Wednesday 27 April 2011

Leicestershire v Derbyshire day 1

While a number of batsmen got a start but didn't go on to something really worthwhile, the real significance of our efforts today won't be known until our innings is finished and the opposition bat.

238-5 must have been a heavy going day for all concerned, but that score is only ten short of the best from four innings in Leicestershire's first home match. If we could push on over 300 towards 350 tomorrow we could be nicely in the box seat, assuming we bowl well.

Three wickets for Claude Henderson suggests spin will play a part as the game progresses and Azeem Rafiq may enjoy his first Championship bowl for us in due course. Pride of place today goes to Dan Redfern, whose unbeaten 58 in 2 and three-quarter hours was just reward for a lot of hard work over the winter months. I hope he keeps his head down and goes on to the big one tomorrow, something that would give me great pleasure.

It was a good team effort though. I've never judged any innings until we see how the opponents handle conditions and won't break that habit now. One can only admire the determination showed today and hope that the players continue in similar vein tomorrow.

In closing, special mention for the skipper, whose partnership with young Mr Redfern could be very important in the context of the match. At 174-5 we were rocking. 238-5 seems much more solid and gives us something to build on.

Thumbs up (cautiously) from me after day one.

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