Yorkshire v. Derbyshire Day 2

Yorkshire 450-5d (Brook 126*, Root 119)

Derbyshire 190-3 (Madsen 88*, Guest 74*)

Derbyshire trail by 260 runs

Well, what a magnificent day of sport that was! 

After Derby County secured promotion to the Championship with a 2-0 win over Carlisle, Derbyshire overcame a tricky start to their innings against Yorkshire to reach the close of play at 190-3. 

That they did so was thanks to a magnificent stand between Wayne Madsen (88*) and Brooke Guest (74*) which added 167 runs for the fourth wicket.

There was an heir of inevitability about the proceedings of the morning, with both Root and Brook proceeding to centuries that seemed on the cards almost from the time that they took guard. Both batted very well, but there appeared little in the pitch for the bowlers and the concern was whether knowledge of home conditions might make Fisher and Coad a different proposition when it came our turn to bat. 

To be honest, the thing they did better than us with the new ball was simply to bowl straight and pitch it up. Harry Came, enduring a difficult start to the season, was soon dismissed, as was David Lloyd, second ball. Though the sight of Madsen walking out to bat was reassuring, if a surprise, Luis Reece didn't keep him company for long, edging a drive to Bean at slip, which brought Guest in at 23-3. 

Thereafter it was relatively plain sailing. Both batted with excellent technique and concentration, not forgetting some very fine stroke play, as befits two very good players. They were quickly into their stride, moving their feet well and with a flurry of boundaries easing the pressure. A six by Madsen over long on, the pose held as the ball sailed away, had this viewer purring with delight, but Guest was equally severe on a bad ball and matched him stroke for stroke.

Later they became a little more circumspect, with the field. Innovatively placed by Shan Masood. I did think they overdid the short ball - or were allowed to - at Madsen, presumably in the knowledge of his injury. There were one or two minor alarms, though the presence of a very fine third man suggested they were hoping he might use his ramp/upper cut shot and hole out. 

But he didn't and both got to the close with their wickets intact and Derbyshire pride extended past the early afternoon football result. 

Tomorrow's forecast suggests there will be little play until, at the earliest, late afternoon so any chance of a positive result here would appear to lie between the captains agreeing on an appropriate last day target. 

With the home attack, something akin to our complaints about Derbyshire - too repetitive and similar, with only Root to offer spin - I would be surprised if anything realistic were to be set. 

We will see, but that was a fine effort today, hats off to Wayne and Brooke for that.