Published: Apr 14, 2016, 03:59 PM (IST)
Edited: Apr 14, 2016, 03:59 PM (IST)
Derbyshire batsman Wayne Madsen had recently stepped down as captain of the team and is looking forward to play for the national side, England. The South-African born is eligible to represent England as he has achieved the British citizenship last year. At the moment, people are concerned who will be the next captain of Derby and as Madsen told BBC Radio Derby, Billy Goldman’s appointment as the next captain is a right call. While speaking on the radio, Madsen said, “Playing for England was part of the thinking behind stepping aside, so I can really focus on my batting and scoring a lot of runs.” READ: Derbyshire captain Wayne Madsen completes 8,000 First-Class runs
He further added, “If I can score heavy runs and contribute to us getting promoted, then there is every chance it opens the door to the possibilities of international cricket and England call-ups. I had a good think over the winter from the end of last season – especially over Christmas. I had a good chat with family in South Africa. I spoke with Graeme Welch elite performance director and I properly decided it was time to step aside and let someone else take over. Billy is the perfect man to give the team a fresh start. Billy is a great character. He has always been a leader. He has some great ideas going into the season about the way he wants to lead the team. I really think he will do an outstanding job.”
Madsen recently signed a new deal to stay with Derbyshire until end of 2019 and has scored 21 centuries since he began 2009 county cricket. He has amassed more than 1,500 runs in all formats in each of three seasons he has played, as mentioned on bbc.com. Madsen expects this to be a good season as Derbyshire plays Gloucestershire on Sunday for which he mentioned, “I am excited about focusing on my batting and also continuing to lead in the dressing room and help the team be successful. As a captain you have to make sure you are doing your job and scoring your runs.”
“I always tried to make sure I focused on my responsibilities as a player, but naturally when the team are not doing so well it puts you under extra stress and pressure and that is something I certainly won’t miss. Ultimately I want to do that for Derbyshire to be successful. As a team it is time for us to deliver.”
