Matt Critchley is flattered by comparisons to Derbyshire greats after his excellent start to the season, but the all-rounder says this is just the latest step in becoming an important player for the club.
After two rounds of LV= County Championship fixtures, Critchley has scored 340 runs, making one century and three half-centuries in draws against Warwickshire and Worcestershire, while his ten wickets have come at an average of just 16.50.
During the incredible individual performance against Worcestershire, in which he scored 109, 84 and took eight wickets, Critchley drew comparisons to Derbyshire great Chris Adams from Heritage Officer David Griffin, who likened the 24-year-old’s cover drive and confidence at the crease to that of the two-time trophy-winner with Derbyshire.
Having previously been spoken about in the same breath as Dominic Cork, for match-winning performances such as that against Yorkshire at Queen’s Park in 2018, Critchley admits he’s pleased to be held in such high-regard at the club, but he’s determined to become a consistent performer for Derbyshire and keep learning from the current experienced players.
“That’s always what I want to achieve for Derbyshire – to be a match-winner and help the Club to win trophies,” he said.
“That’s what we all want. if I can do that through my performances, then great. I’m too young to have watched those players at Derbyshire, but I know they’re Club greats and had amazing careers.
“I don’t think too much about comparisons, but if I can have similar success to what they had, then I will have done something right!
“In my time at Derbyshire, I look to the likes of Billy [Godleman] and Wayne [Madsen] as the greats in our dressing room. I’ve played with them both for a long time now and they’ve both helped me a lot with my game.”
While his batting has stolen most of the headlines this season, Critchley’s bowling has also shown major signs of improvement over the last 18 months.
He was Derbyshire’s leading wicket-taker in last year’s Bob Willis Trophy, taking 17 wickets at an average of 26.88, while he’s already into double-figures after two games in 2021.
Having worked in previous winters with former Australia Test leg-spinner Stuart MacGill, Critchley spent the recent off-season in England, working on his game with Derbyshire’s coaches.
The all-rounder is grateful for MacGill’s guidance, even from afar, and says that he’s enjoying being able to contribute with bat and ball.
“I’m really enjoying bowling leg spin and the challenge of it,” he added.
“That’s not to say I don’t want to score runs of course, but I like practicing leg spin and enjoy the contest trying to get someone out.
“I still speak to him [MacGill] regularly, probably once or twice a week and he was in touch throughout these last two games.
“It’s been nice to have a winter at home, but I did miss going out to Australia. That doesn’t stop him sending tactical and mental advice through though and that’s really useful to have. He’s probably my biggest fan, after my Mum!”
Secure priority entry with 2021 Membership.
Membership is the best value way to follow Derbyshire as we celebrate the historic 150th anniversary of our first match, with a host of other Member Exclusives included too.
Club Membership for the 2021 season is on sale now, priced at just £199. Members to have priority entry and all Memberships backed by our new guarantees.
