Both sides roll into Derby this week for this fixture having failed to secure a victory so far this season between them, both with four draws and one loss to their name. Northants have accrued 14 more bonus points than their hosts and find themselves one place above them in the table.
The vast majority of those extra points come from the batters, having scored enough runs to collect 14 batting points, third only in the table to Sussex and Leicestershire in comparison to Derbyshire’s collection of just four batting points, all of which came from one innings in the match against Yorkshire. Northants in comparison have scored batting bonus points in all but one of their fixtures so far this season.
When it comes to bowling bonus points Northants have gathered eleven and Derbyshire eight, pointing to both sides struggling to take wickets. For Derbyshire this is not unusual, having failed to win a match not only this season but last season too. Northants did win last season and their victories were in Division One, plus they have added to their attack with George Scrimshaw moving from their hosts this week in the off season.
It will be interesting to see whose, if either side’s fortunes will change this week as they go on the hunt for those batting and bowling bonus points and that elusive first victory of the season.
Key Players
As Derbyshire go looking for those vital wickets, they will be hoping new overseas signing Daryn Dupavillon can take more than his fair share of them. He is a genuine wicket taker; quick and gets movement off the pitch and has taken 233 First Class wickets at a smidge under 26. His previous outing for Derbyshire saw him return figures of 3 for 89 and the club will be hoping for more of the same and better from the South African.
When it comes to the debate of best players to never play for England, Ben Sanderson rarely gets a mention, however when you look at his record, you could argue he should. He is a regular wicket taker, having taken over 30 wickets in the last 7 full seasons, not counting the 2020 COVID season and if you don’t count last season, which was curtailed by injury, Sanderson has bagged at least 40 wickets. It is clear that Sanderson is vital to Northamptonshire’s success, if he can continue with the same form this season then expect success at Wantage Road again.
Team News
Derbyshire may be without their second overseas bowler Blair Tickner as his wife continues her battle with leukaemia. If he is absent then expect either Sam Conners or Pat Brown to come into the side. Last match saw Harry Came dropped from his opening slot, although he has scored 151 for the seconds this week and may be hoping it is enough to reclaim his place. However the likelihood is that Derbyshire will stick with their most recent top order for another game at least and Came may have to wait for his return. Apart from this expect very few changes to the squad.
Derbyshire squad: (tbc)
Northants have no new injury news coming into this match so expect the same squad as per their last match against Gloucestershire.
Northamptonshire squad: (tbc)
Weather and Conditions
The weather looks to be getting better as the match goes on, with the first two days being unsettled with rain around. Sunday and Monday look to be clear and good for cricket.
The pitches at Derby have been pretty bland and easy to score on so far, so again expect runs and the bowlers having to work hard for their wickets.
Date: 17th May to 20th May
Time: 11.00 am
Ground: County Ground, Derby
