Derbyshire v Essex Day 1

Superb.

No other word for Chris Rogers tonight, as he made a second double century in four innings to see us to 368-3 at the close.

Only Peter Kirsten has made two double centuries in a season for us and Rogers today played an innings that entered the top two in my Derbyshire watching experience. With centuries in three successive matches he equalled Rob Weston (remember him?) and it was a sublime display.

Considering that the conditions were very much in favour of the bowlers all day, Buck's double century was an astonishing effort and has put Derbyshire in the driving seat in this match.

I have commented on several occasions on this blog about the brilliance of Mohammad Azharuddin's innings on a turner at Chesterfield when he scored a double century and no one else scored much at all, yet Rogers today looked like a batsman on a different plane.

He had a little luck on occasion, which was understandable with ball moving around, but his innings was composed, stylish, elegant, measured - just name the word and it was that and then some.

He was well supported by all of his partners. Wayne Madsen got us off to a good start, Garry Park also batted well and played handsome strokes and the returning Dan Redfern came through a sticky patch to play some elegant strokes of his own.

At the end Wavell came in for some stick for batting slowly and many perhaps thought that he was playing and missing, but Wave was playing for the close and, with the ball whizzing around, played inside the line and protected his wicket. Late on he clumped a couple of trademark drives off Kaneria and all in all, that was a wonderful effort by Rogers and the boys, especially when there's a bug around the place.

Northants also had a good day, however and must fancy their chances of going up at this stage. If we can get the final batting point tomorrow then push on to 500 and hope for better bowling in the conditions, we can win our game.

The rest is down to fate.

Well played guys. Today was one of the best days I've ever spent watching Derbyshire bat. After 40 years that is quite an achievement.