Derbyshire 130 and 286-6 (Dal 85*, Madsen 69, McKiernan 58*)
Worcestershire 185 (Aitchison 4-40, Conners 3-53)
Derbyshire lead by 231 runs
First up, while there have rightly been comments about Brooke Guest being in line for a Lions call after a fine summer, Anuj Dal is no less worthy. His second half-century of the game, this one crucially unbeaten, has steered his side into a strong position.
Nuj currently averages 78 with the bat and has twice played a blinder here at Worcester Add in his 22 wickets for the summer and there is a serious cricketer on our books. One of several, in fact.
Having said that, Guest took six catches here and kept to a very high standard. That is 38 catches for the summer and a batting average of 43 on top. Impressive.
Second, there are some who purport to be Derbyshire supporters who really should stay off social media. Their comments when we were 14-5 on the first morning were rude and unnecessary, certainly showing little understanding of the challenge of batting on a green track against a hostile attack. Will they be equally quick to praise tonight? I doubt it, but having a low threshold for stupidity, I blocked them anyway and will never know.
Third and finally, the fighting spirit in this squad is magnificent. After a controlled and highly skilled morning spell by Ben Aitchison, getting back to his excellent best, Worcestershire were only 55 runs ahead. Yet Derbyshire were 92-5 when Hilton Cartwright was bizarrely stumped, only 37 runs on.
Could we, I thought as I watched, maybe scrape a lead of 140? Maybe that could be a challenge in the final innings.
They did that and then some.
Wayne Madsen passed his thousand runs for the season in a gritty and stylish innings of 69, which ended when Barnard, who bowled tightly, pinned him leg before. At that point we were 111 runs on and my 'target' was possible.
But then Dal and Mattie McKiernan built a stand that was both valuable and beautifully constructed. The former was stylish, wristy and compact, the latter gutsy and powerful when the bad ball came along. The bowlers looked bedraggled by the end of the day, by which time the lead had reached 231. 92-5 had become 286-6, the partnership an unbroken 120 in just 28 overs.
Cricket eh? There could yet be more twists in this tale, as the wicket appears to have eased a little (or was it just the quality of the batting?) and the home side might yet fancy anything under 300.
But that will be a tall order in the final innings against a keen pace attack. This is a day that will live long in the memory for Derbyshire supporters.
If we can finish the job over the next two days it will be very special indeed.
I played cricket to a reasonable standard, but miles and miles away from getting anywhere near pro level. You never criticise players Steve apart from in a constructive and considered way, and rightly so. For them to have made it to this level is an achievement in itself, so who are we to insult these pro's.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant today, as you know from last night's comments I had an inkling Derbyshire might end up in this position. We have the makings of a really really good team here. There are however far better writers on this blog about cricket than me, but will sign off with who honestly thought we'd be in the promotion mix?
Sorry Dave, Wirral.
ReplyDeleteFrom being nearly out of the door at the end of last season, Anuj is now one of our key players in the championship. You could see him finding form at the end of last season and boy must he be working hard in training, well done Anuj.
ReplyDeleteIf we get a lead of over 300 tomorrow, then you have to fancy us to claim a vital victory
Completely agree with your comments about Anuj Dal.
ReplyDeleteI thought that Finn Hudson-Prentice as well as Matt Critchley would be massive boots to fill, and on last seasons showing I didn't think we would be able to fill them from within existing ranks.
In fact Anuj and whichever one of Thompson and McKiernan have played in any match have really stepped up to the mark.
For me having these at 7 and 8 in the batting and 2nd/3rd change in the bowling has been the most satisfying and reassuring thing about this season.
Dal (and Guest) must surely be at least on the radar for further recognition - and sadly probably be on the radar of some of the bigger counties.
Also, I don't want to get to worked up about the position in this match - I make it about 50:50 at the moment. We probably need to win the first session tomorrow to really be considered favourites.
I'm not wanting to claim the glory but I left the stream just after Wayne Madsen had got to his 1,000 runs for the season and look what happened when I stopped watching.
