By Grockle
September 10 2003

Ian Blackwell 197 off 94 balls as part of a 9th wicket partnership? Will this season ever cease to amaze those who watch this club? Over 200 and we still only reach just over 400! Let's hope Blackie has shell shocked the Derby boys! It's Day one and Ian Blackwell has shown what potential he has today. He may not have had the greatest of seasons, but he's having one hell of a last month! Johnno, Banger and Blackie will be in the one day squad for Bangla and James Hildreth will be on his way with the Under 19's - who says any of them don't deserve to be there.

Today was just total destruction! To come in with so many wickets down and only 75 on the board and to put on 167 with a number 11 (Nixon) who only adds 33 - that is just mayhem. He does it so well and once he does it once for England we'll never see him again.

Can you imagine him and Flintoff hitting form against Bangladesh's bowling attack at the same time? There will be nowhere left to hide! Is this coming from the freedom of knowing he isn't staying or the freedom of knowing he is? Will Blackie be with us next year? If he has a good winter will he be with anyone next year?