Friday, 16 April 2021

Seconds in high-scoring game

A relatively young Derbyshire second team took a hammering from a strong Northamptonshire side over the first two days at Northampton, but fought back well on the third, ahead of today's last day.

The home side made 525-4, with Gay making 189 and Zaib 140. Luke Procter, Richard Levi and Wayne Parnell were also in the runs against a young attack, with Hutchinson and McKiernan both taking 2-79.

In reply, Derbyshire were bowled out for 232, Nils Priestley top-scoring with 74 and Tom Wood making 33.

Second time around they did much better. After losing Wagstaffe with the score on 36, Wood (114*) and Alex Hughes (73*) took the score to 218-1 by the close.

For me, the two not out batsmen must be in a shoot out for a place in the next first team match. The argument for Anuj Dal is strong, if he offers a bowling option. As he is currently not fit to bowl and has scores of 0, 4 and 0 this season, his place has to be under pressure.

It will be interesting to see how this unfolds, but Anuj, a player I have a lot of time for, has a big second innings in the Worcestershire game. 
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2 comments:

  1. Stuart16 April 2021 at 16:31

    "The argument for Anuj Dal is strong, if he offers a bowling option."

    Is that really a strong argument when there's 5 other seamers in the side?

    ReplyDelete
  2. Peakfan16 April 2021 at 17:07

    Yeah I think so. BUT he has to contribute. We all know what he brings and saves in the field, but at this level someone who can bowl a few overs AND score you runs is an asset.

    However, if he is not scoring runs, the pressure will mount. Alex Hughes got an unbeaten 230 for the 2s today and surely has to get the nod for the next game over Tom Wood, who 'only' got 138..

    Competition means no one can coast or get out of form...

    ReplyDelete

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