Ton for Dal as second team rack up 400

Derbyshire won the toss and elected to bat at Derby today, a decision helped by the glorious sunshine, as well as three spinners in their side.

Against them was a very strong Durham eleven, with the bowling opened by Brydon Carse and Josh Coughlin, with Nathan Rimmington as first change.

McGladdery and Dinnie were made to work hard for their runs against such an attack. The latter is pleasing with his off side play, but a tendency to play across his front pad saw two close shouts for leg before. He was eventually strangled down the leg side by Rimmington, which brought Tom Wood to the wicket. An innings against such an attack would have done him no harm in his quest for a full contract, but after a couple of boundaries he shouldered arms and was bowled by Gibson.

At the other end, McGladdery was easy on the eye and played some nice shots. Anuj Dal came in to help rebuild the innings and both batsmen showed fine footwork against the spinners. A century looked there for the taking for McGladdery, until he misjudged the length from Pringle and was adjudged leg before, with the score on 131.

A healthy lunchtime position of 138-3 quickly slipped to 160-6 in the afternoon, as Carse and Coughlin ripped out the middle order. It needed another rebuilding job, this time by Smit, who made 42 before one popped to take the shoulder of the bat and be caught at slip, via the keeper's gloves.

As for Dal, he made a century that was as good as you could wish for, full of fine strokes and trademark running. I remain convinced that he could make it at senior level, but probably needs to bat higher to stake his claim. He is busy at the crease, with excellent footwork and here, against a good attack, he looked a player of high quality.

He was kept company in a fine stand by Connor Marshall, who also batted well, aided by bowlers who bowled short at someone who looked pretty strong on the pull and hook.

298-7 at tea, with the news breaking during the afternoon that Tom Lace has returned to Middlesex for their county championship game that starts tomorrow. It is a non-story really, as he will return to Derbyshire in time for our game against Glamorgan at the weekend.

Marshall didn't last long after tea and Dal finally departed for an excellent 126, but Conners used the long handle, reverse sweep and edge to good effect, the final score amassing 404, the second game running that the lower order had turned things around handsomely. He and Hamidullah Qadri added 54, before the latter was the fourth LBW of the innings.

There was just time before the close for four more overs, in which time Tony Palladino took an early wicket, caught behind by Smit, as the visitors closed on 14-1.

It completed a very good day of cricket by a spirited Derbyshire side.

Full scorecard: https://live.nvplay.com/ecb/#m760782c6-3134-4f62-a5b6-8d9d799adc16