First there was Zaman Khan, he of the slinging action and toe-crushing yorkers. Then came Mohammad Ghazanfar, of the hard to read variations and cleverly controlled spells.
Now, we welcome Sufyan Moqim (sometimes spelled Sufiyan Muqeem), a name that means as much to me as it will to batters across the county circuit. But unlike me, they will have to try and figure him out this summer, over a six-match Vitality Blast stay which will cover the first half of the competition, up to and including the Nottinghamshire game on May 29.
There isn’t a lot of footage showing Moqim in action, which is excellent news for Derbyshire, because it will be difficult for others to prepare to face him. What is evident, from that footage, is that he turns the ball both ways, has a very high action and keeps a very good length with those left arm spin variations. His career average, so far in T20, is to concede less than seven runs an over, with best bowling figures of five wickets for three. In the current BPL he has figures of 1-11, 1-12 and 1-29 in his four-over spells.
It is another signing that is testament to the contacts of Mickey Arthur, the player on his radar since his time in Pakistan. While critical of some of his red ball signings, I cannot argue that he has enticed players of quality and exciting potential to Derbyshire for the last three seasons of white ball. Moqim has been playing under Arthur in this year’s Bangladesh Premier League for Rangpur Riders and looks a very sound pick.
There are not too many left arm wrist spinners of quality in the world game and that rarity tends to make them a challenge. Tabraiz Shamsi of South Africa, Kuldeep Yadav of India and Noor Ahmed of Afghanistan are the only ones that come to my mind, but Moqim seems to bowl quite flat and present a challenge to batters hoping to get ‘under’ him. Of course he can be hit, but unless you pick him – never easy – or get lucky, such intentions are fraught with danger.
It is another winter signing that I applaud, although I might need some hand cream soon, since I’ve been doing that now for several months. I cannot recall a winter of such positivity and activity in all of those that I have supported the club. Moqim will doubtless form a dual spin attack in T20 with Matt Montgomery, who proved very effective for Nottinghamshire with his Sunil Narine-style off spin, often with the new ball. It was a role that Wayne Madsen once filled cleverly and ensures we can compete on all surfaces.
With this signing, the challenge is now to name a first choice T20 side. Pat Brown will be fit after surgery, as will Harry Moore. Could this be a first choice eleven?
Donald
Jewell
Montgomery
Madsen
Basra
Whiteley
Andersson
Chappell
Moore/Aitchison
Brown
Moqim
Depth and power to the batting, variation in the attack, greater athleticism in the field. While more positive about our red ball chances, if that team fires they will do pretty well in the short format.The bowling HAS to be better than last year, the fielding should be and the batting has the potential to do damage.
The great thing being that there are other options too.
Welcome to Derbyshire, Sufyan.
We look forward to enjoying your talents in the months ahead.
Just the second half of the Blast to sort now…
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