Derbyshire Falcons have named a 16-man squad for the Royal London One-Day Cup fixture against Leicestershire Foxes at The 3aaa County Ground on Friday 25 May.
The Falcons introduce off spinner Hamidullah Qadri and wicketkeeper-batsman Harvey Hosein in to a squad which will be aiming for a third win in four matches following a four-wicket victory over Durham.
Luis Reece will remain at the top of the order following his career-best List A score of 92 against Durham, alongside Captain Billy Godleman. The pair will look to continue their good form after their partnership of 124 to set a platform for Derbyshire’s win over Durham.
Alex Hughes is also hoping to pick up where he left off on Wednesday after striking 42 not out in a match-winning partnership of 80 with Gary Wilson. The all-rounder will have good memories from his unbeaten 96 against the visitors in last summer’s One-Day Cup.
Duanne Olivier will lead the Derbyshire attack having claimed five wickets in three matches at an average of 21.2 and an economy rate of 4.6. Reece has also taken five wickets throughout the competition at an average of 21.4.
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
16. Harvey Hosein
7. Hardus Viljoen
41. Ravi Rampaul
74. Duanne Olivier
50. Safyaan Sharif
8. Dan Wheeldon
75. Hamidullah Qadri
Visitors Leicestershire will arrive at The 3aaa County Ground looking to bounce back from a heavy defeat to Nottinghamshire to kick-start their Royal London One-Day Cup campaign.
The Foxes won their opening match against Northamptonshire by 72 runs, inspired by opening batsman Paul Horton as he struck 103 from 134 balls, to add to his three fifties in red-ball cricket.
Horton will be supported by the experienced duo Michael Carberry and Mark Cosgrove at the top of the order as well as some lower-order power-striking from Ben Raine, who averages 33.5.
Fast bowler Gavin Griffiths is the pick of the bowlers for Leicestershire, having taken six wickets in two matches at an average of 18.83, with best figures of 4-30.
Leicestershire Foxes Squad: To be announced.
Luis Reece is hoping Derbyshire can build on their win over Durham ahead of a stretch of home fixtures in the Royal London One-Day Cup.
The all-rounder said: “It was important that we were able to start the home run off with a win because you can’t lose too many games in this competition. Thankfully we’ve got the win and it puts us in a good position for the next home game on Friday.
“Every game is going to be difficult and Leicestershire are a good side. We’ve got to make sure that we keep improving so we put ourselves in positions to win games to maintain our momentum.”
After runs throughout the Derbyshire lineup in recent matches, resulting in seven batsmen averaging over 30 and three over 50, Reece also praised the flexibility within the order.
He added: “I think the key is trying to be flexible with our batting line-up, we’ve got plenty of talented players that can bat wherever in the order and score big runs.”
“The pair of them [Alex Hughes and Gary Wilson] played outstanding and it was a magnificent partnership, one that was vital for us to get the win in the end.”
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.
Derbyshire vs Leicestershire Foxes – Friday 25 May
Derbyshire vs Yorkshire Vikings – Wednesday 30 May
Derbyshire vs Lancashire Lightning – Sunday 3 June
