There were times, during his four seasons or something with Derbyshire, that Alex Thomson did indeed look a very good bowler.
There was his 7-65 in Cardiff in April 2024 and his 3-26 against Yorkshire in Chesterfield later that year, when he switched to Malan, Lyth and Masood in his first. Even in his last Derbyshire performance, against Leicestershire in July, he scored 55 and took 4-81.
He could hit and he could bowling. Maybe he didn’t score enough runs to be seen as a real all -rounder, or he takes enough ordinary wickets to secure one rotating berth in the side. He had a good pair of hands in the field and held his part of blinding catches.
He was not lucky with injuries and they stopped him in the last two years. I also don’t think it was useful that he was labeled by Mickey Arthur by Mickey Arthur, in a typical bullish remark shortly after his arrival. He was never often a first choice for that and it might practice unnecessary pressure on him. Neither did I help him at Derby, as would have done more matches in Chesterfield.
The signing of Jack Morley and the rise of Joe Hawkins meant that something had to give in the spinning area. As usually the case, the older man had to make way. I am old enough to remember when Leicester City had both Gordon Banks and Peter Shilton in their books and decided to sell the then English legend. Writing has been on the wall for a while and with the team that was adjusted for 2026, a departure seemed inevitable.
Alex was never an international star, but he always gave his best and was a fascinating, friendly and approachable member of the team, with supporters alone. He also loves his dogs, which made him more than good in my book, while his changing hairstyles were often worth it.
I am sure that he will make a success of his career, wherever it brings him. Similarly, so that many of you will participate with me to wish him the best.
Many thanks and best wishes for the future, Alex
#Alex #Thomson #leaves