Graeme Welch says this week’s Bell & Co Tourist Fixture at The 3aaa County Ground will be a great learning experience for a young Derbyshire squad.
Australia arrive at Derby full of confidence on the back of a 405-run victory over England in the second Investec Ashes Test at Lord’s to level the series at 1-1.
Welch, who has named a 12-man squad, believes it will be a great experience for his players against one of the leading sides in world cricket.
“Australia are always a very competitive unit, they have got some very good experienced players. They are playing some great cricket at the moment, so it will be a great experience for every single one of our players,” said Welch.
“We are looking to give one or two debuts to the young players, it will be a great experience for them. It is a first-class game, which makes it even better, and hopefully a few people will come to watch.
Australia held a training session here earlier. Get your tickets to see them in action #P2bD http://t.co/jKh8rwKMx2 pic.twitter.com/R4c2PyCn09
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) July 22, 2015
“It will help our players’ development, they will see what it is like playing against international players. In last year’s tour game, Ben Cotton last year bowled an international-class spell to Virat Kohli against India before getting him out and Harvey Hosein also played really well against a good team.
“Australia have a side full of quality and they have got a good blend of youth and experience. The likes of Michael Clarke, Chris Rogers and Shane Watson have been around for a long time and their attack is one of the best in the world.
“Mitchell Johnson and Mitchell Starc have got great pace and I like the look of Josh Hazlewood who has bowled well so far in England. After they won the second test they will be riding high on confidence.”
Welch believes that the development at The 3aaa County Ground may shock some members of the Australia touring party who last visited Derby back in 2012.
“A few of their players will have played at Derby before, a few of them will get a surprise at the turnaround of the place and how things have changed at The 3aaa County Ground.
“It is very impressive with all the development that has taken place, we have the new changing rooms and some great facilities such as the new nets which have been brilliant for us.
“A lot of improvements have been made and I am sure they will be impressed, hopefully we can have three good days of cricket and we want to show what we can do against a great side.”
Derbyshire welcome Australia to Derby in the Bell & Co Tourist Fixture. Buy your matchday tickets in advance & save £4 per adult ticket purchased. Watch international stars including Mitchell Johnson, Michael Clarke, Steve Smith and David Warner in action at Derby.
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