Billy Godleman was delighted by the support shown to Derbyshire throughout the Aston Lark Tourist Fixture against Australia, and hopes the younger players can learn from facing some of the best players in the world.
Godleman captained Derbyshire against an Australia side containing the likes of Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Usman Khawaja and Peter Siddle in the three-day game at The Pattonair County Ground, which the tourists win by an innings and 54 runs.
Each day of the fixture were played in front of good crowds in Derby, as Australia continued their preparations ahead of the fourth Ashes Test at Emirates Old Trafford.
Godleman says that the support shown at the match shows the level of support there is for the red-ball game, and praised the Australia side for their conduct over the tree days.
“It was a great opportunity to go out there and challenge ourselves against the best in the world, and the level of support that we got was fantastic,” said Godleman.
“It says a lot about what the people who pay to come and watch cricket think about the longer form of the game. It was brilliant for all of us playing. I thought that the way Australia conducted themselves on and off the field was fantastic.”
Dustin Melton made his first-class debut in the game, while youngsters Hamidullah Qadri and Alfie Gleadall also played in the fixture, something which Godleman thinks will benefit the players greatly in their development.
He said: “It’s great for them to get up and close to watch some of the best in the world operate, but also the experience to go out and play a first-class game of cricket.”
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