Derbyshire County Cricket Club will kick of their preseason campaign next week with newly re-appointed captain Wayne Madsen.
The Falcons will begin preparations next week for the 2025 season as they take on Oxford UCCE in a three-day game starting on Tuesday (25th March).
The contest will be the first of two friendly fixtures to be held at The County Ground before their opening Rothesay County Championship clash against Gloucestershire on April 4th.
Last season proved to be less than fruitful for the men’s side, as they finished bottom of the county championship, and failed to qualify for the knockout stages of both the T20 Blast and the One Day Cup.
However, Derbyshire will begin this season under new, or rather old, leadership, as veteran Wayne Madsen steps in for his second spell as captain.
The 41-year-old was re-appointed following David Lloyd’s decision to step down from the role, after a tumultuous first campaign with the club after signing from Glamorgan.
Speaking on his appointment, Madsen said, “It’s a huge privilege and an honour to captain the club once again.
“Nine years ago, I didn’t think that I’d be doing this again, but the opportunity has come around and I’m really looking forward to where we are going to go as a team.
“we’ve got a really galvanised group and Lloydy’s done a fantastic job last year in bringing together the team – I’m really grateful and thankful to him for that.”
Madsen also discussed his relationship with head coach Mickey Arthur and how they will work together to improve on last season’s performance.
“Mickey (Arthur) and I have a really good relationship both on and off the field.
“I do think we’ll challenge each other in terms of what we want for the team, to make sure that we get the best out of this group.”
During his first spell as skipper, Madsen lifted the county championship division two trophy in 2012, before stepping down in 2016.
The Italian international said that he would like to achieve the same success this season.
“It goes without saying that that’s what I’d like to achieve again, certainly to win a trophy, and to win Div 2 is the first step in that.
“We’re really excited about where the team are going as a group, and that for me is bringing that success and winning games of cricket.
This team in on course for success. I can assure everyone – our members and supporters – that Mickey, myself, the team, the coaching staff and everyone around the group are doing everything we can to bring success back to Derbyshire.”
