Aussie fast bowler Stanlake is eager to get going

The Australian is now living in Derby after his move from Queensland where he has recently been playing in the Marsh Cup.

And although he’ll have to wait until May 13 for his first team debut (see page 46) he is ready when called upon.

“It’s nice to finally be over here and I can’t wait to finally play some cricket for Derbyshire ” he said.

“It’s the reason why I’ve come here, to play lots of cricket, I have a couple of weeks now to get acclimatised and get to know the boys before my first game. It’ll be great to meet up with all the boys and get down to business soon.

“I’ve never been able to get a consistent block of red ball cricket, so to be able to come to Derbyshire and have that opportunity is something I’m really excited about. I’m hoping it can take my game to the next level and hopefully I can help the side to a few wins this season.

“It’s always great when you can go different parts of the world and succeed. With The Ashes coming around every couple of years, it’s good to prove you can bowl in these conditions with the Dukes ball.

“Whenever you are playing cricket, it helps your case [for international selection], but the main reason I’ve come to Derbyshire is to play games and take my game to another level.

"Everyone is telling me how fun county cricket is, so I can’t wait to experience that myself.”

Stanlake says he’s kept an eye on Derbyshire’s progress from the other side of the world and is looking forward to working with the talent already at the club.

“I’ve seen snippets here and there,” he added.

“It’s a young bowling attack, but a really exciting one and I’m looking forward to spending time with them and help them along the way with bits of advice.

“I just can’t wait for my first training session and get stuck in, but it’ll be good to see the lads play this week and get a feel for things.”

Stanlake looks set to make his bow in the LV= Insurance County Championship against Essex in May, having arrived to late to be eligible for this week's game with Nottinghamshire due to quarantine rules.