Billy Godleman says arrivals of Mickey Arthur and Shan Masood will give Derbyshire a boost ahead of the 2022 season, with the captain eager to learn from the new Head of Cricket and overseas signing.
Former South Africa, Australia, Pakistan and Sri Lanka Head Coach, Arthur, was announced as the new Derbyshire Head of Cricket in November, as he takes over a squad full of potential.
Captain Godleman is excited to work with such an experienced coach, and says the whole squad has already been boosted by the appointment.
“As a squad, we’re incredibly excited to have Mickey joining us at the Club,” he said.
“He’s such an experienced coach across international cricket, as captain, I’m really looking forward to working closely with someone of Mickey’s stature, to hear his ideas about the game.
“I’ve had quite a few exchanges with Mickey since his appointment, and the passion and enthusiasm across the airwaves on our calls and Zooms has been phenomenal. We’re really fortunate to have him joining us.”
The first new signing of the Arthur regime is Pakistan international Shan Masood, who played under the coach between 2016-2019. He has four Test centuries to his name, including a stunning 156 against England at Emirates Old Trafford in 2020.
Masood will likely partner Godleman at the top of the order in 2022, with long-time opening batter and bowler, Luis Reece, set to miss part of the season while he recovers from knee and shoulder surgery.
Between them, the quartet of Godleman, Masood, Wayne Madsen and Leus du Plooy boast 83 first-class centuries, a total which rises to 90 once Reece is added to the mix.
Having played against Masood in youth cricket, Godleman already has an idea of the quality he will bring to The Incora County Ground, but says his outlook on the game will also be a benefit of the signing.
“I’m disappointed for Luis Reece, with his injuries, because no one has worked harder than him to take on the workload he has for us over the last few years. However, the recruitment of Shan Masood is incredible,” he added.
“I actually know Shan personally from my youth cricket days, we played a lot of cricket against each other and he’s someone whose career I’ve always followed. He’s a fine batter across all formats, but he’s also a real thinker and having his experience and different ideas about the game will be helpful to me, as captain, and to the whole group.
“There’s a wealth of experience in our batting lineup, but we can’t get too far ahead of ourselves. There’s still a few months before the start of the season and we will all be putting in the work for our own personal development, to hopefully be in top form once April rolls around.”
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