Leicestershire 213 and 146-6 (Kimber 33*, Thomson 3-36)
Derbyshire 531 (Masood 219, McKiernan 101, Madsen 94, du Plooy 61* Barnes 5-101)
Derbyshire lead by 172 runs
It would be no more than they deserved, having dominated the game from the start and played some very good cricket.
Mattie McKiernan duly completed a maiden century full of excellent strokes today. It was well deserved and he would be unlucky to be left out for the Glamorgan game after this display.
Leus du Plooy looked more himself too, making important and very good runs, while the tail slogged it around with varying degrees of success to finish with a lead of 318 runs. Ed Barnes did well to finish with five wickets, but it was tough going for the home bowlers.
Their openers started steadily, but the advent of Thomson started the slide. The off spinner looks the real deal this year, likely with the confidence of a niche in the side. Here, as at Lord's he bowled beautifully, varying his pace and getting at times both turn and bounce.
When his return saw a stunning caught and bowled to remove Swindells, the day could scarce have gone better. The home side got bogged down and when Dal removed the dangerous Ackermann, baffling him with a change of pace, the writing was on the wall.
Only Mulder, briefly, threatened a fight but Potts removed him with a quick delivery and Derbyshire looked very good.
At 146-6, the home side need to produce something sensational tomorrow. Derbyshire just need to keep doing what they have so far in a very impressive display.
Has anyone else noted greater urgency in the field? More frequent bowling changes, sometimes just an over here and there, keeping the batsmen guessing and on their toes? Innovative field placings, generally more purpose?
It is like watching a totally different team to last year, yet with a couple of exceptions, the personnel hasn't changed.
What a difference eh?
The Century for McKiernan has many benefits. As well as the impact within the game, it should give him a lot of self belief when his past treatment from within the club has been less than encouraging. It also provides vital competition for places in the team when he can now be seen as a rival for positions held by Du Plooy, Reece, Thomson, Dal or Potts.
ReplyDeleteYes, you are quite right about the captain's changes. Even just a quick one over look/see at something is a welcome difference.
Craig
Totally agree, Steve, confidence is increasing. We are looking a very different team. McKiernan's hundred baptises him as a proper all-rounder. Thomson looks impressive, as does Potts.
ReplyDeleteI am liking this new Derbyshire a lot, a side not packed with superstars but with a determination to fight and be competitive. That's all we can ask really, so come on lads and let's finish this off tomorrow
ReplyDeleteI do the think the presence of a top class overseas player/players makes a huge difference. Puts less pressure on the batsmen to produce every game and with scores on the board it helps the bowlers no end, especially the spinners with more attacking fields. All this helps confidence which is showing at the moment.
ReplyDeleteThis looks like a new dawn for Derbyshire cricket. Whereas last season we looked as if we were failing to even compete with the opposition under the unimaginative direction of Houghton, Mickey Arthur has galvanised the side with his enthusiasm and ability and experience. Let's go on to win today!
ReplyDeleteI think it is, but we won't see the full benefits until next season, when Mickey has been able to shape the squad that he wants.
DeleteBut his recruitment so far has been sound and he has managed to improve the games already of players who most supporters deemed peripheral figures.
Long may that continue!
When the injured bowlers are fit and available should lakmal be dropped?
ReplyDeleteI think that very unlikely.
DeleteI think he, is bowling well but with little luck. Gives us control and the wickets will come.
They may rest him at some point to give Melton a game, but I don't see it just now