Derbyshire v Sussex Day 2

Derbyshire 246

Sussex 357-5 (Pujara 103*, Coles 72, Alsop 64, Haines 58, Reece 2-32)

Sussex lead by 111 runs

Watching Derbyshire this season, I feel that I am stuck in an endless loop. Whether we bat or field first, we are under the cosh and behind the game from the start. The rest of it is then spent playing catch up and trying to save it. 

The weather has helped so far and only the most optimistic could say we have been robbed of victory by the elements. Maybe in that first, washed out game, eh?

It just seems that when we bat we are struggling, with the exception of a couple of players. Then the opposition go in and score pretty much at will. We have three players (Madsen, Donald and Chappell) averaging over 40 with the bat, but only one (Alex Thomson, just) averaging under 50 with the ball, three currently over a hundred. Poor catching hasn't helped, but nor too has an inability to bowl consistent line and length. 

Today was a case in point. Tickner, Morley and Dupavillon battled well to take us near to a batting point, but thereafter Sussex looked in very little trouble as they amassed 357-5 by the close.

Chappell's opening spell was poor and I have no idea why you wouldn't give the new ball to Tickner, who has so far done best with it. He was also on a high after a career-best 47, so it made sense for him to open while still loose. 

Dupavillon took an early wicket, ran in hard but was milked afterwards like the rest on a chastening debut. Yet he wasn't helped by Lamb putting down a routine catch at first slip, the thirteenth we have dropped in the slip cordon this summer. It is quite ridiculous, the sight of Madsen and Lloyd, who would be there but for hand injuries, at mid off and mid on more than a little frustrating.

Pujara looked in little trouble and I wish we had someone like the Indian for the others to bat around. He is a batter of consummate class and grace and Sussex are lucky to have him. 

They look a good team and with the weather forecast largely set fair for the next two days, it will need need a superhuman effort by the batters in the second innings to save the game. 

But sadly, that looks like all we're capable of in four-day cricket, making up the numbers. They are trying hard but at this stage I can see nothing other than the wooden spoon this summer. 

In closing, I am unsure why Luis Reece seems to be overlooked as a bowler, as his angle alone seems to be worthy of greater opportunity. Nor am I sure what the late in the day spat with umpire Tom Lungley was about. It was unnecessary and certainly untypical of a normally genial bloke, but it was disappointing to watch.

A bit like Derbyshire at present, to be fair.