Middlesex v Derbyshire day one

Round of applause please for this, the hundredth post on the Derbyshire blog..

Sadly, our batting was once again underwhelming in the first innings of a game as we wasted another good start. At 87-0, John Morris must have been thinking we were on course for maximum batting points for the first time this season, but a combination of a lively track, accurate bowling and loose strokes meant we were all out for 244.

Part of Morris' frustration must be that people get starts, sometimes good starts, then fail to go on to the big score. I remember once Geoff Boycott saying that being out for less than 20, and certainly for single figures, was more understandable and acceptable than giving it away on 40 onwards. Chris Rogers is a very fine player, but has had a number of 50-80 dismissals this year. That may sound a churlish comment, but we need a man of his calibre to go on to the REALLY big score. There is little doubt that our greatest need of strengthening is in our batting. Perhaps Wavell Hinds may make a difference, but you don't yet look at our batting line up and sit back in anticipation of carnage to come.

I've only felt that way once as a Derbyshire fan. That was back in the 1980's when a sample batting line-up read John Wright, Barry Wood, Peter Kirsten, John Hampshire, David Steele, Kim Barnett. Latterly, the Barnett, Bowler, Morris, Adams line-up was superb on its day, but there were plenty of occasions when it fired on only three cylinders.

Having said that, there seems to be enough in the wicket for our seamers to look forward to tomorrow. A little cloud cover tomorrow and Messrs Langeveldt and Dean will enjoy their game at the home of cricket. With Wagg and Clare in reserve, we're well placed unless the track rolls out easily tomorrow and Owais Shah hits top form.

Credit to Dan Birch, who I had effectively discounted as a first class player pre-season. He has battled well today, having done so against Glamorgan. Whoever gives way to accommodate Wavell Hinds next week is not clear, but Birch is making a strong argument to maintain his place in the side, while John Sadler is probably feeling a little pressure at this point. With Paul Borrington and Dan Redfern available soon, and Greg Smith getting closer to fitness, no one is guaranteed a place.