This was always going to be a battle royal between two strong seam attacks and at this stage Derbyshire have the advantage.
We'll know by how much by lunchtime tomorrow, weather permitting. Once again though, Charl Langeveldt (pictured) led the atack with great accuracy, stamina and skill in another exemplary performance. He now has 17 Championship wickets at 21 and looks to have been an inspired (Chesterfield, spire - geddit?) signing.
He was ably supported by Graham Wagg, a player who brings so much to the side in batting and bowling, while John Clare removed Graeme Hick, so often the scourge of our bowlers. Perhaps Jake Needham could have come on a little sooner and limited the first innings still further, but it's easy to be wise after the event and to have a strong side out for 151 is a fine performance.
I am reassured by our longer looking batting line up in this match. With Sadler at six, Pipe a very welcome number seven and Wagg and Claire at eight and nine we have an enviable depth. On current form Langeveldt is the best number eleven in the country, but it all depends on the top order.
If Rogers and Stubbings can give us a start, Dan Birch may find conditions to his liking and he, Clarke and Hinds will appreciate the short boundaries at Chesterfield. I would love us to get to stumps tomorrow with around 350 on the board, but let's get through to lunch in a stable state first!
As you suspect Peakfan the voters must be to young to remember the great cricketers on your list. In my opinion Wright and Kirsten were the best batters and to have them at the same time was an added bonus. 'Whispering death' was my favourite bowler as even I can't remember Jackson ( Jackson though was certainly my dad's favourite all time bowler and player for Derbyshire). Amongst all these 'greats' I had no hesitation in voting for the inspirational leader and all rounder....the late great Eddie Barlow.
ReplyDeleteKeep up the good work with the No 1 Derbyshire Cricket Club website Peakfan
There are some great cricketers listed, but they've not all been great for Derbyshire. Wright & Kirsten were notable exceptions, but for me the biggest contribution to Derbys cricket was provided by Eddie Barlow - a true great of the game.
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