Derbyshire Falcons have named an unchanged 14-man squad for the second Royal London One-Day Cup fixture of the summer, away to Worcestershire Rapids on Saturday 19 May.
Derbyshire got their One-Day Cup campaign off to the perfect start with a 57-run win over Warwickshire at Edgbaston, typified by a career-best 137 from Billy Godleman and wickets across the bowling unit.
Godleman’s men will be looking to take that form to Blackfinch New Road as he continues at the top of the order, alongside Ben Slater, who hit 69 at Edgbaston.
Wayne Madsen struck 58 at a strike rate of 132 in the win over Warwickshire and he’s set to continue in a batting unit which also includes Alex Hughes and all-rounder Matt Critchley.
21-year-old Critchley is one of a number of all-rounders in the Derbyshire squad and he will lead the spin attack, with Hughes and Luis Reece providing variation in bowling.
Safyaan Sharif took two wickets on his Derbyshire debut and he compliments an all-international pace attack, which also inclues Duanne Olivier, Hardus Viljoen and Ravi Rampaul.
1. Billy Godleman
26. Ben Slater
10. Luis Reece
77. Wayne Madsen
18. Alex Hughes
19. Callum Brodrick
20. Matt Critchley
14. Gary Wilson
11. Daryn Smit
7. Hardus Viljoen
41. Ravi Rampaul
74. Duanne Olivier
50. Safyaan Sharif
8. Dan Wheeldon
Worcestershire will be looking to replicate their form from last year which saw them top the North Group table as they head into their first 50-over match of the campaign.
Derbyshire have an early two point lead over the Rapids in the North Group, however with six wins out of eight last summer, the hosts will be hoping to start quickly once again.
Tom Kohler-Cadmore was their leading run-scorer last year with 290, but after he moved to Yorkshire, Worcestershire will look to their latest young talent, Joe Clarke to score heavily in the competition.
England all-rounder Moeen Ali is unavailable due to competing in the IPL with Royal Challengers Bangalore, but former Derbyshire batsman Ross Whiteley is expected to provide powerful middle-order runs.
Captain Joe Leach is set to lead the pace attack alongside the tricky Jack Shantry, whilst Brett D’Oliveira offers a spin option as well as top-order stability.
Worcestershire Squad: To be announced.
Billy Godleman is aware of the talent in the Worcestershire squad, but he believes his Derbyshire team have the capabilities to challenge any opponent in the 50-over competition.
Derbyshire upset the odds with a 57-run win over an experienced Warwickshire side and Godleman wants his side to take that confidence to Worcestershire.
He said: “I really admire Worcesterhsire and the way they play cricket, particularly their one-day cricket.
“They are very aggressive and a very positive team, who makes the most of what they have.
“They’re difficult to play at New Road, but we’ve had success there in limited overs cricket over the last two or three years. Taking that and the positives from the win over Warwickshire and we go there confident.”
Royal London One-Day Cup is back at The 3aaa County Ground! Derbyshire will host four 50-over fixtures in May and June. Buy your match tickets in advance & save.
