Derbyshire v Surrey day 2

What a difference a day makes.

After yesterday's fun and frolics when there was almost a committee meeting to debate installing a revolving door on the pavilion to speed up the incoming batsmen, today was almost wholly in the batsman's favour.

Maybe the pivotal moment of an absorbing game was the wicket taken by Garry Park, his first for the county, when he removed Surrey centurion Scott Newman with one that he edged through to James Pipe.

Up until that point I had visions of men around the county wondering how they were going to excuse themselves from that promised shopping trip on Saturday, safe in the knowledge that the game would be finished by then.

Last night I hoped we would edge to 200. To exceed 250 was astonishing and full marks to Greg Smith, Graham Wagg and Ian Hunter for their efforts in ensuring we got a big lead.

Hunter in particular showed nigh unprecedented levels of talent with the bat as he almost reached his first 50 for the county. He matched Smith stroke for stroke, yet as they found batting increasingly easy there was a feeling that the visitors could do likewise.

So it proved, with Scott Newman, who looked a future Test player when he burst on the scene a few years back, batting sedately until he was settled then unleashing a range of strokes to accelerate towards his century.

70 runs on then with two days to go. Who knows what will happen from here? Tomorrow we need to remove danger man Afzaal early then dig out Batty and the tail. Schofield is another to show adhesive qualities and at this stage I would guess we will be chasing 200-250 in the final innings. With a little cloud cover it could be less, but the wicket seems to be getting easier all the time and Surrey's spinners are not exactly Laker and Lock...

I still think we can and should win this game, but much will revolve around the fitness of Graham Wagg and Andre Nel for their respective sides. Both have spent time off the field in this game and their bowling over the next couple of days could be a factor in deciding the winner of this contest. With Saturday's forecast less favourable, Derbyshire will hope for early inroads tomorrow. The second new ball is not too far away either and we could yet be celebrating at the end of this game.

Finally, a word of recognition for Greg Smith. In these first two matches he has produced innings that hinted of a more controlled and composed batsman. He has always had talent and perhaps this is the year that this bursts into full flower. With his steady seam as another string to his bow and brilliant fielding thrown in, maybe Smith could be as valid a contender for England recognition in the future as Graham Wagg.

Big effort tomorrow lads. Let's do it!