Derbyshire v Glamorgan day 2

Back in the 1950's, Derbyshire opener Arnold Hamer had such a good record against Nottinghamshire that the opposition bowlers could often be heard offering to buy his wicket before the start of a game (not that Hamer ever did such a thing, of course!)

Here in Scotland, anybody who plays well in a match against the Old Firm of Rangers or Celtic is usually rated a transfer target for them during the next transfer window, even if only to ensure that it doesn't happen again. Players then spend the next two years languishing in one of the reserve sides before heading off to pastures new following a chastening experience

Maybe one of these two options may be an option for John Morris as he ponders tonight the record of Julian "Bradman" Dalrymple. On Wednesday night I jokingly suggested that he and Robert Croft spent the night outbidding one another with regard to what they might do against Derbyshire. Well, while Croft did OK yesterday, he completed a four-wicket haul today then joined his skipper in an important partnership that leaves the match intriguingly balanced at the end of day two.

Credit should go to Tim Groenewald and Ian Hunter for taking our total past the 300 mark and when Graham Wagg removed the dangerous Mark Cosgrove first ball, then the visitors slumped to 35-3, there was every possibility that a collapse could occur.

Through it all Dalrymple stood solidly, reaching his century just before the close. I don't think the Welsh side's skipper is THAT good a player, but something about us seems to turn him into a world-beater. He must wish he could carry our attack around in his pocket to bowl at him when he fancied a knock...

There were a few silly comments flying around the club message board "In Morris We Trust" last night, saying that the side were "rubbish" and "wouldn't beat Spondon". Absolute nonsense of course. I understand people's frustrations and I've felt them myself over 40-plus years as a fan. Yet it is counter-productive, shows an individual in a bad light and does the team no favours. Anyone who cannot see an improvement in the side this season, however small it seems on occasion, probably should have gone to Specsavers. There should be a battle royal for first innings lead tomorrow and if we can split the overnight pair quickly, a small lead could be of massive significance in this game. By the same token, I wouldn't fancy being 75 behind with the pitch wearing and Monsieur Croft to face again.

Away from Derbyshire I enjoyed watching the West Indies beat India tonight. I still stand by my comment last week that South Africa are the team to beat, but this form of the game suits the West Indian psyche and their low seeding seems strange with so many explosive players in their ranks.

It was Dwayne Bravo's turn to step up to the plate tonight and he's a player that I like. He's a good fast medium bowler who has come through a number of injuries and a brilliant fielder. Added to that he is an explosive batsman and his flamboyant follow through on his straight drives is an exciting sight. His county stint at Kent was disappointing, but Bravo is still only 25. He strikes me as a big occasion player who would be a huge success in our 20/20 or local derbies but might struggle to get himself "up" for mundane games. He is a player that the West Indies can hand their future prospects on and the game of cricket needs a good West Indian side.