Matt Critchley praised Derbyshire’s bowling under pressure following a five-run victory over Leicestershire in the Royal London One-Day Cup at The 3aaa County Ground.
The all-rounder took 3-35 from six overs to continue his fine form and help the Falcons to second in the North Group table.
After Derbyshire secured the win with the final ball, Critchley praised the bowlers’ ability to thrive in pressure situations and close out tight games.
He said: “As a bowler, you can’t shy away from your responsibilities. You know what your job is and what you have to do and I think the boys are thriving on that pressure.
“Especially [Luis] Reece, I think the way he has bowled recently has been fantastic. Obviously, he has got the skills but he’s had more responsibility and pressure with the ball; he’s got some key wickets at key times.”
The 21-year old also praised Ravi Rampaul after he secured the two points for Derbyshire, limiting a free-hitting Lewis Hill in the final over of Leicestershire’s chase.
He added: “It got a bit nervy at the end and we back our lads if it goes down to the last ball but for Ravi to bowl that last ball after the momentum had swung their way, it was brilliant.
“There’s nothing better than getting it done in a close game and to test yourselves under the pressure. They had good players on the other team and in the end Ravi has won the game for us.
“I think the boys adapted well at the top and during that first powerplay. It was important to do that and the way Ben [Slater] got us off to a quick start was brilliant.
“We’ve had three wins and a loss, but I think we’ll probably look back at things that we could have done better to win the other games but it’s still a good position to be in.
“Yorkshire are a top side but I think last year we had a bit of an edge over them in the Twenty20.
“It’ll be good to play against them to try and get another win on the board and put ourselves in a better position going in to the back end of the competition.”
Royal London One-Day Cup is back at The 3aaa County Ground! Derbyshire will host four 50-over fixtures in May and June. Buy your match tickets in advance & save.
Derbyshire vs Yorkshire Vikings – Wednesday 30 May
Derbyshire vs Lancashire Lightning – Sunday 3 June
