Ben McDermott ready to bolster Derbyshire’s batting line-up

Ben McDermott says he will be fully focused on Derbyshire when he joins up with the side in 2021, and he’s looking forward to adding to the club’s strong batting order.
Ben McDermott hits a six for Hobart during the Big Bash League. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)Ben McDermott hits a six for Hobart during the Big Bash League. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Ben McDermott hits a six for Hobart during the Big Bash League. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)

The wicketkeeper-batsman has not played for Australia’s first team since November 2019, but he did hit a brilliant 107 not out for Australia A against India in December 2020.

That performance, along with a number of explosive showings for Hobart Hurricanes in the Big Bash could put him back in the frame for international selection, something that would only be boosted by a strong Vitality Blast campaign with Derbyshire.

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However, the 26-year-old insists he is not thinking about his international chances and is focusing on helping Derbyshire to limited-overs success.

“I don’t want to think about international cricket too much,” he said.

“For me, it’s more of a bonus, because over the last couple of years I have gotten a taste of it, and I probably put a bit too much pressure on myself in the Bash.

“I just want to relax and not put too much expectation on it. If you do well in domestic cricket, that’s how you get picked.

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“I’m not coming to Derbyshire just to get into the Australia team, I want to come over, play good cricket and win games.”

And McDermott says having a strong core of players around him will make adjusting a lot easier.

“It takes the pressure off when you know there’s a few blokes around you who can also score runs,” he added.