Lancashire v Derbyshire day 3

Derbyshire 244 and 129 (Hughes 33, Madsen 28, Bailey 3-14, Parkinson 3-28, Maxwell 3-39)

Lancashire 418 (Rampaul 3-47, Dal 3-60)

Lancashire won by an innings and 45 runs


Well, the rationale of Derbyshire's decision to bat first in this game was proven today, as the wicket started to offer considerable turn on the third day.

Unfortunately, we were batting for a second time, not having made enough in the first innings, and lost by an innings and plenty. The win saw Lancashire return to division one at the first attempt, something they really should have done. Then again, a club of their size should never have been relegated in the first place, a fate that will be replicated by Nottinghamshire, who have failed to bat an eyelid this summer.

Was the T20 finals day on their mind? I don't think so, they were simply outclassed by a much stronger side. I think a few of the players may be running on empty at this stage too, a downside of a small squad where everyone gets regular cricket, but because of injuries a few too many have had precious little downtime. The mental and physical demands at this level should not be overlooked.

Perhaps next week against Sussex might allow a couple of key Edgbaston personnel a breather, but there aren't many options, so maybe we go with what we have.

I thought we bowled well today, with a special shout out to Anuj Dal, who took career-best figures of 3-60, while Ravi Rampaul was his normal self with 3-47 as the home side made 418, a lead of 174.

The the procession started. I thought the skipper a shade unlucky with his leg before decision, but Madsen never looked comfortable and that is often a barometer of how things are for the batsmen. Only Hughes resisted for long and after Bailey removed the top order, Parkinson and Maxwell worked through the rest.

Hughes' gritty innings was ended by a special catch from Gleeson, while Dal undid some of his excellent earlier work, which included a fine run out, by calling Hudson-Prentice for a run that only he might have made at the danger end.

At the end of it all, that's four successive four-day defeats, a run that threatens to undo the many good days in the format at the start of the season.We must fight to turn this around, because a wooden spoon, still a possibility, would not truly reflect a season in which there has been much to admire.

More from me over the weekend. On Sunday I travel to God's own county and will be there for most of the first three days of the Sussex game.

Hopefully a few of you will be there too, a chance to say hello and farewell, before winter sets in once more.