Michael Di Venuto - player of the season
by Alan Rowley, 10th November 2001

Sting In The Tail's player of the season for 2001 was our overseas star Michael Di Venuto who topped the site's man of the match table with six awards.

Born in Hobart, Tasmania in 1973, the left-handed batsman performed with great credit in a tough season which saw the county finish bottom of both major league competitions. His 1,082 runs came at an average of 45.08 and included four centuries and five fifties, a performance that took him to the top of the county batting averages.

His first championship ton came in the match against Worcestershire at New Road in mid-May which was ruined by the weather. With the first three days washed out, a one innings match was arranged for the final day. His knock of 108, including 19 fours, was the only bright spot in a poor Derbyshire total of 222.

Diva bettered this total in a remarkable match against Durham at the Riverside in August. In a low scoring game, Derbyshire were set 224 to win the game on the final day. At tea, Di Venuto had scored 96 out of 124 runs. He went on to score a fine 111 before he had to retire with a leg injury. At this point, fellow Tasmanian Chris Bassano took over and saw Derbyshire through to a remarkable four wicket victory after being skittled for just 95 in the first innings.

Taking on the responsibility of captain mid-way through August following a series of injuries and Dominic Cork 's non-availability, Di Venuto shone. By his terms, the season had been slow, despite having bettered his championship best twice.

In the match against local rivals Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, however, he bettered his best yet again with a magnificent 165 from a Derbyshire total of 320, his highest score in England. He followed this with a knock of 93 in the second innings but was unable to prevent Derbyshire going down to the home side.

The 1,000 runs for the season target was passed at the end of August in the match against Gloucestershire which saw the county slump to yet another innings defeat. In a first innings partnership of 120 with Steve Stubbings which saw Di Venuto contribute 61, the four figures were reached. In the second innings, an excellent 120 from Stubbo saw him achieve the same milestone. In runs scored terms, the two Aussies finished streets ahead of the rest.

Diva's reward for his hard graft came at the end of the season when Derbyshire appointed him as Dominic Cork's vice-captain for 2002 - a role that he inherits from Karl Krikken who can now concentrate on his much-deserved benefit year.

Sting In The Tail wishes Michael the very best of luck in his new role and we are sure that he will take some beating in the race for the magic 1,000 again next season, but watch out for Stubbo pressing hard.