Derbyshire v Middlesex day 3

Middlesex 251 and 196 (Stoneman 67, Hollman 45, Reece 3-26, Dal 3-50, Watt 2-44)

Derbyshire 229 and 222-4 (Masood 98, Madsen 49*, Reece 35*)

Derbyshire won by 6 wickets

Not just because of the result, although all of us enjoy a win, but the manner of that win made this one of the most enjoyable games I have seen in some time.

For a starter, it was played on a really good wicket, where runs could be scored and wickets taken by those with the skills to do so. It was played on the most idyllic of grounds and only twice before had we chased more than 219 to win a game at Chesterfield - in 1948 and 1989.

Let's not forget, either, that this was a first defeat of the season for our opponents, one of the so-called 'big' counties that would survive in any cull of first-class cricket. They are a good side, the batting and seam bowling especially strong.

But we came out on top. I was very impressed by the discipline shown by Luis Reece, Anuj Dal, Alex Thomson and Mark Watt here. The control of the latter this morning, bowling a long spell, was especially impressive and his variations were there for all to see.

It was so good to see Reece back to his bowling best, while Dal has come on so much as a true all-rounder to be quite special. 

We did well to keep the chase under the 230 I suggested last night might be manageable. The fielding was good today, the catch held by skipper Godleman setting a standard for his side. 

As it turned out, we could have gone further, but yet again we were all in awe of Shan Masood.

In a season in which he has now scored an extraordinary 991 County Championship runs in just eleven innings, this was my favourite so far.

Batting was not easy, he was facing a keen attack on a wicket where the ball did some odd things. There was a challenging run chase and he was batting in front of his parents and brother, who were there for the day.

Yet with pretty much everyone else opting to graft, Masood followed a run-a-ball 49 in the first innings with 98 from 113 balls. It was sublime batting on a level we have rarely seen before and may seldom see again. Take every opportunity to watch this man while you can, because they don't come any more special. A century was richly deserved, but when he fell, the job was effectively done.

I have been fortunate too see every overseas player at Derbyshire, but Masood this season, in my opinion, is incomparable. You can bracket him with Kirsten, Jones, Azharuddin, Rogers and Di Venuto, prolific and fine players all and he loses nothing in comparison. 

At the other end Madsen, enjoying a renaissance in his career, was secure in defence, stylish in attack. He became the third highest run scorer in the county history today, passing John Morris and with only Denis Smith and Kim Barnett ahead of him. Like Masood, cherish every moment. I have watched Derbyshire a very long time and it has never been better than watching those two at the crease. Wright and Kirsten were special too, but this is proving a vintage summer. Madsen currently averages 76 in the four-day game, yet is 'only' second to Masood's 90. 

Extraordinary. 

Du Plooy came in to force a win in three days and hit two enormous blows, but when he was dismissed Luis Reece played a delightful cameo to highlight his value to the side. 

Third in the table tonight, playing some very good cricket. Mickey Arthur got his team selection spot on here, even omitting the second overseas player for a second spinner.

Next stop Yorkshire on Saturday, in front of what looks like a capacity crowd. 

I can't wait for that one.

Well played, fellas. That was great!