Middlesex v Derbyshire preview

After the rain-induced disappointments of the FP Trophy, Derbyshire return to Championship action tomorrow against Middlesex at Lords.

The county still ave injury problems and James Pipe is still troubled by his finger injury. Coach John Morris is less concerned than might have been the case as he is happy with the way that Fred Klokker has deputised behind the stumps. The focus must be to get Pipe fit for the rigours of 20/20.

With Greg Smith still out and Tom Lungley rested as he is still having blister trouble on his feet, there is a welcome return for Kevin Dean. The balance of the side is the main problem, as Rikki Clarke's thumb fracture still prevents him from bowling. It may be that Ian Hunter is also in the frame for a game, but I would expect Derbyshire to take the field with more of less this side:

Stubbings
Rogers
Sadler
Telo
Clarke
Klokker
Wagg
Clare
Langeveldt
Needham
Dean

Middlesex have some good players, with the mercurial Owais Shah the lynchpin of the batting, but they can usually expect runs from Ed Joyce, Eoin Morgan, Ed Smith and the talented young Billy Godleman.

The bowling is dependent on Tim Murtagh making an early breakthrough, though overseas duo Vernon Philander and Dirk Nannes will aim to impress. Shaun Udal has been playing well but may be doubtful after an injury in yesterday's FP Trophy.

It is a game that Derbyshire are very capable of winning, but much depends on the ability to raise a first innings score. The side could make a promotion push, but needs the valuable first innings points for batting to augment anything that our powerful seam attack acquires.