Derby v Warwick Day 3

If, as widely predicted by some good judges, Warwickshire are to run away with Division 2 this season, it is safe to say that Derbyshire are not going to be far behind them.

After an absorbing day of cricket, Derbyshire now control the game and dictate where it goes from here. Tomorrow may see a quick session of joke bowling and a target set, or Derbyshire could bat solidly and leave them around 340 in 70-75 overs. I suspect that Captain Clarke will not be as generous as Pettini of Essex was in the last home game, although there is a fine balance between a gettable target that convinces the batting side that a chase is worthwhile, and one where they simply bat out time.

We all know Warwickshire bat a long way down, and with Maddy, Bell and Ambrose have England players past and present. I don't know how the wicket is playing, but 323-5 doesn't sound like a deteriorating track to me.

Full credit to Derbyshire for a very good recovery and the sort of batting display that we've wanted to see. When we lost Chris Rogers to a facial injury (the grille on his helmet was dented in and cut his nose) and Steve Stubbings, John Sadler and Dom Telo had all gone with only 61 on the board, it was time to fear the worst. Enter the skipper, to play an innings of authority and take the game to the opposition. While he can bowl erratically and play casual shots to lose his wicket on occasion, I have to say that I am very impressed by Clarke. He is an excellent slip and all round fielder and as a captain is aggressive and expects his team to play the same way. He also makes inspired bowling changes and keeps the game alive. For a man who has only just started in this role it makes for impressive cricket. Cynics may say that he again gave it away when he went for 81, but he had taken the game away from Warwickshire and the lead was 150.

For Dom Telo, there was another disappointment but I feel he labours under a weight of expectation that is unfair for a young player who is learning the game and starting life in a new country. In his cameos he looks to have a full range of shots and be an exquisite timer of the ball. We need to persevere with him and I feel that we will see him at his best in July and August.

Fred Klokker (pictured) was batting solidly and playing exactly the innings needed. Rogers returned and blazed away for 64 at almost a run a ball and when he was dismissed our other injury victim, James Pipe, came in and batted in his own inimitable way for an unbeaten 24. Klokker was still there on a very patient and immensely valuable 76. It would be good to see him make three figures tomorrow, and I hope his sterling effort today isn't demeaned and devalued by facing joke bowling tomorrow. Should Pipe need a break at any point, it would appear that we have a very capable deputy in the Dane, who now boasts a first class average of over 50, despite his first innings duck.

Indeed, he staked a claim for staying in the side as a specialist batsman. Warwickshire had no one to cover for Tim Ambrose behind the stumps, as evidenced by over 20 byes. Klokker is a very solid, well organised batsman and a tidy keeper when required. When Wavell Hinds arrives, Greg Smith is fit and Dan Redfern finishes his exams, there will be real competition in the batting.

In addition, Paul Borrington today made his maiden first class century for Loughborough University, carrying his bat to save the game. If things get much brighter, we're going to need shades!