Northamptonshire v Derbyshire day 2

Derbyshire 372 

Northampton shire 310 (Vasconcelos 58, Procter 54, McManus 53, Zaib 46, Randell 3-48, Potts 3-51, Reece 2-48)

Derbyshire lead by 62 runs

Apologies for the late blog tonight, but this has been family night and only now have I time to add a few thoughts on the day's play. 

I thought Derbyshire fought back well, after the home side had got themselves to 187-2 in reply to Derbyshire's 372. Vasconcelos, Procter and Zaib all batted well, but thankfully all got out before going on to a match-definimg score. The introduction of Nick Potts made a difference and his figures of 3-51 turned the game, after he came in as an injury substitute for Ben Aitchison, whose stellar season would appear to be finished.

Once again Brett Randell was excellent  and his 3-48 contrasted with the 0-62 of Muhammad Abbas. Their respective figures for the summer are interesting:

Randell has 17 wickets at 18, with a wicket every 41 balls 

Abbas has 11 wickets at 46 with a wicket every 105 balls

I know which one I would prefer for 2028...

It was good to see Luis Reece back bowling and his two wickets today were twice as many as he previously had all season. He has been missed and we must hope he is restored to full fitness next year.

As for the match, Derbyshire took a first innings lead of 62 and we must hope tomorrow doesn't see one of the anaemic batting displays that have tarnished the summer. With Kent almost certain to beat Lancashire, Northamptonshire have to chase whatever we set them in the final innings.

Derbyshire will hope that target is over 300, but tomorrow is a big day for both sides. 

It has been an absorbing contest so far..