Graeme Welch says he is privileged to have Hashim Amla at the Club as he prepares his squad to face Northamptonshire at The 3aaa County Ground, starting on Sunday.
Amla is set to make his Derbyshire debut after the South Africa Test Captain arrived in Derby this week. And Welch believes the Club will reap the benefits of the 32-year-old’s qualities during his stay.
“It’s a different league, he’s one of the best three batsman in the world,” said Welch. “We’re very privileged to have him here and hopefully he will win us a couple of games just like Martin Guptill did at Gloucestershire.
“He has already said he wants the lads to come and speak to him, to tap into his knowledge. He’s a really genuine nice man and I’m sure he will be brilliant for us.”
Welch is set to be boosted by the return of bowlers Tony Palladino and Tom Taylor on Sunday, after the duo sat out of the rain-affected draw at Glamorgan last time out, and he insists there is a lot of competition for places for this week’s fixture.
“The Glamorgan game was a great exercise, Ben Cotton came in very well, Matthew Critchley showed some very good signs and Scott (Elstone) obviously got his chance and played really well to get his hundred in a dodgy situation.
“Tony (Palladino) and (Taylor) got rested, we were looking after them because we haven’t got a big squad.
“They’re ready to go this week, I haven’t picked the side yet but everything is fine with them.
“We have been having a look at the Northamptonshire DVD that the analyst has put together and they seem to have some good cricketers.
“We know that Kleinveldt is a good bowler, and they’re hard hitting in the middle order with David Willey and Josh Cobb.
“They’ve had a good start to the season but we have as well. We haven’t played at our best but we are still performing very well.”
Under 16s can watch all four days of cricket of this fixture for FREE! Supporters can purchase their matchday tickets over the phone by calling 0871 350 1870, online by clicking HERE or in person at reception at The 3aaa County Ground; Nottingham Road, Derby, DE21 6DA.
