Aside from two innings of rich potential from Chesney Hughes and some steady bowling from Tim Groenewald, there is little to write about Derbyshire's heavy innings defeat inside three days at Lords.
It was a very poor performance, albeit one on which we hardly hold a monopoly. To call it a "typical Derbyshire performance" is unfair, as we have been much better than that, especially in Championship cricket, over the past couple of years.
For me, the big thing now is how we bounce back for the game against Worcestershire next Monday. We have an opportunity to regroup, get Robin Peterson back to full health and play in the style to which we have become increasingly accustomed.
The biggest disappointment was in the abject failure of what looked like a lengthy batting line up. A few people are in need of runs and will hope for some beneficial time in the nets over the next few days.
One bright spot elsewhere was an unbeaten maiden first class century (100 not out) for Leeds/Bradford MCCU by Chesterfield's Ben Slater, a left hander on Derbyshire's staff, against Warwickshire at Leeds. He batted five and a half hours against an attack including Rankin, Piolet, Botha, Maddy, Barker and Tahir. Having opened the innings, he was still there when the declaration came, an outstanding effort.
A reason for optimism on a fairly dismal day.
Yes, a very poor performance sums it up well. Let's hope we start to see more consistency of a positive kind moving forwards.
ReplyDeleteHughes did very well with the bat and has provided further indication that he is a genuine prospect.
We were probably one too many first choice bowlers short, but that does not explain two poor performances with the bat. Overall, it is out of character with our CC performances during the past couple of years, so we must trust that this is a only a bad few days at the office.
MASTERVILLAIN