Arthur keen to solve consistency problem with Derbyshire in 2026

An overall failure to put together strings of good performances was a key factor in Derbyshire’s 2025 campaign, particularly in the white ball game.

But as he assessed that situation and looked ahead to the new season, he told the club’s heritage officer David Griffin what’s needed to succeed.

He said: “Our inability to win back-to-back games was the main problem. We only did it once when we beat Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire in the Blast, and without the momentum which consistent winning brings, we were always struggling.

“I knew we had built a squad that was probably red ball proficient but I felt we needed everything to click in the white ball game to be successful. There were some very good things going on but not often enough.”

Arthur also reflected on the contributions of several key players last year, while looking at how fortunes improved to leave Derbyshire in the top three throughout the campaign.

He said: “I was incredibly impressed with Nye Donald. He’d had a good year in 2024 so we knew what he could do, but in 2025 he was really special. He created so much impact at the top of the order which is vital if we’re to win games.

"There’s still work to be done, though, because ideally, we want him to continue his innings outside the Powerplay. He possesses remarkable skills, especially in hitting balls out of the ground, but we’re working hard on further refinement.

"Mohammad Ghazanfar was so exciting and it’s been interesting to watch his development in all the other leagues. His performance at Headingley against Yorkshire – bowling to Malan and Bairstow – was exceptional and I’m pleased to get him back.

"Luis Reece and Wayne Madsen are both so invested in what we are trying to do – indeed, everyone is – but Wayne and Reecey epitomise that. They’ve been through some ups and downs at Derbyshire but their ambition and drive and determination is an example to the entire squad. They have such pride in their own performances and I want our young players in the dressing room to aspire to them.

"I’d been watching Caleb Jewell for two years before we signed him because I wanted someone to come in and give us impetus at the top of the order like Shan Masood did. Now those guys aren’t easy to find in terms of availability and I reckoned that an Australian player, outside of international cricket, was most likely to be one we could sign for an entire summer.

“He got a lot of runs, he scored them quickly, but he brought much more to Derbyshire. I speak to him four times a week and he sees Derbyshire as his club and certainly sees his future here. He enjoys the environment and enjoys scoring runs here!

“Jack Morley saw him in Melbourne last week and all Caleb was talking about was his return to Derbyshire.

"Generally speaking last year we got enough runs which gave greater heart to our bowlers because scoreboard pressure then became a factor. We also scored runs quicker which gave us more time to bowl sides out. All our career batting strike rates in first class matches were improved upon in 2025 which was something we had worked on.”