Mixed news for Derbyshire today, the worst of it being the freak injury sustained by Billy Godleman before the game which saw him get a small break at the base of his thumb.
It will probably rule the new four-day skipper out of the first three championship matches and delay his captaincy regime. Hamish Rutherford, who missed today's game through jetlag, will this take on the captaincy, doubtless with wise counsel from Wayne Madsen and Wes Durston.
There was better news for the last two named, club and one-day skippers respectively, as each recorded a century today before retiring. They will face more demanding attacks this summer, but the early opportunity to get runs on the board and feet, hands and eyes working should never be missed.
Ben Slater and Shiv Thakor also recorded stylish fifties as Derbyshire racked up 396-6 in a truncated day's play. Tomorrow will hopefully see the seamers stake their claim for a starting role and the students could face a tough examination tomorrow.
Billy's injury is far from ideal, but Graeme Welch has plenty of options for the opener's role. Rutherford himself could open, or Slater and Chesney Hughes could do so. Alex Hughes is outside this side too and will be craving opportunity, so there's a big decision for the coach to make before next weekend's trip to Bristol.
I am sure the remainder of this game will throw up a few options.
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