Middlesex 423 and 199-7 (Robson 73, Critchley 4-60)
Derbyshire 295 (Critchley 105)
Middlesex lead by 327 runs
A century by Matt Critchley and some clean hitting by Hardus Viljoen and Lockie Ferguson saw Derbyshire safely past the follow on mark today at Lord's, but anyone watching the afternoon and evening play will be in no doubt that they will face a massive task to save this game tomorrow.
With balls lifting and keeping low in equal measure, batting was far from easy, especially in the morning session, which was delayed by overnight rain. Tony Palladino was leg before to one that kept very low, a ball after fending off one that lifted sharply. Ferguson's highest score of the summer included two clean hits for six, while Viljoen played with good sense. I think Hardus could be an even better batsman, because when he plays straight he has immense power and looks a good batsman. It is generally when the ugly cross-bat heaves come in that he gets into bother, but he served us well today.
Critchley reached his century with panache, which is his way, but got out to an unnecessary hook shot when there was still work to do. His innings was a fine one, however and he can be proud of being the youngest Derbyshire player to score a century at Lord's (Stan Worthington the previous youngest, courtesy of David Griffin on Twitter).
Middlesex built quickly on their lead but lost quick wickets before and after tea. Malan was very unlucky to be caught by Alex Hughes from a full blooded sweep, the ball going to him from Gary Wilson's heel at short leg, but the leg spinner bowled pretty well to complete (almost) a fine all round match.
Lockie Ferguson bowled some very quick deliveries and rapped our former loan player Martin Andersson on the helmet. For what it is worth, I think he bowls too much short stuff and for me his four day bowling is a bouncer/yorker combo to which good players become wise. He must be a handful to face, for sure, but I don't think he has the variations of Duanne Olivier. Mind you, I'd have him as a T20 player next season in a heartbeat...
Much to do tomorrow, then, before the season reaches its conclusion at Derby next week.
Postscript - two centuries in the match for Derbyshire seconds by Scotland's Andy Umeed against Sussex, as the side were robbed of a win by bad light. He followed a first innings unbeaten 128 with 101, as the run chase ended fifteen short of victory with four wickets in hand.
The batsman has been on Warwickshire's staff and recorded what is believed to be the second slowest championship century when he made one in 429 minutes against Lancashire last summer. One can only assume he is soon to be released by them and he could scarce have made a better impression than that.
Also in the second team is Somerset's batsman (and sometimes wicket-keeper) Finlay Trenouth. He once made 330 for their under-17s and has played for England under-19s with success. He has a reputation as a punishing batsman, but hasn't perhaps kicked on this summer at a county with a lot of young talent.
No hares around the park that we are signing them, but at least we are looking at options for another year. Or, if you are cynical, getting a team together from various sources for the final game of the summer.
Time will tell, my friends.
I will be back tomorrow.
Good for critchley get his ton at lord's, he is an excellent talent that has been somewhat hidden this year, but he is young, has confidence and will mature into a very valuable player, I always like to watch him play. Looking at the feed today, I think it will be difficult for us to get a result in our favour tomorrow, hopefully we can put some partnerships together and possibly have a sniff or at least stave off defeat. I see that the club website says Dave Houghton starts at the end of 2018 season, hopefully that means at the end of next week, and he can tie down the existing players, and add the people he wants to next year's squad before the decent people have all been picked up.
ReplyDeleteOne notable absence from the seconds was Will Davis. The press release for the announcement of the squad to play Middlesex said that Alfie Gleadall was the only player not available for selection, suggesting that Davis was fit. So his omission from the seconds looked ominous for the chances of him staying, but this morning on radio commentary, Daryn Smit said that the three bowlers playing at Lords were the only fit pace bowlers at the club after Rampaul apparently suffered more breathing problems on the first day of the match. With Palladino sorted, perhaps this is the next on the list to be clarified.
ReplyDeleteDave Houghton starts officially on October 1st"
ReplyDelete