Derbyshire 191 (Thakor 36 not, Hatchett 5-58)
Sussex 83-1 (Joyce 41 not)
Sussex trail by 108 runs
Well, we are in a hole here...
In much the same way as at Northampton, a strong and well-fought lunch position was squandered in the afternoon and by the close, we were looking down a barrel in this game.
The Twitter photograph of the wicket suggested a little green and it was always likely that the visitors would opt to bowl on it. They didn't make headway before the interval, but after Hamish Rutherford was out shortly after lunch, the middle order imploded in worrying fashion. An engine room that suggests a lot of runs and power is misfiring badly at present, which must be a frustration for Graeme Welch.
Shiv Thakor confirmed his continued progress with another fighting knock, but the rest came and went with worrying regularity and 191 all out was a disappointing first innings, even with conditions that helped the bowlers. The form of Neil Broom continues to be a cause for concern, but we must hope the Kiwi comes to terms with English wickets sooner, rather than later.
Having said all that, I applaud the production of a wicket that at least ensures a result.
Whether we play well enough collectively to be on the right side of it is another thing altogether...
I agree with your sentiments regarding the pitch, Neil Godrich is one of the best groundsmen around, there is always a good balance at Derby. The attack is worrying though, it is hard to see us bowling anyone out twice. Let's see, the way its panning out no one is going to run away with it.
ReplyDeleteWelch under pressure again if we lose this one, which looks highly likely. I just don't get this ' highly respected ' tag which Welch supposedly comes with. Since his appointment we've gone backwards each season, this already looking like being another dud. I'd be looking over my shoulder if I were him.
ReplyDeleteIF we lose it will be our first defeat of the summer Mark. Our first. Come on mate, get a grip. There may come a time for such comments but not yet by some margin.
ReplyDeleteI can only say there are plenty of players attribute their development to him. Nor am I sure how an unbeaten team this year has gone backwards. Yes, winter signings have yet to impress but theres a lot of cricket to be played.
Big day for the dynamic duo tomorrow on a helpful pitch so NO excuses.
ReplyDeleteI'm fully expecting that Carter/Fletcher will finally start proving what smart business
Welch and Co have done in the winter.
Then we can start worrying about the Kiwi contingent.
Peakfan - the fact it was only our first loss was only because of weather and lack of remaining time in games leading to us batting with far reduced pressure. Had these games been timeless it's quite possible we could have been played 4 lost 4. As others have said, I am struggling to see us taking 20 wickets when groundsmen up and down the country will be preparing flat tracks. There is now, statistically a 75% chance of being asked to bat on a seaming surface - you'd be crazy to prepare one.
ReplyDeleteMark footitt is once again not in the surrey team is he injured? Or dropped either way it is ironic that in the past two seasons he played every championship match for derbyshire
ReplyDeleteReports suggest he could miss a good part of the summer with a side strain. As I wrote at the time of Mark's departure, the efforts of our backroom staff in keeping him fit should not be underrated. James Pipe and Jamie Tallent did a great job with Mark.
ReplyDeleteShame for the lad and he will be disappointed
Can't help but think the Notts lads are on a mission to destroy us - combined figures of 35-1-155-0 are embarrassing... and it's only 4pm!
ReplyDeleteUtterly utterly diabolical so far in this game. We're getting absolutely battered, and Fletcher and Carter dear oh dear who the heck have we signed. The alarm bells are ringing already, four games into the season. Welch will do well to see this season out.
ReplyDelete