleman also praised Parkinson’s ability to control his own field: “I’m obviously there to facilitate the field and guide the general plan, but if a bowler has a gut feeling on what he wants to do for a batsman in the given conditions, I’ll always support that.
“I was impressed with Callum as he was always very clear of what he wanted to do in each phase of the game.
“It’s a massive plus for us that we have a young left-arm spinner to go alongside Matt Critchley, a wrist spinner.
“It’s really positive to have those options but what I will add on top of that Parkinson is able to bowl and create pressure to help what’s happening at the other end.”
Derbyshire are back in action at the 3aaa County Ground this week, starting their next Championship match against Essex on Saturday 13 August.
