Derbyshire 321
Worcestershire 331-6 (D'Oliveira 87*, Haynes 62, Libby 42, Waite 34*, Conners 3-82, Chappell 2-47
The issue with the team selection was that we had five very similar right arm fast medium bowlers in the attack. That would have been fine had the wicket given the expected help, but after a first session where we probably bowled a little short of the required length, the ball didn't really do much thereafter.
Credit to the visiting batters. They all got their heads down and got some runs. Likewise, Derbyshire's bowlers worked hard, but apart from but an afternoon spell where Sam Conners had them three down, we didn't really look like running through them. Conners bowled some good balls, but still has a tendency for that bad ball each over, to the detriment of his figures.
Even if Luis Reece had been included, there would least have been a different angle to test Worcestershire. As it was, once they got used to the pace of the track, nothing really worried them unduly. Giving over 40 runs in extras was also very disappointing and we will need to do much better.
Ben Aitchison was the most economical, but Derbyshire will need a good first session tomorrow, or otherwise risk the game getting away from them.
We will see. But well done to the visitors. My prediction for them is that Matthew Waite will prove an extremely astute signing.
As for Derbyshire, much to do tomorrow
After scoring over 300 after being asked to bat first I think we have to be happy with that. As they say though, it's always wise to wait until both sides have batted and Worcestershire have shown the pitch doesn't particularly hold any demons and full credit to them for applying themselves well.
ReplyDeleteAs you say, the extras we conceded is a concern and hopefully it's due to a bit of 'rustiness'.
I'm not saying it would have made a great amount of difference, but without wanting to repeat myself I always like to see a spinner included and having to resort to occasional overs from Lamb (who knew!) and Du Plooy perhaps shows 5 seamers was indeed overkill.
We're definitely on the back foot at the moment, but I expect us to be able to make big runs in the second innings. Let's just hope we're not 200 plus behind.
If the pitch had been more seamer friendly then five similar bowlers wouldn't have been required the pitches at Derby over the last few years have become far to batsman friendly
ReplyDeleteLooks like we're staring down the barrel already, need a very good 2nd innings to even save this match
ReplyDelete