It is a shame that the weather closed in today when Derbyshire had played themselves into a strong position against Sussex at Horsham.
Despite the hosts getting off to a brisk start, Tim Groenewald and Mark Turner clawed things back well, Groenewald producing another fine spell that cemented a growing reputation as one of the best seamers in the country. The selection of Turner, ahead of Jonathan Clare, may indicate that he has played himself into the side for the first T20 match, his extra pace perhaps useful against batsmen aiming to hit in the powerplay and the closing overs.
There was another good spell too from Alex Hughes, the latest in a growing line of talented young players emerging from the club's Academy. Hughes is a batsman of some ability, as illustrated by a well-crafted 80 on a difficult wicket for the Seconds in the week. The fact that he also fields well and bowls medium pace around the speed of (for the benefit of older readers) Phil Russell makes him a cricketer of talent who is staking a genuine claim for a place in the side, at least for one day games at this stage.
Having said that, Hughes may well be the only change for the opening T20 match, his place likely to go to Usman Khawaja, who flew in today from Australia. There was a handy runout for Rana Naved today and Derbyshire have a decent looking side in place for the competition.
More from me tomorrow, but I'm thoroughly enjoying a season in which there are far more good days to report on than bad.
Long may it continue...
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