Injuries aren’t stopping Viljoen

TWO defeats from two County Championship games and already out of the One-Day Cup – it’s certainly been a nightmare start for Derbyshire this season.

But they enter their four-day game against Worcestershire today with a Test match bowler in the ranks, and Hardus Viljoen insists he is growing every week as he prepares to make his first-class debut for the club.

The right-arm quick made his South Africa Test debut against England last year, and snared Alastair Cook with his very first ball.

With a knee injury seeing him miss the first two fourday games, Viljoen replied with six wickets in five oneday games – but now he has the red ball back in his palm, he expects a dramatic improvement.

“I’m looking forward to bowling with the red ball,” said Viljoen. “It gives you a bit more assistance on the type of wickets that we play on here and you can be aggressive.

“Every time I walk on the park I do my absolute best, but it’s a process you need to follow and trust your body and you can only do as much as your body allows you to.

“I feel I’m getting better with every game and it’s a process that I need to allow myself to follow and remain patient.

“The intensity between red-ball and white-ball cricket is a bit different so I don’t think bowling the overs will be a problem. Just being able to play is actually a great feeling.”

In contrast to Derbyshire, Worcestershire arrive in fine form after booking a home semi-final in the One-Day cup – finishing top of the North Group with six wins from eight.