Sussex arrive in Derby sitting fourth in the table, being one of only two sides in division two of the county championship to have recorded a victory, having vanquished Gloucestershire in their last match by four wickets. Derbyshire find themselves two places and ten points behind them in the table, having recorded four draws from their opening four matches, Sussex having only played the three will be arriving not only rested having had their bye week, but on the back of some impressive form, having only been bowled out once and having passed 450 in each of their first innings so far.
Derbyshire have also had an upturn in batting form, scoring 447 last time out against a strong Yorkshire attack, this being the first time they have passed 400 this season, in comparison the Sussex’s regular mammoth run scoring. Derbyshire have also struggled for wickets, having failed to take the requisite ten wickets in every innings bar one, however there is a knight riding to the rescue on a stallion to save the day in the shape of Daryn Dupavillon, a South African quick with real pace and wicket taking ability.
For Sussex’s Fynn Hudson-Prentice it will also be an opportunity to show Derbyshire what they are missing, returning to his previous county, a fine all rounder who offers runs with the bat and wickets with the ball. I am sure Derbyshire would be much happier if he was leaving the home dressing room this match instead of the away.
Key Players
Derbyshire
Every coach strives for balance in their side. What provides balance, genuine all rounders, players who can contribute with both bat and ball and in Anuj Dal that is exactly what Derbyshire have. It is no coincidence that when Dal performs well, Derbyshire perform well. He bats at seven and can score vital lower order runs there, he bowls often first change and contributes wickets there, usually at a decent economy rate to boot. If Derbyshire are to chalk up their first win of the season, then they will be looking for a big contribution from their number seven!
Sussex
When a player moves county it is always interesting to see how they go, especially when it is a player who has become part of the furniture and synonymous with that county, John Simpson was just that at Middlesex, however over the winter he moved to the South coast, not looking for a retirement home, but for a revitalisment home and it would appear if early season form is anything to go by, he has found it. From his four innings this season he has scored 311 runs at an average of 103.67, yes boosted by 205 not out, but lower order runs are essential to a team’s success. Throw in he is one of the best glovemen around and he leadership skills both on and off the park, Simpson is key part of the Sussex success drive.
Team News
Derbyshire
Derbyshire will be waiting on the condition of the hand of talismanic batter Wayne Madsen who batted through the pain last week, but if he is fit enough for this match, we will have to wait and see. If Madsen does miss out, expect Matt Lamb to come into the top six batting order. Sam Conners who missed last match with a slight groin strain will be pushing for a return but he will be facing competition from new overseas signing Dupavillon. They may also be looking to manage work loads of their quick bowlers with Zak Chappell having missed a game earlier in the season with a niggle, so rest and rotation amongst the bowlers may be in order.
Derbyshire squad: (tbc)
Sussex
Sussex should have no new injuries to report, coming off a bye week, they should be well rested and ready to go. With Jofra Archer named in the World T20 squad this week, could this game be an ideal opportunity for him to get some overs under his belt in match conditions, we will have to wait and see when the squad is announced.
Sussex squad: (tbc)
Weather and Conditions
There has been a strange phenomenon spotted in the skies of Derby over the last week, its been round, yellow and emitting warmth, those with excellent memories have been informing the youngsters of the city, its what those fanciful people refer to as “The Sun.” A week of warm weather leading up to the game should see the pitch drying out, although the forecast for the match is not great, as with it seems every game this season, expect some delays to play. The last match at Derby saw a draw with Leicestershire posting 574-7 declared, so if the pitch is as good, expect runs a plenty.
Date: 3rd May 2024
Time: 11.00 am
Ground: County Ground, Derby
