Glamorgan look to build on Derbyshire draw

24 Jun 2018 | Matches
Head Coach Robert Croft has named a 12-man squad as Glamorgan take on Northamptonshire in the Specsavers County Championship at Sophia Gardens Cardiff.

Ruaidhri Smith replaces David Lloyd who has been rested for the Northants clash as precaution for picking up a knee issue against Derbyshire, while Timm van der Gugten comes into the squad after returning from international duty with the Netherlands. Prem Sisodiya retains his place after an impressive senior debut at St Helen's with the bat and ball.  

The Welsh county were left disappointed to walk away from St Helen's without a win in their last game against Derbyshire, especially after a monumental effort with the bat in their second innings which put the home side in control of the game.  

Glamorgan Pathway player Kiran Carlson and Overseas star Usman Khawaja put on a show in Swansea putting together a 289 partnership, scoring 152 and 126 respectively. This was Khawaja's second hundred in successive  Specsavers County Championship games, and the Australian will be looking to make it a record three in a row when Northants travel to Cardiff.  

Monday's game will be Glamorgan's last in the competition before they begin their Vitality Blast campaign and will be hoping they can build on their impressive performance against Derbyshire. Skipper Michael Hogan was disappointed his team weren't able to pick up a win in Swansea but thinks the performance has put the squad in good stead. 

"There is a lot we can take from the Derbyshire game," said Hogan. "I was very happy with the way the boys went about their business. On the first day we fought back to put up a reasonable score and in their first innings at one point we took 5/5. 

"I felt the way the game had gone on the last day, we put enough effort to win the game. We're disappointed not to win the game but I feel there are far more positives we can take going forward." 

David Lloyd appeared to pick up an injury during a run up in Derbyshire's first innings but has yet to find out the extent of the problem. Marchant de Lange meanwhile is making progress on his hamstring injury but will be unavailable for Monday's game. Hogan feels Glamorgan will be well equipped to deal with recent injuries and feels there is good competition for places in the squad. 

"We have a few injuries currently so we'll have to assess where the boys are at the moment and of course there are a few tired bodies amongst the guys. 

"There is a lot to consider going into this game, given the effort in the Derby match I think there may be some upset guys if they're left out." 

Glamorgan 12-man squad to face Northants: Hogan (C), Selman, Khawaja, Murphy, Carlson, Morgan, Salter, Cooke, Smith, Carey, Sisodiya, van der Gugten