Derbyshire 492 (Thakor 130, Taylor 80)
Kent 79-1
Derbyshire lead by 413 runs
If Derbyshire are to take the initiative in this game tomorrow, they are going to have to find ways to winkle out the opposition in a way that has thus far proved elusive in this game.
What they did, when they bowled, was produce commendable accuracy and economy, with two an over being the standard for most of them. Ben Cotton took the wicket of the talented Bell-Drummond, courtesy of a stunning catch by Tom Poynton, but it will be a tough ask to get twenty wickets on what appears a docile track, even if getting the timing right on it can prove problematic.
Earlier in the day, Shiv Thakor made a magnificent maiden county century, adding 150, a new county record against Kent, with Tom Taylor for the eighth wicket. It was a fine effort by both, highlighting the depth of batting in the side and the ability in some of its younger members.
When he made his debut, a former county stalwart, discussing him, told me he could bat, as well as bowl. It would appear an accurate summation of things and he looks likely to score his share of runs as well as, in time, taking wickets.
As for Thakor, his century crowned a fine few weeks. As we near the end of May, he has a season batting average of 87, to go with a bowling one of 27 as the county's top wicket-taker. If he carries on at that rate, he will be hard to ignore for some winter recognition, which would be deserved.
Before that, we must see if anything can be manufactured here. Any result looks likely to be by virtue of a last afternoon run chase, succeeding or failing.
We'll see.
went today and the pitch is as flat as anything - shiv and taylor made batting look easy first thing but nontheless played some good shots. Our bowling was as you said very accurate but i think even div 1 top bowlers would struggle to take wickets on tracks like these we have seen this year - not very inspiring cricket to be honest - worth a wager on us drawing every CC game unless the pitches change (chessie maybe different)! fair crowd in and until heavy showers after tea made for an early finish. media stand coming along but very few workers (guess cant be too disruptive) but car parking availability was very poor and for t20 games will be nightmare - still enjoyed watching us play
ReplyDeleteSadly for the sake of championship cricket hardly any captains have seen fit to manufacture a run chase this season. Drawn games with 10-12 points scraped together seems to be the order of the day,not very inspiring stuff for most enthusiasts.
ReplyDeleteIf we are to remain with the current toss regulations, I think that a possible change in the points system may be beneficial. You could possibly have 20 points for a win plus bonus points and keep 5 for a draw. Although you have to be careful that you don't have the problem then of once a team falls behind in a game that they do not try and hang in as a draw is virtually meaningless. The bonus points system could be reduced in the amount of points on offer or even completely abolished thus putting a premium on results.
ReplyDeleteI can see both sides of the argument concerning the pitches at present, in the past too many sub standard pitches were prepared by the counties in the hope of winning the toss and inserting the visitors. Although we have to be careful though not to go too far the opposite way and to preparing pitches to nullify the opposition.
It is brilliant to see Shiv playing as he is so far this season, he looks a completely different player from last year and this shows the benefit of backing players to improve. I think the decision to give Shiv a contract extension before the season was a masterstroke as it took away any worries he may have had regarding his future and it has let him get on and to concentrate on playing his natural game.
It was interesting watching Poynton standing up to wickets when Taylor was bowling.
ReplyDeleteIs this a good thing?
Obviously going to be another draw, and why didn't we declare earlier today, as we don't stand a cat in hells chance of bowling out Kent twice in the remaining two days.
ReplyDeleteGood comments gentlemen and thank you for them.
ReplyDeleteThe Poynton/Taylor thing could be down to several things. The wicket being slow, a batsman 'wandering', wanting to get the bowler to bend his back, or just feeling it is the right place. I know Bob Taylor stood up to bowlers who didn't always like it, but because it felt right. Bottom line is a keeper will do what he thinks affords the best chance of a wicket for his side. If the bowler wants him to stand back, they'll chat around it.
Mark, declaring earlier would have made no difference. Maybe the rain may make it a little different, or Kent could get to 375 and declare.
ReplyDeleteI'd be happy to see a last afternoon run chase, because these high score draws are killing four day cricket.
If we lose, so be it, but let's make the last day worthwhile...
I don't think this pitch is as straightforward as it looks from the scores. The odd ball is keeping low, Critchley has got a few to bite, and this is a very inexperienced Kent batting side from 5 downwards, particularly as Denly's had to drop out. Assuming he's not back tomorrow, this could be one of the best chances we have for a win this season. In any event, much the most encouraging 2 days of the season so far.
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