ReplyDeleteIt's amazing how in 12 months Anuj Dal's career has changed. This time last year there was doubt whether he would be retained but now he is one of the first names on the team sheet. The partnership today reminded me of the one between Wayne Madsen and Tom Poynton during the promotion season.
Similar to you I was hoping for around 150 lead so to be where we are is amazing. Still a lot of hard work for victory but a fightback like today can only happen when you have a positive dressing room.
Fabulous effort today by Wayne , Anuj and Mattie to turn the game around in our favour. Agree with all you say PF and I recommend all Derbyshire fans to read the comprehensive match report on Cricinfo.
ReplyDeleteTotally agree, Steve. Nuj is really blossoming. He's no longer a "bits and pieces" player.
ReplyDeleteThis has been a fascinating game, full of ups and downs, for both sides. We were 97-5 today with a lead of just 37, and looking to be heading for 130 or 140 and defeat.
Who knows, maybe both Nuj and McKiernan might make hundreds tomorrow, and we might clock up 400. And win the game.
A fantastic day for Derbyshire ,if we can bat to lunch and get a 300 lead then this game is set up for a great finish .Dal is playing with a superb temperament in all scenarios . A nod to the Worcestershire crowd who applauded good play throughout the day .
ReplyDeleteMorning Steve
ReplyDeleteAnother fine performance from Derbyshire and another excellent piece by yourself yesterday Peakfan. As you know I have been extolling the virtues of Nuj for a few years now, I think back in 2019 I said there is ‘good player in there’ . I’m delighted for him. You said it all about Guest too, an excellent signing last year, and credit to the previous coach and the management team for his recruitment as well as to MA who has turned him in to a top batter.
As for criticism of the players after Day 1, appalling! I am reminded by the autobiography of the former Brighton and Charlton footballer, Gary Nelson in his book ‘Left Foot Forward’. He admits to be a journeyman footballer (I watched him in the old third division at the Valley, and he was better than that!), and he was often the victim of boos and criticism. Nonetheless he pointed out that during his early years, he was the best footballer in his School, the best for his County in his age group, the best in the academy system and represented England Youth. In other words, highly talented at his age. However when he became professional he soon found his level, playing against players of several generations and even back then from several countries. My point, to those who criticise, give our boys some credit they are some of the best players in UK cricket, not the greatest, nor the best but very good. I for one I wish I had their talent when I was a young man!!
Clay Cross Mark
Hi Mark yeah, these guys are among the top 0.5% of players, in the country and even when they fail, remain that to have got so far. We all need to remember that
DeleteFull credit and great to see a stronger Derbyshire, but think a dose of realism is needed re. Lions recognition (not sure why Scrimshaw played in the 50 overs, either tbh, a good and v promising T20 bowler at times, but longer form has not show much).
ReplyDeleteDaj and Guest are playing Divison 2 which is a very moderate and getting worse, standard, as Matt Critchleys 4 day struggles have shown, and its been the season of the bat, all averages should be taken with a huge pinch of salt. Doesn't take it away from this game though, as this isn't a road so much, but think some reality needs to mentioned!
Great to see MA doing a good job and you guys coming back, but there really are some low standards in division 2 now (Leics embarrassing defeat to a nothing special Glam, simply adding grist to the mill of all those wanting less counties). Hopefully your chairman will be voting with ours against the reduction in 4 day games, and not be bribed with more hundred money...has he made any announcements on his stance yet?
I do think criticsms should be allowed when fair, after all members are paying the wages of these players - well the ecb are- but he clubs would not exist without members. If no criticism then who are any of us to criticise anyone in any job for what we deem a poor effort, politics, tradesmen etc. pro cricketers shouldnt be immune as its part of the job even more so as sportsman only have a job due to the interests fans.
Essex fan
Essex fan.
Criticism is valid when justified, and I haven't been slow to in such situations. But personal attacks, insults, rudeness are not. I work on the basis that if I would say it to their face, it is fair to write. Not otherwise
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