Nottinghamshire v Derbyshire day 2

Nottinghamshire 229 and 67-2 

Derbyshire 363 (Godleman 121, Madsen 56)

Nottinghamshire trail by 67 runs

Irrespective of what happens for the rest of this game, and there are some very good batsmen standing between us and a run chase we would fancy to win, Derbyshire's players have restored pride in the club and impressed everyone with their attitude.

It remains a wicket where the bowlers have encouragement and for us to win we need to take opportunities, just as Daryn Smit did this evening. One catch, to remove Libby, was impressive. The other, to dismiss Pujara, was simply stunning. Such athleticism and sure-handedness needs to be replicated across the team tomorrow, because the forecast for Monday suggests not too much cricket.

Earlier the innings was held together by a masterful century from Billy Godleman, his third of the four-day season. You don't get to the end of a long innings by the skipper having admired the stroke play, but you always respect his commitment and ability to make the most of his game. He did so again today, playing plenty of trademark shots off his hip and getting his cut shot going well. He was well supported by Wayne Madsen, who hardly looked in trouble before being dismissed.

I wasn't at all impressed by the West Indian umpire, who seemed incapable of making a clear decision, something on which the home side attempted to capitalise with some silly appealing that verged on intimidation. The decision against Gary Wilson seemed contentious and the Derbyshire player looked bemused at the dismissal, the home side seemingly hedging their bets on what they were actually appealing for, the batsman unconvinced that he had hit the ball.

Daryn Smit overcame a nervy start and was looking good when he achieved the rare feat of being lbw and late cutting a four to the same ball, while late resistance from the tail took the Derbyshire lead from useful to challenging. I still don't see how Jeevan Mendis has scored big hundreds in Sri Lanka, but his bowling tomorrow could be a match-winner.

Whatever else, there is reason to be proud after the effort of the first two days.

The task for tomorrow is to finish things off.