Warwickshire 221 and 7-0
Match drawn
Last night I wrote that we needed a special effort to get something from this game. That came from two young players as we battled to a draw, snow ending play early.
Matt Critchley had a terrific game. With 64 and 83 in his two innings, he more than anyone else in the game came to terms with a far from easy early season wicket. Throw in figures of 2-22 in the Warwickshire innings and there was no contest for man of the match.
I said pre-season that it was a big year for him and he could hardly have started it better. In prime form his bat has a delightful flourish and his play off his legs here was a joy. So too the security in his defence, which he has obviously worked on.
Hosein was no less impressive. I sometimes feel he can struggle with his footwork when he first comes in and get trapped on the crease, but he was incisive from the start. Though his partner took the lead in scoring, Harvey showed fine technique and a full range of strokes. He batted through to be unbeaten at the end and can be proud of his efforts.
It was a match-saving partnership that got through the crucial first session unscathed. Though wickets fell steadily after lunch, once a brisk knock from Hudson-Prentice complicated the win target, the run chase was 213 from 41 overs after tea.
Snow ended play after four overs, but the approach of the home batsmen hadn't suggested they were going to go for them. Luis Reece bowled two maidens and, let's face it, few would send in Dominic Sibley in a run chase, regardless of his merits as an organised opening batsman.
Derbyshire can be proud of their efforts here. There is room for improvement with bat and ball, but there were also plenty of reasons for optimism, at the start of a long season.
Well done fellas. You made us proud today.
A decent start to the campaign, and we picked up 11 points. No one in our group won a game.
ReplyDeleteIt was great to see Critchley in good form. The question is whether he can go to the next level and score two or three centuries or more a season. All too often when he's on target for a big score he tends to get out just north of 50. I'd stick with Dal at 3 and see what he does in the next two games. If he fails, then I'd bring in Wood.