Conor McKerr is set for his second Specsavers County Championship appearance of the season as Derbyshire name a 13-man squad to travel to Northamptonshire, starting on Friday 9 June; 11am.
Since signing an initial 28-day loan, the Surrey paceman impressed against Nottinghamshire, striking early in both innings to take four wickets in the match.
Derbyshire have not lost a first-class fixture in their last eight outings to Northamptonshire and captain Billy Godleman will lead a strong batting order, which is also likely to include Luis Reece who has scored 294 first-class runs so far this season.
Gary Wilson and Daryn Smit provide experience in the lower-middle order, whilst the division’s joint fifth leading wicket taker, Jeevan Mendis, will lead the spin attack.
Tom Taylor and McKerr are set to open the bowling for Derbyshire, with Tony Palladino and Rob Hemmings the other fast bowling options in the squad.
1. Billy Godleman
10. Luis Reece
26. Ben Slater
57. Shiv Thakor
77. Wayne Madsen
11. Daryn Smit
88. Jeevan Mendis
18. Alex Hughes
9. Gary Wilson
15. Tom Taylor
24. Rob Hemmings
28. Tony Palladino
83. Conor McKerr
Northamptonshire go into the match sitting fourth in the Specsavers County Championship Division Two with three wins and two draws from their five matches.
In the reverse fixture at The 3aaa County Ground, Northamptonshire chased 326 to win by three wickets on the final day.
Max Holden is the leading run scorer for Northants with 300, including a century against Durham last time out.
Nathan Buck is the standout bowler, taking 28 wickets at an average of 16.57 so far in the Specsavers County Championship.
Northampstonshire Squad: Azharullah, Buck, Crook, Cobb, Gleeson, Holden, Hughes, Keogh, Kleinveldt, Newton, Sanderson, Wakely.
All-rounder Daryn Smit says the Derbyshire squad are on a high after a strong performance last time out in the Specsavers County Championship and are ready to start again against Northamptonshire.
Derbyshire came close to their first Specsavers County Championship victory of the season versus Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and Smit believes the team stepped up well against the division leaders.
Smit said: “It was a really good team performance. The turnaround from the Leicestershire game, particularly as a bowling unit, was absolutely fantastic. The guys stepped up to the plate and responded well against a strong batting outfit.
“The batting, which has been our strength throughout the season so far, seemed in fine form again, well lead by Billy Godleman who has been in fantastic form.
“That was a good game but it counts for nothing as we head to Northamptonshire. We are on a high but this is a new game and we have to make sure we start over again.”
Northamptonshire head into the game after a two-wicket win over Durham but Smit wants Derbyshire to focus on their own performance.
“We cannot underestimate them, they are a good team who are going into the game on the back of a good win. We need to worry about what we can control, and that is our own performances and how we gel as a team.”
Any partially sighted supporters travelling to The County Ground can enjoy free ball by ball commentary delivered by The Northampton Association for the Blind.
To use this service or find out more, please contact the Northants Cricket Reception on 01604 514455.
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