Derbyshire 291
Gloucestershire 202-5
Derbyshire lead by 89 runs
It was a mixed kind of day for Derbyshire today.
They pushed their overnight score to 291
all out, but impressive Gloucestershire batting saw them close the day slightly ahead on 202-5.
By and large the bowlers did well, but I was a little disappointed by Logan van Beek today. He bowled some good balls and ran in with purpose, but my perception so far is that each new spell begins with a poor over and he has a tendency to bowl at least one bad ball an over, which ruins his figures.
I am sure that he will come good, but he was the weak link in an otherwise controlled Derbyshire display today.
Billy Godleman used eight bowlers during the day and the rest bowled with the requisite discipline. Undoubtedly, the slower bowlers on each side have proved the most difficult to score from.
I thought that Alex Hughes and Tony Palladino bowled well, as did Luis Reece, while a reluctance to have a third man for Ravi Rampaul cost well into double figures of runs.
The first session tomorrow may well prove to be the critical one of the match. We need early wickets and to ensure that the home side do not get a substantial first innings lead. The second new ball is due and how we use it is key.
Batting last on a wicket that has shown signs of variable bounce will not be easy. Derbyshire will need to show the resilience that has so far characterised their cricket, in what has been an absorbing game.
Much as in the first game, any first innings lead, for either side, will be precious.
Big day tomorrow...
Yes, can someone please explain the demise of third man? What is the reasoning behind abandoning a basic fielding position that used to save hundreds, even thouands of runs? Seems silly to me, but someone may be able to justify it.
ReplyDeleteREV KEITH
The same at Derby - 33 runs on board and 6 boundaries thru 3rd man
DeleteThe modern thinking is that it is a negative defensive fielding position
ReplyDeleteThe " live feed" at Bristol is thirty seconds behind the action, so you've missed a wicket? No matter, toddle over to the Bar, order a cuppa and settle down to watch what you've missed!
ReplyDeleteThe play was slow, and just goes to enhance why Grounds Staff throughout should try to produce quick wickets. This had as much carry as a sieve holding water.
The game is even after two days imo. Bowl Gloucestershire out for 320 and we ought not to lose. The wicket though may be the equaliser, not the decider, and I'd be backing a bore draw.
I have noticed that a few times. Also that the scoreboard is ahead at times. At one point Alex Hughes was starting an over and three balls were already recorded on the score..odd!
ReplyDelete