Derbyshire 398-5 (Hosein 138* Madsen 123) V Leeds/Bradford MCCU
There was much to admire and enjoy in the first sight of Derbyshire's cricketers in 2019.
With the exception of Alex Hughes, all of them enjoyed valuable time in the middle, with two progressing to splendid centuries.
That one of those was Wayne Madsen came as no real surprise. Seasons come and seasons go, but it would appear that Wayne goes on forever.
From the moment that he took strike today, a century looked inevitable. His footwork and timing were exemplary and while there was early frustration as he found the fielders with good strokes, he was soon motoring and the runs flowed. It was his 28th century and in this form I look forward to many more.
The rest of the top order got in and looked in decent nick, but all contributed to their own downfall. I thought Tom Lace looked compact and organised, but with four wickets down for only 120, we were in a spot of bother.
Enter Harvey Hosein at number 6. Like Madsen, he looked in fine fettle from the outset. Technically he is one of the best organised batsmen in the club and he progressed serenely to his second century for the county. He finished on a career best unbeaten 139 and looks like providing valuable, common sense ballast in the county middle order. He rarely lifts the ball in the air and his innings was a pleasure to watch, as he added 187 with Madsen.
Late in the day, there was an opportunity to see Matt Critchley, a player who always seems to have time to spare. He cruised to an unbeaten 39, as Derbyshire closed on an impressive 398-5.
I thought that the university bowlers stuck to their task well and it was a good workout for the county side.
Tomorrow it will be the turn of the bowlers. If they perform as well as the batsmen, neither Dave Houghton nor supporters will have any complaints.
More from me tomorrow
Good stuf. Was surprised to see lace at 4 and not open. I would prefer Reece at 3 too. Was pleased to see critchley at 7. Hosein is a much better option at 6 as can build long innings, something MC can work on despite his quick scoring and array of shots, he does tend to get out when set on 20 or 30 odd. Keep it up lads. Be nice to see all our players get a bad. Then to bowl them out tomorrow or early day 3 then get some more time in the middle especially for Godleman, Reece, Lace and Hughes. Wayne can have a long bath for me.
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