More valuable time in the middle

Sadly, rain allowed little time at Leicester, where the overnight batsmen retired and there was only time for Harvey Hosein to get a first-baller and Fynn Hudson-Prentice to play a couple of tidy strokes.

Meanwhile at Derby, Anuj Dal played the innings of the day, an unbeaten 72 with plenty of those wrist strokes we have come to enjoy.

There is a really good cricketer in Nuj. I saw him two or three years ago in the second team at Belper and he looked the best batsman on show. He can play all round the wicket, has fast hands (and feet) and scores quickly. Add in his handy, but too often neglected seam and his brilliant fielding and there is a serious player.

I fancy this year could be a breakthrough for him. He may struggle to bat higher than eight in a long lineup, but at 24 he knows his game and will be a fine addition to the side.

In the limited clips I saw, I was also impressed by 16-year old Nafis Shaikh, who looked a very compact, diminutive batsman. Astonishingly, he only picked up a bat for the first time three years ago, when he asked a team practicing in Normanton Park if he 'could have a go'.

He now plays his cricket at Swarkestone and Derbyshire arranged a scholarship for him to Repton School, where his cricket education will doubtless be accelerated. He didn't look fazed in making 25 against a decent Yorkshire attack and looks a player to keep an eye on.

Next stop Old Trafford, where a four-day friendly begins on Monday. With each passing game we will get closer to the season's opening eleven and competition for places is hotting up nicely..