Derbyshire looking to restore pride against Nottinghamshire

The Falcons have something to prove to themselves and supporters after a humiliating three day defeat to Surrey in the County Championship this week.

That came on the heels of a T20 thrashing at Worcester which has left Derbyshire bottom of the group with two wins and six defeats.

Elite performance director Graeme Welch believes his team can still challenge for a quarter-final place but accepts that they have to deliver starting with the visit of the Outlaws.

“The T20 has been disappointing, we got some overseas players in for the public to watch but they haven’t really performed so everybody has to stand up, “ he said.

“It’s a big game on Friday against Notts with big local rivalry and we have to put a performance in, there’s no ifs or buts now.

“We’ve let people down in the T20’s, we’ve been losing wickets in clusters and not showing enough fight and determination for the badge which is really disappointing.

“Last Friday night at Worcester, we lost 4 for 20 in the power play. People aren’t taking responsibility and we talk about this every single day so these lads know exactly what is expected of them.

“T20 is a volatile game but there is a method to it and it seems like we can’t handle the pressure and people just aren’t applying themselves.

“ I’ve said to them to have a good reflection on where you are at this moment in your career and be honest with yourself and with your team.”

Derbyshire have already won one more game than last season and although this summer’s campaign has been inconsistent, Welch has seen some encouraging signs.

“There’s definitely more positives coming out of it but we just can’t get over the line. Wes (Durston) has captained very well and there has definitely been an improvement and there are still six games to go

“Notts are not really firing either so if we can put a good performance together like we did against Lancashire we are still in with a shout. There are 12 points to play for and teams are beating each other but we have to put together a run soon.

Derbyshire are expecting a 3,000 plus crowd for the game which will be New Zealand batsman Hamish Rutherford’s home T20 debut.