Derbyshire 108 and 272-6 (Lace 101*, Madsen 60)
Worcestershire 113
Derbyshire lead by 267 runs
An outstanding century by Tom Lace has put Derbyshire in a position of dominance in this game. It is an innings which, with due diligence from the lower order, could help us to our third championship win of the summer.
It was a solid effort by the batting unit, with everyone contributing. Wayne Madsen made 60 before a loose shot rather gave it away, while Harvey Hosein proved a willing and able partner for Lace as the lead grew past 250.
In the 'Laceometer' of county support, he has gone from 'I hope he doesn't keep a local lad out' to 'I hope we sign him for next year'. With both his batting and fielding he has made a big impression on the county faithful. So too his pleasant demeanour and ready smile, the sign of a man at ease with himself.
I have liked him from the off. There is balance and composure to his batting. Yes, he can play the odd unwise stroke, but name me a batsman who hasn't and I will call you a liar. Dave Houghton knows his cricket and can certainly spot a batsman. His role in the player's development at Middlesex will have been important and it would be a massive coup were he able to persuade Tom that his immediate future would be better spent in the East Midlands.
I certainly think so and I know how much he is enjoying his cricket.
As for the game, if we can take the target over 300 it will be a big ask for the home side. Yes, the wicket has eased as it has dried, but enough deliveries have gone past the bat for our bowlers to retain interest. And the later third and fourth days on an out ground usually offer more for the spinners, too.
There is enough batting to come to make that a possibility, and while the home side's own batting cannot be discounted, we have done very well to be in this position after two days.
Make it count boys.
Well batted Tom Lace. Need to do everything to keep the lad.
ReplyDeleteExcellent performance, especially by Tom Lace. It would be great if he were to stay on a permanent basis. My assumption has been that if he has a good season, Middlesex will be sure to keep him, and I've been uneasy about the thought of Derbyshire acting simply as a training ground for a rival county's promising young player. But if that proves not to be the case, it will be very good news.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful piece of batting by Tom Lace! Such concentration to be at the crease for over six hours in a game which looked that we might collapse again. I hope we can keep him next season.
ReplyDeleteOur chances of signing Lace, or at least Middlesex's attitude to it, are not helped by their lamentable performances this season. I've no idea about Lace's own plans but I expect we would need to be a financially alluring one for Lace himself.
ReplyDeletePerhaps a bedsit in Allenton could swing the deal?
Tom Lace would be great for the club and a real asset for the future
ReplyDeleteI'm putting a package together as you speak for Tom Lace. Not personally of course, but on behalf of the Club.😉
ReplyDeleteNational Trust Membership
Guest Starter for the Ashbourne Football on Shrove Tuesday.
Senior Judge for the Well Dressings.
Best seats at the Chatsworth Horse Trials.
A competitor for Derbyshire's answer to the Bake Off," Bake Well", where all entrants are given ingredients including jam and almond essence.
A day out with Edwina on the Trent and Mersey.
A day on the farm, including a go at castrating rams, and snaring your hands on thirty year old rusting barbed wire.
Spend two weeks of Spring snowed in at Buxton.
As you can see, the list is endless, and I'm sure Tom would see the merits of swapping those bright lights of London for our attractive package, not forgetting the Allenton bedsit!
Let's just enjoy him while we have him. That way there can be no disappointment in any subsequent outcome...
ReplyDelete