An useful middle-order batsman and a leg-break bowler with plenty of promise, Matt Critchley, came up through the ranks in Derbyshire. He showed his talent with the bat in just his second first-class game, making a brilliant 137* against Northamptonshire, which resulted in the youngster being offered a fresh four-year contract by the county.
Having begun his cricketing career at various age groups in Lancashire, where his father was a reputed Level 3 coach, Critchley found life difficult in the environs of Old Trafford and made the move to Derbyshire - which would reap dividends later on.
Being a wrist spinner, it was natural of Derbyshire to use him predominantly in the shorter formats of the game and Twenty20 crickert became the calling card for Critchley, a format which he seems to enjoy. In mid-2018, Critchley secured his first-ever 10-wicket haul in Championships, against Northants, helping his team stage a stunning come from behind victory.
