Glamorgan 237 (Carlson 74, Thomson 7-65, Tickner 2-57, Conners 1-51)
Derbyshire 46-1 (Lloyd 35*, Came 11*)
Derbyshire trail by 191 runs
Thomson bowled superbly, flighting the ball beautifully and getting significant turn from the start of his spell. Perhaps the only concern was that Derbyshire, having won the toss, had opted to bat last on this pitch and omitted Jack Morley the second spinner. Whether Mason Crane and Kiran Carlson cause similar issues remains to be seen, but they will struggle to better the bowling of the tall Derbyshire man today.
It was perhaps the best spell of bowlng I have seen by a Derbyshire spinner in years. He kept an excellent line and length throughout, keeping the short leg cordon both safe and prepared for things to happen.
Edwin Smith once told me that the hardest part of being a bowler was bowling when conditions were in your favour and the expectation was that you would bowl them out. Alex did that admirably today.
The first sighting of Blair Tickner was very positive. An all-action bowler, functional rather than aesthetically pleasing, he got considerable movement and also bounce. He plays with a smile on his face, yet an obviously combative attitude. I like him, a lot. I think he will prove a very astute signing.
Zak Chappell bowled with good control but no luck, and after reaching a good position in early afternoon, thanks to Carlson, Glamorgan collapsed thereafter as Thomson worked his way through the batting. David Lloyd held a fine catch at leg slip and captained the side astutely, while Brooke Guest was excellent behind the stumps. Indeed, Derbyshire conceded only six extras in 78 overs, a very good, disciplined effort.
When it came our time to bat, things were far from easy. Luis Reece played too soon at Harris and pulled onto his stumps, while I couldn't see how Harry Came survived a strong appeal for lbw. David Lloyd also survived as Hamza and pretty much everyone else went up for a catch behind.
But both men were still there at the close, the skipper, on his return to Cardiff, having played some very pleasing strokes.
Hopefully the team can bat a long time tomorrow.
But that was a good day's work and excellent to watch.
After the false start last week we are now up and running, looking good and on our way.
ReplyDeleteGreat day for Derbyshire today. I was keeping an eye on the score whilst watching Shan Masood stroke it around for 140 against Gloucestershire. Genuinely the best batsmen I’ve seen for Derbyshire. A shame he’s now plying his trade for Yorkshire.
ReplyDeleteNathan, Bristol
I think Barnett Morris,Kirsten,Azharuddin,Rogers, Wright and probably around half a dozen more(who I have seen and forgotten) would be ahead in the list of the best batsmen to play for Derbyshire
DeleteAll subjective and dependent on age though. You can only enjoy who your age has allowed you to
DeleteA fine player. Not my best, for sure, but that is a merit of advancing years!
DeleteThe most impressive takeaway from Thomson's spell was the control and lack of any freebies in 26 overs. You would expect a little early season rustiness and cold fingers for the time of year but there was none of it. Seriously impressive discipline which allowed for the attacking fields to be kept in place and built the pressure. His accuracy and natural bounce due to his height and will make him a potent weapon this season.
ReplyDeleteRichard
Really pleased to see Alex doing so well today. He put in some good performances towards the end of last season and to begin this with career-best figures is very encouraging.
ReplyDeleteBlair Tickner got off to a great start and I think he is going to be an excellent signing. He looks like he has fitted in with the team really well.
All in all, and excellent first day for Derbyshire.
Sarah
Terrific performance by Thomson. According to Cricinfo the best performance by a Derbyshire spinner since Geoff Miller's 8-70 against Leicestershire in 1982.
ReplyDeleteDelighted to see such outstanding figures from Alex Thomson, especially so early in the season. The selectors might have been forgiven for going with an all seam attack but pleased that they have included spin. All in all a great start for the side after such a frustrating time last week at Derby. Also good to see Blair Tickner taking early wickets especially that of inform Sam Northeast. Long way to go but an encouraging start.
ReplyDeleteNudger
Alex Thomson may have been inspired by the perfomance of England's tall spinners in India. Blair Tickner's run-up and action remind me of Pat Cummins; just needs to add his accuracy!
ReplyDeleteSuperb effort from Thomson, help there for him, but sounds like he bowled attacking lines with good control.
ReplyDeleteNeither team will have expected turn on the first day, so now having to bat last means a first innings lead would be most welcome. Long way to go, but some promising signs, particularly from Tickner.
Fair to say we were fortunate to get to stumps 1 down, so let's hope for some good batting and more good fortune today.
Given up the chance of a first innings lead, very poor batting Derbyshire
ReplyDeleteAh, Alex old chap. If you could kindly get another 7, for not many, that would be grand
ReplyDeleteAndy