Arthur disappointed after defeat

Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, was left disappointed by Derbyshire’s defeat to Worcestershire in the opening game of the LV= County Championship.

New Club Captain, Leus du Plooy, made a beautiful 95 not out in the second innings, while Billy Godleman scored half-centuries in each innings, with debutant Haider Ali made 65 in the second innings, with Zak Chappell taking a first five-wicket haul for the Club, but Derbyshire were always playing catch-up after a strong lower-order performance in Worcestershire’s first innings.

Arthur said there were positives to take even in defeat, but has emphasised that the standards shown this week will not be accepted moving forward.

“It was pretty disappointing, some positive stuff but on the whole disappointing to lose because I certainly think we are a lot better than that,” Arthur said.

“I thought we left runs out there in the first innings and once you leave runs out there in the first innings you play under pressure, particularly on a good wicket. You end up as the team playing under pressure and ultimately you succumb to it, which is exactly what happened.

“We need to be just more ruthless around all three disciplines really.It wasn’t good enough and we’ve discussed that. There was so much excitement and so much anticipation from our dressing room going into the season and it was a bit of a reality check which is a good thing and it will bring the best out of us.

“On Day Two, I thought we had two sessions of very good bowling, but we were poor in the third session. That might be down to fatigue and the guys going to where they hadn’t been before, because we hadn’t played any pre-season cricket, but we’re not an excuses-based team and that doesn’t wash.”

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