Derbyshire v Sussex day 3

No play today.

It was hard to believe. We had a glorious day in Scotland today and the T-shirts and shorts were de rigeur for many. Looking at the photographs of the 3aaa County Ground, it was hard to believe it was the same continent, let alone island. Still, it's usually the other way round so we will make the most of it.

It helps our cause, of course and we now have one day to bat, instead of two. Based on the first two days, we don't deserve anything from the match, but a good effort tomorrow could earn us more than looked likely.

It will be tough on Sussex, who have totally outplayed us and may yet go on to bowl us out tomorrow. The wicket may 'sweat' a little after being under the covers for a day, but it is down to the team to graft and graft some more.

I still think that we will get plenty of runs this summer, in all forms of the game. Most of the batsmen have made runs and once Neil Broom finds his form there will be good and deep runs in the line-up. The bowling must be a concern for Graeme Welch, though.

Tony Palladino and Shiv Thakor have both done all the coach could have wanted, taking wickets when conditions allowed it, bowling tight when they didn't. Wes Durston has bowled decently enough and at least gives us a spin option, but the other two seam bowling roles are far from secure. Luke Fletcher will be heading back to Trent Bridge soon, having bowled tidily, for most of the time, but without suggesting he can bowl sides out. His record suggests him a better bowler than this spell has shown, so maybe it's just a rhythm thing.

The same goes for Andy Carter. I had great expectations of the tall, genial seamer, but when I have seen him he doesn't seem as 'loose' as I have seen before. Maybe rhythm, perhaps unlucky with the early season surfaces, but his lines and lengths haven't been right, both pretty crucial for any bowler.

There are opportunities for the young brigade. Ben Cotton has gone to the seconds and bowled tight, as well as taking wickets. Greg Cork has got wickets and scored good runs. Tom Milnes seems to get two or three wickets whenever he bowls at that level. The challenge for each - and those behind them in the pecking order - is to produce those figures when they make the step up.

Tom Taylor is another who is slowly getting back to form, though prone to the 'four ball' an over that is frustrating. All of these lads have the talent.

Can they translate it to results?

It'll be worth watching...