A game that looked eminently winnable at halfway through our innings slipped away tonight as Derbyshire fell from 97-2 after 12 to a defeat by 12 runs, while chasing a victory target of 166.
It had looked gettable but the game seemed to turn on the injury to Shivnarine Chanderpaul that caused him to need a runner. This ended with the foresaid runner, Wes Durston, being run out and effectively ending our chances.
A lot hinged on Albie Morkel at that point, but as well as the South African has bowled, his batting hasn't fired in our colours yet and when he holed out at long on the game appeared to be up.
The skipper batted well and took us closer than seemed likely, but the rate was rising and when Madsen was caught off a top edge, the game had gone.
It was a pity. Earlier we had bowled pretty well and the Lancashire innings grew on one big over off the bowling of David Wainwright, when Stephen Moore hit him many a mile. We never quite replicated the 23 that came off that over, despite Wes Durston batting well and leading us off in fine style. It was good to see Mark Turner back and bowling well, while Dan Redfern has become a more than useful weapon with the ball.
So Lancashire move a point ahead of us, but we still have the game in hand. That game at Chesterfield takes on additional importance on Sunday and the fitness of our talismanic West Indian would appear to be in doubt for that one.
More on that tomorrow. Mind you... Gordon Greenidge batted at his best on one leg...
I wonder?
I thought that was a very poor run chase Peakfan. We haven't got anyone who can smash the ball around when needed. Madsen didn't score quickly enough when needed to and the same can be said for Redfern who is hopelessly out of form. Hughes has also been a big disappointment since his triple century at the start of the season. Will we still qualify when the pressure comes?, with this side at present, I'd say a big no.
ReplyDeleteWe'll need to see mate...but there's a little more pressure now, for sure!
ReplyDeleteDisappointing as didn't expect to win but 3/4 way through thought we had a chance. Just a couple of points - Still can't see why Poynton is playing. He now has a SR of 59 in 14 20/20 games - when you need 25 off 2 overs you need someone better coming in at number 7 than a 2 off 5 balls man. I'm not saying it's easy to come in then but you need boundary clearers to come in at these later stages.
ReplyDeleteSecondly if Jon Clare is not worthy of a bowl which it hasn't looked like in a couple of the games then he must come in earlier as he is a decent striker of the ball or if not then play another batsmen!
I'd have put Groeners in, who can hit sixes, but I agree on Clare. We really need another proven class batsman to see us through in those situations
ReplyDeleteWe win the toss,we choose to bowl,we lose the game. I,m saying no more.
ReplyDeleteWhat on earth is going on with clare.his 3 overs in t20 have cost 18 runs.not worthy?anyone remember the game at headingley?it appears kriken/madsen do not.in a broader sense is anyone aware clare has one of the best career bowling strike rates in the country in 4 day cricket.he is real confidence player who appears to get very little shown in him by those around him and now certain people on these forums. From Brian,chesterfield
ReplyDeleteI love your blog - always very well thought out. Just like the previous comment - what has happened to Chesney Hughes's batting since his 275. I think that is 4 ducks on the trot now - and he isn't bowling - can't his injury be sorted out?? The big revelation though is Dan Redfern's bowling - pity he can't do the same with the bat. I remain forever optimistic. From the Derbyshire fan in Skye!!
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you Cross Patch! Two Derbyshire fans in Scotland? We'll need to form a society!
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