Let battle commence - Essex v Derbyshire Day 1

After a pre season that could scarcely have gone better, a bad day at Northampton apart, Derbyshire will be reasonably sastisfied with their first day's work at Chelmsford today, having compiled 306-7 against Essex.

Almost everyone got going and some runs on the board. The snipers will say that they made mess of things and got out when they had all established themselves at the crease. Yet there was regular swing and movement to be had and I feel that, having lost the toss, John Morris' men will be quite happy tonight.

The only absentees from what I saw as the likely team were the visa-awaiting Chris Rogers, who was replaced by Stuart Law and the additional seam bowling of Ian Hunter in place of Jake Needham. I was surprised to see Garry Park opening, but the new man did a good job with Steve Stubbings and gave us an all important start.

One assumes from the selection of Hunter that there is plenty of help expected for the seamers, and with Lungley, Clare, Wagg, Smith and Hunter, plus Wavell Hinds gentle wobblers we have plenty of options. Waggy, Redfern and Smith can also offer a spin option so we'll have plenty of bowlers to work with tomorrow.

Importantly we will also have Jon Clare and Graham Wagg to resume their innings and if we could take the total to 350 and an extra batting point there should be general satisfaction all round.

Time will, as always tell and the hosts are missing Cook, Napier and Bopara from their batting line up. Shame that...

Still, Jason Gallian has a history of runs against us and we'll be hoping to remove him fairly early tomorrow to reinforce our position. Of course, if he doesn't get to bat before lunch and they're then chasing 400 we'll all be permitted a smile or two.

Its good to be back and fantastic to have a summer full of cricket to look forward to. I believe the Ashes are taking place (!) but let's hope first and foremost for a summer of cheer on the county front!

Come on Derbyshire...