Middlesex 218-5 (White 101*, Anderson 53, Conners 2-53, Reece 2-62)
v Derbyshire
The home side won the toss and decided to bat, probably regretting it fifteen minutes later, as they subsided to 14-3. Sam Conners took two in an over and Luis Reece claimed the third, as Derbyshire perhaps entertained thoughts of batting by tea.
Yet thereafter batting looked easier, although the ball passed the edge all day. When it took it, the ball dropped short or wide of fielders and the day became one of graft for the bowlers.
White batted splendidly, largely by doing the obvious thing in such conditions of playing straight. He was quickly onto any aberration in length and line and fully deserved his first senior century.
Conners was the pick of the bowlers, though Ben Aitchison was the most consistent and unlucky. It was good to see Luis Reece in the wickets again, though his rhythm didn't seem to be there and both line and length was variable.
Anuj Dal bowled a spell or two without looking especially dangerous, while both Matt Critchley and Alex Thomson bowled only short spells. The latter did take a wicket, smartly held at slip by Critchley, and turned a couple of balls sharply enough to suggest the wicket may become more interesting for bowlers as the game progresses.
For me, there was an undeniable end of season feel to proceedings, not helped by an Autumnal grey sky that didn't really lift all day and eventually drove the players off for bad light.
We will resume again tomorrow morning and hope to finish things off quickly.
But White and his remaining partners may have other ideas.
I was there today, Steve. After such a bright start, I thought we might skittle them out for a low score. Connors bowled with accuracy and real threat in his first spell. But Middlesex rebuilt and, because, as has happened so many times this season, we failed to capitalise. I left at 3.30 pm, by which time our bowlers looked average. All credit to White, though.
ReplyDeleteI saw my first day of live cricket yesterday – braving cloudy skies and the odd bit of drizzle and distinctly cool weather.
ReplyDeleteA promising start fizzled out and perhaps it was no coincidence that Middlesex’s fortunes changed when the floodlights were turned on.
Things I noticed most:
a. No Derbyshire flag flying on the pavilion.
b. No coaching staff visible on the balcony of the visitor’s dressing room – not sure if any travelled with the team. 12th men brought drinks and sweaters on request but there seemed little in the way of suggestions coming from off-field support.
c. Billy’s captaincy seems very orthodox. OK he changed the bowlers but never did anything different with the field to get the batsmen out of their mindset. Critchley came on and bowled to a very defensive field that allowed two easy boundaries to third man. Thompson was under-bowled – especially with left handers at the crease.
d. Dal never looked like threatening anyone and I doubt he is really good enough at this level – for all his enthusiasm. Hughes didn’t bowl and I assume that is down to injury. FHP would almost certainly have taken wickets yesterday and his loss to us will be felt unless Hughes rediscovers his mojo and can bowl tight wicket taking sessions [especially with a keeper standing up].
e. Very impressed with Guest’s keeping ability and HH will be under a lot of pressure next season. I did feel that both wicketkeeper and slips were half a yard too deep yesterday. Guest was taking a lot of balls half volley on the 2nd bounce.
f. Reece was probably over bowled and at times too short on a pitch that was unforgiving. Connors was very impressive and Aitchison generated good pace but was I think too short in his first session.
Here’s hoping for an early breakthrough and not too many for us to chase to get a first innings lead!!
Paul
Very helpful and appreciated comments, Paul. Agree with those I can do!
ReplyDelete