Sussex 271 (Viljoen 7-80)
Derbyshire lead by 98 runs
There's a cracking game of cricket going on at Hove.
I just hope that the weather doesn't disrupt things too much and that Derbyshire are as committed and focused over the next two days as they have been over the first two.
98 runs on with eight wickets in hand. Let's not forget that Billy Godleman won't bat, so an acknowledged short batting line-up has to find a hero or two tomorrow. Perhaps this is the day when Wayne Madsen returns to his usual four-day form, or the younger guns in the order steer us to a challenging score that sets 275-plus in the final innings.
We'll see, but today was all about Hardus Viljoen, fast and firing, taking seven wickets in the innings. It was the first time that this has been done by a Derbyshire bowler from overseas since 1992 (Ian Bishop, since you ask) and a reward for spells in which he ran in hard and got it down the other end a tad too briskly for some of the home batsmen. With four clean bowled, the radar was locked on today and Hardus got his just rewards.
We've done well, but could easily lose this game if we don't show the necessary application from here. Sussex are challenging for promotion and need to win this one, so will undoubtedly come out with guns blazing tomorrow.
That they are still in contention is largely down to two players of talent and experience, Luke Wright and David Wiese. The former has been a loyal servant of the county, while Wiese is a good, all-round cricketer, the kind we need for 2018. He scores valuable runs and takes wickets, a perfect player to have coming in at number eight when an innings is in freefall.
Wiese was dismissed by Hamidullah Qadri, a reward for another tight spell from the precociously talented youngster. After his first over went for eleven, Qadri's next eight went for only 20, control quite remarkable for a player who won't be seventeen until December.
To win, we need to bat and bowl well again and Viljoen cannot be expected to bowl them out twice. There was an early wicket for Harry Podmore and one for Will Davis, but both will need to lend strong support in the second innings if we are to come out on top at the end.
Big day tomorrow...
A good couple of days cricket from the lads. Have we had a view today of the real Hardus Viljoen? I think so. Like many other supporters, I don't think he was fit during the early season, but goodness me, he appears to be now.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a pity that Billy won't be batting, and as you say Peakfan, one or two of the other batsmen need to stand up and get us between 250 and 300 (or more).
I haven't seen the lad in the flesh, but it sounds like we have a real talent with young Qadri. I don't know how long he has a contract for, but I think the club should 'take a punt' now, and tie him up for three or four years.
Let's hope we are in the box seats at close of play tomorrow.
First up,lets see the batters aim to take us into the 3rd session tomorrow. A chance for many of them to show a strong mental attitude. Both teams have had 8 players get into double figures,so it is possible to bat time.
ReplyDeleteIf just one of them could make 3 figures,with support from the others,there could be a cracking finish in store.
Then its over to the bowlers,and a bit more support for viljoen next time please.
Very encouraging so far though,and absolutely shows the benefit of having a strike bowler
It really is poor that you aren't able to use a 'full' substitute to replace a batsman injured by an illegal delivery. The side who are the 'victim' are punished!
ReplyDeleteA cracking game indeed, only wish l was there. As you say PF, just hope the weather doesn't spoil what is an enthralling match so far.
ReplyDeleteThe real Hardus Viljoen showed today what we have missed for most of the season. A bowler who can destroy a top order and demolish the tail. It would be asking a lot for him to replicate that performance on the final day but the opposition will certainly play him with some circumspection. We just need Davis and company to give him plenty of support.
Two excellent days cricket from Derbyshire, just hope they can produce the goods over the next two days. We have seen on numerous occasions that the side fail to maintain that level of performance over the full course of the game.
With the loss of Billy and the key wicket of Luis Reece, it's paramount that one or more of the top order steps up and plays a long innings.
Time to deliver!
Stuart, York
Attended the first 2 days
ReplyDeleteAlthough 338 was pleasing
Slater gifted his wicket with a slash to 3rd man
Billy 50 with a broken hand ..top effort
Viljoen bowled brilliantly and is our main threat
Madsen captained the bowlers well with plenty of rotation ,change of ends and consultation
The game will be won or lost this morning
In the absence of Billy time for Ben to pay back by batting through !
300 plus in the 4th innings would be a challenge so 240 today with some resolute batting should suffice
damn shame about billy.but to bat 50 (with last 5/6 runs & a broken hand) shows real mettle.
ReplyDeletealthough hes stalled recently
hes had a fine season as captain,
i agree ben or wayne should take on the mantle (as indeed maddo has on numerous occasions!) with hughes and critchley pitching in, also
with viljoen bowling fabulously & getting 7 great wickets wow some serious intent there.indeed all the team contributed and did there bit,we can win this game.
come in you falcons!
and maybe give us the impetus to finish up winning last 2 as well ( im getting a wee bit ahead of myself here.i know lol)
damn shame about billy.but to bat 50 (with last 5/6 runs & a broken hand) shows real mettle.
ReplyDeletealthough hes stalled recently
hes had a fine season as captain,
i agree ben or wayne should take on the mantle (as indeed maddo has on numerous occasions!) with hughes and critchley pitching in, also
with viljoen bowling fabulously & getting 7 great wickets wow some serious intent there.indeed all the team contributed and did there bit,we can win this game.
come in you falcons!
and maybe give us the impetus to finish up winning last 2 as well ( im getting a wee bit ahead of myself here.i know lol)