Glamorgan 168 and 236-7 (Carlson 56, Ingram 53, Morley 3-35, Brown 2-50)
Derbyshire 429
Glamorgan trail by 25 runs with 3 wickets remaining
Today was the first one in this match that they didn't dominate and after taking three early wickets they then had to graft through the afternoon, as Colin Ingram and Kiran Carlson worked hard to keep their side in with a chance of saving the game.
Throughout they maintained focus in the field and I thought Pat Brown bowled very well today, fast and hostile, really slipping himself as a strike bowler should in such situations.
He and Zak Chappell took those three wickets before lunch, but then the willingness to graft was crucial, as the Glamorgan engine room got stuck in.
Yet it all turned in the final session. Jack Morley removed Ingram, then, after Chris Cooke lent stoic support to his skipper, David Lloyd bowled him through the gate as he played an expansive drive. These were big wickets, but the biggest came when Carlson, after batting 202 minutes, came down the pitch to Morley and was smartly stumped by Guest, with sleight of hand worthy of a magician. When van der Gugten went back to the next ball from the on loan Lancastrian, he was hopelessly beaten by the turn and palpably leg before. Douthwaite and Crane saw it through to the close but they will have to bat a long time tomorrow
All of which means that Derbyshire need three wickets to wrap up the win. Morley bowled with good control today and maintained pressure throughout, it always being harder to bowl when the expectation of your success is at its height and conditions are favourable. He was well-supported by the rest of the attack although Anuj Dal became the latest injury victim and only bowled two overs before leaving the field.
The forecast is thankfully set fair and one would hope that a deserved and eagerly-awaited win is sealed before lunch.
Once again, the boys 'done well' today and I thought skipper David Lloyd handled his attack well.
May they get what they fully deserve tomorrow.
Well, well, well, this has gone better than even the optimistic among us could have expected.
ReplyDeleteParticularly impressed with Pat Brown today. We knew we were getting a quality white ball bowler but if he could translate some of that skillset to the red ball then we'd have a hell of a player. Saw the first shoots of that today.
I think people should go tomorrow just for the ' I was there at Derby when Derbyshire won a championship Cricket match'. Been far far too long but looks like when the victory will come it will be done in style
ReplyDeleteGood suggestion, CB! Unfortunately I can't make it tomorrow but will be at Derby in spirit! At last we seem to have a team to be proud of. That hasn't happened since 2022 when Shan Masood was in his pomp. Bit concerned to see that Anuj Dal is injured and also to read on Cricinfo that Pat Brown limped off with an ankle injury. Are you able to give us details Steve?
DeleteI know no more than you, CG but it appears unlikely that Dal will bowl tomorrow and Brown only if needed. Probably Zak and Luis with the new ball and hope we don't need many more!
DeleteIf the injuries are unfortunately anything more than minor, your suggestion about Ray Toole being potentially offered a short-term contract may have to actually come true for us to field a fit XI.
DeleteGareth
Good effort from the team when the conditions were easier than day one for the batting side. Hope the injuries do not impact on our chances of making inroads in the morning and cementing the long awaited victory in the Championship.
ReplyDeletePat Brown is certainly a welcome addition to the attack in red ball alongside a rejuvenated Zak Chappell. If the club can get the overseas recruitment right we may look forward to a more successful season next year.
Nudger