Sunday 11 May 2008

Glamorgan v Derbyshire. Tough decisions ahead...

John Morris will have his work cut out over the next two days.

The wicket at Cardiff normally turns and I'd expect Jake Needham to be in the frame for his first start to partner Nayan Doshi in a spin attack. Things may be different this year of course, but fitting in the talented off spinner, another who could become a genuine all rounder in time, means someone misses out.

As I see it, there are the following certainties (fitness permitting):

Rogers
Stubbings
Sadler
Clarke
X
X
Wagg
X
Lungley
Langeveldt
Doshi

Some might query John Sadler being sure of a place, but the Yorkshireman is the best bet, at least until Wavell Hinds arrives. I would be loathe to drop Jon Claire after his performances so far, so the spotlight falls on Dom Telo.

I've previously said that the talented young South African is burdened by expectation but I am convinced that he will come good later in the summer. At the same time, he is not scoring runs at present, while Claire has just scored 120 runs for once out against Warwickshire. Equally, Fred Klokker has just scored a century and is a solid player and competent keeper.

If Pipe still has hand trouble, Klokker should play and bat five. This would strengthen the batting and enable the ebullient Pipe to be fully fit for the important FP Trophy games when we need his aggressive style. I'm less convinced that Pipe as a number five is a good option as he rarely comes off when batting up the order. There is also uncertainty over the fitness of skipper Rikki Clarke with a thumb injury that may at least stop him bowling.

For what its worth, assuming Pipe and Clarke's injury problems continue, I'd go with the following side:

Rogers
Stubbings
Sadler
Clarke
Klokker
Claire
Wagg
Lungley
Needham
Langeveldt
Doshi

But hey, what do I know? Why not mail in your comments and side for the next game? Whatever happens, this is a good time to be a Derbyshire fan.

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