Last game loss a reminder of work to be done

After a near-perfect tour, Derbyshire went down by 36 runs to Middlsex today, despite a battling display by another young eleven.

Alex Hughes was again a standout performer, taking three wickets in an over and conceding only 25 runs in his four-over spell. Ben Cotton also bowled well in a display that was notable for its discipline, only Wayne White bowling any wides or no balls. Middlesex scored 188-7 and that was a tall order for a young batting side.

As clouds crossed the stadium, three early wickets were lost, including Wayne Madsen first ball, which left too much to do. While Alex Hughes top-scored with 30 to complete a fine all round game and Shiv Thakor got 27, the innings ended at 152 in the final over.

It shows there is work to do, especially in so far as capitalising on the early Power play is concerned. Yet it is churlish to worry unduly about such things at this stage, especially as the top order bore little resemblance to what I expect to play in the T20 this year.

It has been a fine start though and on their return the work will go on. There are a few early injuries to sort out, but plenty of time at this stage in which to do it.

Yet several players have staked a claim and Graeme Welch will have plenty of food for thought on the long journey back from Dubai.

Safe traveling lads - and well done.