Derbyshire has named a 13-man squad for the return to Specsavers County Championship cricket against Durham at Emirates Riverside, starting on Monday 28 August; 11am.
After a good run in the NatWest T20 Blast, Billy Godleman leads his side into the return of four-day cricket – and he will have fast bowler Harry Podmore available after he joined Derbyshire from Middlesex on loan this week.
In the reverse fixture, Matt Critchley and Alex Hughes both hit centuries, but it was Durham who came out on top in a thrilling contest at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield.
Overseas spinner Imran Tahir will return to red ball action after missing the last four-day fixture versus Nottinghamshire due to injury, while Will Davis is also back in contention after recovering from a side injury.
Gary Wilson, however, will miss the fixture at Chester-le-Street due to illness and Harvey Hosein will keep wicket.
1. Billy Godleman
10. Luis Reece
26. Ben Slater
77. Wayne Madsen
18. Alex Hughes
20. Matt Critchley
16. Harvey Hosein
8. Tom Milnes
28. Tony Palladino
7. Hardus Viljoen
44. Will Davis
99. Imran Tahir
25. Harry Podmore
Durham currently sit 17 points below Derbyshire in the Specsavers County Championship Division Two table with two wins, four draws and four defeats from their ten matches.
Last time out, Durham drew to Leicestershire with Cameron Steel hitting a well-made 224 and Tom Latham striking 124. The pair are likely to open the batting for the hosts this week.
Paul Coughlin and Chris Rushworth will lead a strong seam attack whilst the likes of Ryan Pringle offers spin options going into the fixture.
Durham Squad: Yet to be announced.
Derbyshire Captain Billy Godleman enjoyed the success of the Falcons in the NatWest T20 Blast, but is ready to lead his side as red ball cricket returns with a trip to Durham.
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.”
He added: “I’m really excited to now 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.”
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