Get off the mark this week with six quickfire stories to keep you up to date with news from Derbyshire.
The new season is less than 40 days away, as Derbyshire begin the new Specsavers County Championship campaign versus Middlesex at The 3aaa County Ground from Friday 20 April.
As preparations continue for the 2018 season, we take a look at the latest news from the Club from around the world.
1. Critchley makes international debut
Matt Critchley made his maiden appearance for England Lions in the first one-day match versus West Indies A last Tuesday. The all-rounder bowled tightly, finishing with figures of 0-41 from eight overs, before hitting nine with the bat. In the second 50-over encounter he hit 20 off 21 balls, with one four and one six.
He became the first Derbyshire player to play for any senior men’s England team since Dominic Cork in 2002.
2. Record first week of Vitality Blast ticket sales
Derbyshire has achieved a record-breaking first week of Vitality Blast ticket sales, with demand for all seven games in 2018 at an all-time high. Ticket sales within the first week of general sale are up 26% compared to the same point last year.
Over 20% of tickets for the local derby against Yorkshire at Queen’s Park, Chesterfield, on Saturday 28 July have already been sold – also a record for the first week.
Secure your tickets today and save.
3. Ireland in ICC Cricket World Cup qualifying action
Gary Wilson has been in action for Ireland during the first stages of the ICC World Cup 2019 qualifying. Led by Will Porterfield, Ireland have won three of their four group stage matches to comfortably progress to the Super Six round of qualifying.
Wilson has featured in two matches, scoring 30 runs, including hitting the winning runs in the four-wicket win over Papua New Guinea.
4. Santner hits career-best against England
Despite a 3-2 series loss to England, Mitchell Santner enjoyed a strong campaign in the five match series, hitting 216 runs at an average of 108 and taking three wickets with an economy rate under 5.5 runs per over.
The tense series decider was comfortably won by England, but Santner gave the Black Caps a fighting chance with a career-best 67 not out, including four fours and two sixes.
He arrives at The 3aaa County Ground at the end of June, ahead of the Vitality Blast campaign and the final seven Specsavers County Championship matches.
5. Viljoen in Pakistan Super League
Fearsome quick Hardus Viljoen got off to a quick start in the Pakistan Super League, taking three wickets in two matches, at an average of 24 and with best figures of 2-49.
After winning their opening two matches, the Sultans have stuttered in recent games, but still find themselves handily placed in fourth ahead of the eliminators.
6. Olivier features for South Africa A
Fast bowler Duanne Olivier led the bowling attack for South Africa A against a strong Australia side in their Tour Match prior to the current Test series. The tall quick took 2-37 in the first innings and 4-74 in the second, finishing the match as the pick of the South Africa bowlers.
He now looks ahead to the English domestic season where he will aim to lead the seam department for the first half of the summer alongside the likes of Hardus Viljoen, Ravi Rampaul and Will Davis.
Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons host seven Twenty20 games this July and August. Purchase your tickets in advance and save from £4. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
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