Derbyshire v Warwickshire day 1

Warwickshire 272-9 (Hain 77, Burgess 71, Conners 4-45, Reece 2-25)

v Derbyshire

I thought the opening spells by Sam Conners and Mikey Cohen today were as good as I have seen from Derbyshire this season.

Both bowled with hostility and accuracy, though only Conners took wickets. He further confirmed his potential with the first four wickets, that of Malan being the quick bowler's dream, stump cartwheeling, the batsman late on his shot. He looks a real talent, for sure. 

Thereafter the bowling was largely tidy and they stuck to their task pretty well. Both Alex Hughes and Anuj Dal bowled bustling spells that might have brought greater reward on another day. It was also nice to see Luis Reece back in his usual groove too, more devil in his bowling after his recovery from injury. 

While Ben Aitchison had a rare off day, his line not quite as good as usual (nor his catching, late in the day) he got a late wicket with a fine delivery in the closing overs. 

I was most impressed by Cohen. I understand that Ajmal Shahzad has been working on his wrist position when bowling and recent good displays in the second team were carried through today. There wasn't quite the express pace of some days, but the line was much better and he had less than his fair share of luck. On another day he could have had three or four wickets but had to make do with one. His day will come. 

Special mention for Wayne Madsen at slip, who held three fine catches and is a solid presence there.

Sam Hain and Michael Burgess played steady hands for the visitors on a day when fortunes fluctuated. I don't think they will be unhappy with the close of play score and as always, you can't judge properly until both sides have batted on a wicket.

As for Derbyshire, they picked up maximum bowling points having inserted the opposition.

On that basis, I would say it was mission accomplished.