Derbyshire has named a 13-man squad for the one-day pre-season friendly versus North Staffs & South Cheshire Select XI on Saturday 1 April at Moddershall Cricket Club; 10.30am start.
New signing Luis Reece is set to make his first appearance for Derbyshire and is likely to open the batting alongside Charlie Macdonell, who is starting his first full season with the Club.
They will bat at the top of the order in the absence of Captain Billy Godleman, who is ruled out with illness, and opening partner Ben Slater, who will not be risked following a slight knock in training.
Wayne Madsen will Captain the side in the 40-over game and alongside Shiv Thakor, will provide experience to the batting line-up. Harvey Hosein will take the gloves, while Gary Wilson is unavailable after being in action for Ireland in India this month.
Daryn Smit, who arrived in England earlier this week, is unavailable for this fixture, while paceman Hardus Viljoen and spin bowler Jeevan Mendis are due to arrive in the coming weeks, ahead of the season opener versus Northamptonshire, starting on Friday 14 April.
10. Luis Reece
3. Charlie Macdonell
57. Shiv Thakor
77. Wayne Madsen
23. Tom Wood
18. Alex Hughes
16. Harvey Hosein
20. Matt Critchley
8. Tom Milnes
28. Tony Palladino
14. Greg Cork
15. Tom Taylor
44. Will Davis
Cricket Derbyshire Academy in partnership with the University of Derby fast bowler, Dan Gibbs, is set to feature for the Select XI. Last season the young bowler claimed 15 wickets at an average of 28.47 for club side, Porthill Park Cricket Club.
Porthill Park all rounder, John Hancock, will lead the side which will also feature former Nottinghamshire batsman, Sam Kelsall, at his home ground.
North Staffs & South Cheshire Select XI squad: J. Hancock (c), R. Hassett, T. Steele, S. Kelsall, D. Brierley (wkt), M. Hill, D. Richardson, R. Williams, M. Goodwin, D. Gibbs, N. Ball
Derbyshire all rounder Shiv Thakor is looking forward to the fixture and the chance to get back on the field playing competitive cricket.
He said: “It will be nice to get back out there. The winter has been brilliant but there is nothing like being in the middle.
“The Briggs of Burton Pre-Season Marquee has been brilliant. It’s the first time it has been done at the Club and the first time that I have ever done it and it has been absolutely magnificent. It has given us a chance to replicate conditions as close to what we can get for the first fixture.
“It would be nice to get some runs and wickets, but it will be great to be back in a competitive environment.”
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