Martin Guptill says he is enjoying his return to red ball cricket and hopes he can help Derbyshire make a quick start to their four-day campaign which begins on Sunday.
The New Zealand international arrived at Derbyshire last week following a record-breaking World Cup campaign where he finished as the leading run scorer, scoring 547 runs at an average of 68.37 and a top score of 237 not out.
The 28-year-old featured in the recent victory against Cambridge MCCU and showed no signs of rustiness with the red ball, hitting a rapid 161 off 108 balls before retiring, as Derbyshire won by an innings and 264 runs.
Guptill is delighted with his batting form and the smooth transition from playing in the World Cup to arriving to play red ball cricket in Derbyshire and can’t wait for the new season to begin on Sunday versus Lancashire at The 3aaa County Ground.
“The turnaround was pretty quick so I was able to get straight into training and playing a warm up match,” Guptill said.
“In swinging and nipping conditions over here you need to play the ball a bit later. That’s one big thing that I will be working hard on.
“I still think having positive intent to score is key to not letting you get bogged down at one end for long periods.
“It was great to spend a few hours at the crease and facing the red ball again. Any time in the middle is valuable warm up time for any cricket that you’re going to play.”
Guptill is back at The 3aaa County Ground for the first-time since a successful spell in the promotion-winning campaign of 2012 and he’s happy to be back with some familiar faces.
“I enjoy the guys in the team here. They’re very welcoming and it’s nice to be back playing cricket with a few mates I made here during my last stint.”
Derbyshire begin their new LV= County Championship campaign against Lancashire on Sunday 19 April (11am) at The 3aaa County Ground.
There’s still time for supporters to purchase Membership, Six Packs and matchday tickets for the 2015 season; either over the phone by calling 0871 350 1870, online HERE or in person at The 3aaa County Ground; Grandstand Road, Derby, DE21 6AF.
