Derbyshire Captain Billy Godleman enjoyed the success of the Falcons in the NatWest T20 Blast, but is ready to lead his side in the return to red ball cricket, starting on Monday 28 August.
Derbyshire Falcons reached the NatWest T20 Blast quarter-finals for the first time since 2005 in a record-breaking campaign which saw them claim eight wins and finish second in the North Group.
Defeat to Hampshire ended the Falcons’ run at the quarter-final stage in front of over 4,000 spectators at The 3aaa County Ground, with the side now turning back to the Specsavers County Championship.
Godleman said: “We made a quarter-final, something the Club hasn’t done for a long time and the brand of cricket we played throughout the competition was fantastic.
“We played in a way which we haven’t done in previous seasons, with some really expansive cricket with the bat and high-skill with the ball. To beat teams like Yorkshire home and away and the nature of the wins is something we haven’t done previously.”
The trip to Emirates Riverside to face Durham marks the start of a run of five Specsavers County Championship matches to the end of the season and Godleman is keen to ensure his side are prepared for the return to the format.
The 28-year-old added: “Switching formats is part of a professional cricketer’s life and we’re all used to it and have got experience of it. We will certainly be preparing as best as we can with high-volume practice with the red ball and we’ll be ready come Monday.
“I’m really excited to be back playing red ball cricket. I love playing first-class cricket and it’s not only a privilege to play for Derbyshire, but to lead the team as well.
“It will be completely different conditions up in Durham, but as always we will make sure we can prepare the best we can and be clear on the strategies we need. After all the preparation and planning is done, it’s about who starts well and who plays the most consistent cricket across four days.”
Supporters can save £4 by purchasing their matchday tickets in advance of the day of the game. Buy online, over the phone by calling 01332 388 101 or in person at The 3aaa County Ground.
