Derbyshire 565-8 declared
Match drawn
The result that I predicted came to pass today.
I wasn't being negative in suggesting it would be so, merely realistic. The wicket was excellent for batting and remained so until the end of the game, but it was hard work for bowlers and we only managed one wicket today.
Derbyshire have become a hard side to beat, as Mickey Arthur said was the first step to being a good side. We bat solidly down to number eight and I think we have a decent attack, when we can field one that is a first choice.
It was a bonus to see Luis Reece bowl again today, but with the visitors rightly taking no risks, it wasn't the most exciting of days to watch.
Our revival is encouraging, but will be tested at Trent Bridge this week. The Nottinghamshire attack is strong and there is more life in the wickets there than many places.
But we go into that match the only unbeaten side in the division.
Something to be proud of, as we take small but positive steps.
i have always been a fan of championship cricket and been a Derbyshire supporter even longer than Steve! i saw my first match in Les Jackson s last season ! but i am beginning to long for the days of uncovered wickets and 3 day matches! Generally it has been a batting bore this season! i am even looking forward to T20!
ReplyDeleteI’m delighted by the foundations that Mickey is laying. We’re unbeaten and we’re clocking up runs and bonus points. We’ve already scored nine centuries and have four batsmen - Masood (2), Madsen (6), Dal (8), (Guest 18) - in the Second Division averages top 20. This is a far cry from last season.
ReplyDeleteOur bowling isn’t quite there yet, but Connors already has 21 wickets, and is growing into his role, and Thomson is looking an excellent find. Lakmal’s had a good start, and I think the best is yet to come. When Aitchison, Scrimshaw, and Cohen are available, we’ll have a pretty potent attack.
My major concern is Billy. He failed again against Worcestershire. He’s only scored 132 runs in seven innings at an average of 18. Surely Mickey will be forced to leave him out against Notts. Maybe a couple of games in the seconds might help him regain form.
Notts will be the toughest game, so far this season, and it will be a real test for the team.
2nd X1 are starting their T20 campaign now so nowhere for Billy to recover his form at the moment.
DeleteCohen is available, had a poor outing for the 2nds last week. Scrimshaw also got some overs under his belt which is good news.
DeleteThe 8 points awarded for a draw needs to be reduced to 3 in an effort to encourage imaginative declarations in an attempt to force the win .When 16 points can be gained for a bore draw it kills all incentive to play for a win .
ReplyDeleteDave B
In other news Notts have been deducted 5 (five) points for a slow over rate against Middlesex 🤣🤣🤣
ReplyDeleteAnd Notts didn't enforce the follow on either. Bit careless that really. Oh well, never mind!
DeleteUnless something changes with the pitch at Derby, we're going to get some really dull games where batting will just become too easy, and produce no positive results. I mean how dull a day was that today?
ReplyDeleteI feel for anybody who paid for that last days play, the only bright spot being it kept dry
ReplyDeleteHow I wish the much missed Walter Goodyear was still alive. Spent many winters evenings in the Indoor Shed listening to his responses to various officials/captains offering advice on pitch preparation. The ECB would have received suitable advice had they given Walter instructions on pitch preparation
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure all the focus on Billy's form is completely justified. I know he hasn't got the weight of runs that he would like. But his first job is see off the new ball when conditions are at their worst, with fresh bowlers and a new ball. More often than not he has done this and protected the no 3 and 4. Guest has very rarely faced the opening bowlers with a brand new ball which has made his and the rets of the middle order's jobs easier. Of course once Billy has done the hard work he should kick on but his contribution is more than just weight of runs when opening.
ReplyDeleteWhat's the current situation regarding the fitness and availablity of Derbyshire's trio of bowlers? and the logic of loaning a bowler from Lancashire who is has taken 7 first class wickets Has Potts now been added to the injury list?
ReplyDeleteWhat I take from it Ranger, is that they are keeping Cohen and Scrimshaw in cotton wool for the T20. Both have injiry records and will be key to success. Potts is in the squad buand will get his cricket this, year.
DeleteMA is likely looking at one or two players who may be available another year with Aitchison out and Melton presumably injured and not in the 2s, an overseas anyway.