Derbyshire have named an unchanged 12-man squad ahead of the Specsavers County Championship game against Lancashire at The Pattonair County Ground, starting tomorrow.
Billy Godleman (227) and Tom Lace (143) both hit career-best scores in the draw against Glamorgan, while putting together a 291-run partnership at Swansea. The pair will hope to bring that form into the game against Lancashire, with Luis Reece and Wayne Madsen completing the top-order.
Harvey Hosein hit a half-century in Swansea and will be looking to keep his place alongside Matt Critchley, Alex Hughes and Leus du Plooy in the middle of the order.
Ravi Rampaul took eight wickets the last time he played at The Pattonair County Ground, and will hope to replicate that form alongside Tony Palladino with the new ball.
1. Billy Godleman
10. Luis Reece
77. Wayne Madsen
27. Tom Lace
18. Alex Hughes
76. Leus du Plooy
16. Harvey Hosein
20. Matt Critchley
59. Sam Conners
37. Logan van Beek
28. Tony Palladino
14. Ravi Rampaul
Lancashire sit top of the Specsavers County Championship Division Two table after picking up three wins in their opening six first-class games of the season.
A further three draws means that they are unbeaten in red-ball cricket this campaign, with their most recent game against Worcestershire abandoned due to persistent rain.
Josh Bohannon, Dane Villas, Liam Livingstone and Rob Jones are all averaging more than 50 with the bat for Lancashire this season, with the latter’s 310 the most for the club so far.
England internationals Keaton Jennings and Haseeb Hameed have been regulars for the red rose county this season, scoring 97 and 117 runs respectively.
With the ball, Richard Gleeson leads the way with 22 wickets at 16.68, while England seamer James Anderson has taken 19 wickets at an average of 10.26.
Former England bowler Graham Onions is third in the wickets column for Lancashire, claiming 17 dismissals and averaging 24.11 across five matches.
Dave Houghton believes that the game against Lancashire is a good opportunity for Derbyshire to show how competitive they can be in the Specsavers County Championship Division Two.
Houghton says the squad is under no illusions about the test in front of them, but feels that Derbyshire’s previous performances this season shows they can compete with any side in the division.
“I am pleased from a number of reasons. The fact of the matter is that we have competed in every game,” said Houghton.
“We have not really had our backs against the wall yet, so the competitiveness of the side is what is pleasing me the most.
“Lancashire will test our resolve as a side, we have played really good, competitive cricket so far but these are the players that everybody tipped to go up, we know what squad they have got.
“If we can be competitive and do well against them, it will show that we have improved as a squad.”
Live Stream
Derbyshire is pleased to continue its partnership with Stream AMG and Purpose Media to provide a free live streaming service for 2019, which will offer live ball-by-ball footage with a live score overlay graphic.
You can watch all the action live HERE.
Attending for the first time?
Click HERE to view our full Matchday Guide.
Tickets
Tickets are available on the gate with an Adult ticket priced at £16 (£12 in advance), Junior ticket £5 (£4 in advance) and Students £5 whilst Adult tickets for Day Four are also priced at £10. Car Parking is available in advance or on the day, priced at £5.
Click HERE to buy tickets online or call 01332 388 101.
Matchday LIVE
Follow the action ball-by-ball on the Derbyshire County Cricket Club website with our interactive Match Centre.
Improved for the 2019 season, the centre will include a full scorecard, ball-by-ball updates and clips of all the key moments.
Click HERE to access the page during play.
The East Midlands Rivalry! Guarantee your tickets today for the big Vitality Blast clash against Notts Outlaws on Friday 26 July. Buy online or call 01332 388 101.
[twentyticket]
