Ben Cotton is enjoying playing a leading role in Derbyshire Falcons’ NatWest T20 Blast campaign, as the team prepare for the visit of Lancashire Lightning tomorrow; 7pm start.
Cotton has been a standout performer with the ball in the opening two fixtures, taking three wickets at an impressive average of 16 including 2-19 against Yorkshire Vikings.
The 21-year-old pace bowler also has an economy rate of six runs per over, which is an impressive feat considering his role as a Powerplay bowler in the first six overs.
Cotton says he is enjoying the responsibility of bowling at such at a key time at the start of the opposition innings, ahead of the live televised fixture on Sky Sports.
“It’s been really enjoyable, there have been good spells of cricket played by us and I’m really enjoying the competition,” said Cotton.
“I’ve been given the role by Wes to bowl in the Powerplay, he trusts me and I’ve done a lot of work with Graeme (Welch), both practical and tactical work about bowling in those situations.
“I’m feeling confident about my role, the game is on Sky Sports so it would be nice to do well in front of the cameras.
“It will be an exciting and fearless brand of cricket, T20 is a fun and exciting game. Hopefully we can get our first win of the competition.”
Tillakaratne Dilshan arrived at The 3aaa County Ground this week and has been named in Graeme Welch’s 13-man squad for the first home NatWest T20 Blast fixture this season.
And Cotton is looking forward to playing alongside the Sri Lanka international, who has played over 60 international T20s.
“He’s one of the greatest T20 players around, it’s great to have him on board and I’m sure the lads will be excited to see him play his famous shot. It gives us confidence and it will add to the team.”
