Anuj Dal says that the competition for places in Derbyshire’s batting lineup is good for the team, even if it means working harder to hold down a position.
Dal’s 92 in the first innings against Middlesex was one of seven instances where players made 50 or more runs in the match.
Leus du Plooy made his maiden first-class century for Derbyshire, and followed that up with an unbeaten 69 on the final day, while Fynn Fudson-Prentice made 99 on his County Championship debut for the club.
Captain Billy Godleman and Luis Reece also scored 102 and 96 respectively, with regular top-order bastmen Wayne Madsen and Tom Lace missing the game.
Dal admits that the current form of Derbyshire’s batsmen makes competition for places even more fierce, but believes that is something that will only be a positive for the club moving forward.
“It is only going to make the squad stronger, when you have got players at eight or nine that can score runs, that is a nightmare for opposition teams,” said Dal.
“It is a brilliant position to be in as a squad, even going into the second team to try and stake your claim, it is nice to know that you are getting those runs behind you and are putting other players under pressure.
“Hopefully I can show what I am about and get my chance, this could be the start of something good for me at Derbyshire.
“I am really looking forward to the Vitality Blast, it will be a really good chance for myself and a few players that are on the fringes to stick their hand up and stake a claim.”
Dal fell just eight runs short of his maiden first-class century for Derbyshire when he was dismissed by Toby Roland-Jones in the first innings.
However, he says that he was pleased to have contributed to a solid score for the team, rather that focusing on individual accolades alone.
“Coming off when you are that close to a maiden first-class hundred is disappointing, but the game situation dictated that we wanted 550 as quickly as possible,” added Dal.
“It was one of those where I had to play my shots a little bit and I am happy to put the team before myself.”
Vitality Blast is back this month! Tickets for all seven home matches on sale now, including the big clash against Notts Outlaws on Friday 26 July. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
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