At the end of day 2, Derbyshire have done remarkably well to be ahead in this game, although the match situation is similar to a few we have experienced this summer, including that at Lords. We've worked ourselves into a good position - can we force it home?
Hats off to Karl Krikken, whose selection has thus far been shown to be absolutely right with everyone justifying their selection to some extent. Loud applause tonight for Matt Higginbottom, who returned excellent figures of 3-51 by the end of the day, while Tim Groenewald led the attack with his normal aggression and panache, well supported by Mark Footitt who showed good control, especially in his early spell.
There is still much to do and there are runs to be had in the visitors lower order unless we are among them quickly tomorrow. Earlier today, Groenewald and Footitt lent splendid support to the skipper and took our score to a most impressive 385 all out, the skipper unbeaten on a magnificent 138.
Big first session tomorrow that will perhaps make or break the game. A first innings lead of 120-plus would set us up nicely, if we bat as well a second time. There is a long way to go in this game, but we have earned both credibility and respect for our efforts so far,
That's it from me tonight. Much more tomorrow, but my mate is over from the States today and a fine evening is afoot. He's got his lads with him too, so a good time is set to be had by all, especially since its five years since we saw them...
In the words of Led Zeppelin, been a long time...
I look forward, as always, to your comments!
An absorbing days cricket ending with Derbyshire well on top.
ReplyDeleteAfter the loss of 2 early wickets it was good to see the return of last years positive cricket rather than the early season timid cricket batting at 2 an over. Middlesex looked bereft of ideas with their bowling.
A wicket before lunch and soon after was ideal and though we then hit a slow period the lads never let Middlesex get away, hung in there and were eventually rewarded. I was also pleasantly surprised by the overall performance of Higginbottom with good control paying off.
Unless Middlesex suddenly up their game we are in the box seat and may even have a follow on decision to make. Who would have thought that a month ago? Personally I would bat again with the forecast good and our bowlers tired.
This is looking more and more like last years high energy and positive team which is down to Madsens captaincy ( and runs) and the new kids on the block.
If we can win this one ( and Somerset are labouring against the Bears) the Great Escape is very much on.
So far,so good. Up to now I think we have done all we could have expected. I just hope we don,t let our opponents off the hook and allow them to score too many more runs. Should the decision arise,it would be interesting to see if we made them follow on,or risk batting last on a wearing pitch ourselves.
ReplyDeleteI have to say young Higginbottom hasn,t let us down at all.Indeed,the bowling unit has done well so far,the real test now is capturing those last four wickets as soon as possible.
We cannot afford to pass over this chance of recording another win.We don,t have that luxury and apart from anything else,it would serve to put some real pressure on Surrey and Somerset. Like you say Peakfan,the first session today is hugely important.
Just to comment on the seconds,I fully agree that Elstone should be offered a contract. The lad has an awful lot of talent,a wide range of shots and he doesn,t hang about for the sake of it. At 23 he has a couple of years to really prove himself and I think it would be a serious mistake on our part if we didn,t take a chance on him. He wouldn,t cost us the earth and we could reap a handsome reward.