Thirty thousand and counting...

Still can't believe the success of this blog! Thanks to everyone who have now taken the number of hits past the 30,000 mark. I'm very grateful.

Anyway, hands up all those who after the Lancashire defeat thought we'd be in with a shout of qualification when we travelled to Wales. Nope - me neither.

Full credit to the side for a battling bowling performance, electric fielding and a batting display that combined resourcefulness and skill in equal measure on a track offering increasing spin. Any doubts on the signing of Stuart Law must now have evaporated as he shared in a match winning partnership with Dan Redfern. Watching that from the pavilion must have been an education, while being at the other end must have been a real learning experience for Danny.

Speaking of spin, we're likely to face a bit of a bunsen burner at Cardiff tomorrow. Glamorgan have already incurred a 2 point penalty for next year's competition after a poor pitch last week (hope they're in our group again next year!) and are likely to field three spinners in Robert Croft, Jamie Dalrymple and Dean Cosker. Given the option they'd maybe bring back Jim McConnon and Don Shepherd too...

There's no news on the side yet, but Mark Cosgrove is the early wicket we need, with Dalrymple a man with a good record this season.

As for Derbyshire, an unchanged side is likely, with Mark Lawson, Greg Smith and Dan Redfern around to bowl the twirly stuff. We first of all need to win the game, then try, in doing so to boost our net run rate ahead of Essex. Tomorrow we'll all be cheering on Lanky-sheer (just for once) and hoping they can do us a big favour at Old Trafford.

What's the betting that Lancashire are 37-7 by noon tomorrow...