Derbyshire 2026 One Day Cup Preview
- 4 days ago
- 3 min read
Written by Dan Clark
2025 Review:
League Position: 8th in Group A
Top Runscorer: Caleb Jewell - 438 runs
Top Bowler: Ben Aitchison - 13 wickets
Top Points Scorer: Caleb Jewell - 861 points
Overall, it was a disappointing campaign for Derbyshire last time around, securing just one win and one tie over the course of the competition. Their batting however, was strong throughout the group stages, scoring over 300 runs on six occasions. The batting unit was led by overseas Caleb Jewell, Matthew Montgomery and Brooke Guest. Montgomery, despite only playing in six games, scored over 400 runs at an average above 70.
An inexperienced bowling attack, featuring the likes of Rory Haydon and Nick Potts struggled throughout, with only Ben Aitchison taking over ten wickets in the competition. However, youngsters like Haydon and Joe Hawkins have developed over the past year, so there can be optimism within the camp.
Derbyshire 2026 One Day Cup Preview - Fantasy Cricket Banker, Wildcard & Young Gun
The return of overseas Caleb Jewell to Derbyshire will provide a huge boost in continuing the success of the batting unit from last season. Aneurin Donald is the sole representative from the county in the Hundred, so expect a stronger and more competitive team throughout the competition as the Falcons look to bounce back from last campaign’s disappointment. However, injuries to promising pace bowlers Harry Moore and Pat Brown could present issues for a pace attack which could also be without Zak Chappell to begin the campaign.
Banker: Martin Andersson
Andersson has been a breakout star this season across both formats so far. The all-rounder has found a home in Derby following his move from Middlesex, and has flourished with both bat and ball this season. His standout performance in the County Championship was in the first week of this season, scoring 223 against Worcestershire with the bat. His bowling, especially in limited over cricket, has been on full display this season too, netting figures of 6-23 in the T20 Blast against Leicestershire in May. Andersson seems a surefire pick for both runs and wickets for Derbyshire throughout the One Day Cup.
Wildcard: Ross Whiteley
The veteran Whiteley only featured in four games last campaign, but looks set for an expanded role in the side this season. A potentially destructive lower order batter, he has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to finish innings strong. Whiteley is not featuring in the Hundred this campaign, and with a Strike Rate of 98 in List A matches, he looks set for an expanded role as the key power bat for Derbyshire.
Young Gun: Rory Haydon
Fast bowler Rory Haydon has burst onto the scene so far this season, impressing in all formats. He has stood up having been called upon in the wake of injuries to Reece, Dal, Brown and Moore, along with Mo Abbas’ call up to the Pakistan test squad. Haydon has taken 24 wickets in just six first class matches this season, and the twenty three year old isn’t quite a teenage prodigy, but with just eleven professional games under his belt, he is someone with good potential for the future. Look for Haydon as a budget option with good upside for the upcoming season.
Potential Starting XI:
H Came
C Jewell
W Madsen
L Reece
M Andersson
B Guest
R Whiteley
B Aitchison
N Potts
R Haydon
S Bashir
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