Cork: "At the moment, we're well off"

Twenty20 Head Coach Dominic Cork is disappointed with Derbyshire’s level of performance, but expects to see a reaction on Sunday after a 55-run defeat away to Durham.

The Falcons now sit bottom of the Vitality Blast North Group and the manner of the defeat has left Cork frustrated, but he praised a young group of bowlers who are inexperienced in Twenty20 cricket.

“It’s a disappointing performance from start to finish,” Cork told BBC Radio Derby. “It’s a completely different attitude to what we had last year which is disappointing.

“You’re going to have days with the bat or ball where you’re not hitting your straps, but at the moment we’re well off.

“We’ve got three bowlers who have got 17 caps in T20 cricket. No excuses, but we’re missing seniority in the bowling and we were out-skilled today.

“But we’ve got to stay positive. They’re a young bunch of cricketers in the bowling unit, who are still learning a trade, and it’s very unforgiving in Twenty20.”

Derbyshire travel to Trent Bridge on Sunday 13 September to face Notts Outlaws (2pm start) and Cork wants to see his side lift their skill levels for the local derby.

“It’s about what they can do differently. They’ve got to get their skill-level higher than what it is at the moment.

“When you’re chasing in excess of 220 in games, it’s never easy.

“I was disappointed with the fielding and there shouldn’t be any excuses. They’re young guys, fit guys and they’re professional cricketers.

“I take losing really seriously and it hurts me as an ex-player, but also as a coach at Derbyshire.

“We’ve got to try and win four games of cricket. Whether we get through or not, they’re still representing Derbyshire.”

Vitality Blast is back! Derbyshire Falcons return to Twenty20. Follow every game live on our match centre at derbyshireccc.com. Derbyshire Falcons: Underestimated No More.