Derby v Warwick

Well, the top order failed again, but I'd have to say that I'm pretty satisfied with the first day.

Yes, the total was disappointing for the first day of a Championship game, but it was a lot better than looked likely in the early afternoon. Full credit to Tom Lungley and to Jon Clare, both of whom seem to have the ability to become reall all rounders. The former has always appeared to be a bloke who could keep an end up, but seems to have done much more, while the latter looks like one of the most exciting finds in a long while. OK, since Dan Redfern last year, but you take my point.

This time last year the side would have been out for 150, but they have at least posted something to bowl at and the hope is that tomorrow brings the same humid atmosphere that produced extravagant swing today. As the day cools towards evening swing will generally lessen but with the bowlers at our disposal I'm optimistic that we can make inroads into their batting.

The key, of course, is removing the talismanic Darren Maddy and then Ian Bell. They are the two best players by a distance, and we'll need an early breakthrough or could be set for some serious leather-chasing.

Fingers crossed for a humid morning everyone!