Krikken excited by Australia A clash
July 25, 2012 13:45:27 UK
Derbyshire coach Karl Krikken says he will field a near full-strength side against Australia A as he believes it will benefit a County Championship promotion push.
The Midlands county, top of Division Two with half-a-dozen matches left in their season, have played only one day of Championship cricket since 8th June - against promotion rivals Yorkshire at Chesterfield last week.
It's a great challenge for our lads to face some of the brightest young cricketers from Down Under.
Karl Krikken
They slumped to 135-7 in that contest and Krikken is reckoning on the standard of the opposition providing them with the kind of challenge they need.
"We've played only one day of red ball cricket since the Friends Life t20 break so, with important matches to come, the game versus Australia A comes at a very good time," Krikken said.
"It's always a privilege for county cricketers to play against touring sides and we're looking forward to three days of tough cricket versus a young and very talented team.
"As well as helping us prepare for the important forthcoming match versus Kent, it's a great challenge for our lads to face some of the brightest young cricketers from Down Under, many of whom no doubt have a future in the international game."
The Australian second string that takes on Wayne Madsen's impressive team is led by Test opening batsman Ed Cowan, while first-choice Test spinner Nathan Lyon and 2010-11 Ashes players Mitchell Johnson and Steve Smith are also included.
It is yet to be confirmed whether Mitchell Starc, the left-arm fast bowler, will play for Yorkshire against Leicestershire or feature in Derby.
Australia are 4.50 to win the 2103 Ashes series, with England 1.44 to tirumph on home soil.
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