The Foxes take on the Falcons in the Royal London One Day Cup, at The Fischer County Ground, with both sides knowing that defeat will end any hopes of qualification for the knock out stages of the competition. However, for the side that prevails qualification will still be a possibility and they will go into the final round of matches on Tuesday knowing they must win again.
Both the Falcons’ and Foxes’ previous fixtures were affected by the rain, with Duckworth and Lewis involved in the Falcons’ loss to Lancashire off the penultimate ball, and the Foxes game against Northants being completely washed out. Neither side will want an abandonment today, as it will mean neither side can qualify for the later stages.
Both sides have won two games in the competition so far this year. Derbyshire have won both chasing, while Leicestershire have won chasing and defending. It will be interesting to see which way the toss winning captain elects to go. I would expect both to choose to chase, both having success chasing and if there is rain in the air, Duckworth Lewis often favours the side chasing.
The Bookies cannot split the sides for this game, giving the same odds for both sides. The Falcons probably have the edge, however, as they have made consistently high scores even in defeat and, but for a couple of very close games going against them, could easily have four victories rather than two.
Key Men
When Leicestershire have won, one man has always contributed and that man is Mark Pettini, scoring 59 and exactly 100 more in their other victory. His experience at the top of the order and ability to judge conditions allows him to set a platform for others to go on, or as he did against Warwickshire go on himself. If Pettini can do this again then the Foxes chances of success will be greatly enhanced.
With Gary Wilson away on international duty many expected Harvey Hossein to deputise behind the stumps, but Summer recruit Daryn Smit has been given the honour instead. He has shown this decision to be the right one, as he is yet to concede a bye and has shown lightning fast hands with some fantastic stumpings.
Smit’s batting has also been a great asset to the side, contributing in the middle order and often finishing off innings for Derbyshire. His ability to do this and keep wicket allows a much better balance to the side and his success is Key to the Falcons.
Team News
Leicestershire have made one addition to the squad for today, with fit again off-spinner Rob Sayer coming into the 15. Colin Ackermann is again named in the squad following his finger injury but Ben Raine, Neil Dexter and Richard Jones remain in the pavilion nursing their own injuries.
Derbyshire have named the same eleven that lost to Lancashire last time, out along with Tony Palladino and Tom Milnes making up the 13. Charlie MacDonnell however misses out this time and does not make the trip. Exciting fast bowler Will Davis remains absent through injury.
Leicestershire Squad: Clint McKay (c), Colin Ackermann, Aadil Ali, Zak Chappell, Mark Cosgrove, Cameron Delport, Ned Eckersley, Gavin Griffiths, Lewis Hill, Dieter Klein, Callum Parkinson, Mark Pettini, Rob Sayer, James Sykes, Tom Wells.
Derbyshire squad: Billy Godleman (c), Ben Cotton, Matt Critchley, Alex Hughes, Wayne Madsen, Jeevan Mendis, Tom Milnes, Tony Palladino, Luis Reece, Ben Slater, Daryn Smit (wk), Shiv Thakor, Hardus Viljoen
Form
Leicestershire: ALLWL
Derbyshire: LWLLW
Weather and conditions
The weather looks reasonable for the match, although if the forecasts are to be believed Leicester could be on the receiving end of some rain between 1pm and 2pm, so calculators at the ready for some Duckworth and Lewis. Temperatures look set to hit the dizzy heights of 17 degrees, so wrap up warm under your water proofs.
Date: 14th May 2017
Time: 11:00am
Ground: The Fischer County Ground, Grace Road
Umpires: Cook and Robinson
Odds (SkyBet): Leicestershire 10/11 Derbyshire 10/11
