Sussex 607-8 (Hughes 144, Simpson 121, Carson 97, Dupavillon 3-107)
Derbyshire 178-6 (Madsen 79*, Dal 45, Unadkat 3-41)
Derbyshire trail by 429 runs
Rather following the script that I suggested last night, Sussex duly rattled up 600 and then reduced the Derbyshire innings to rubble in the twinkling of an eye. To be fair, they then rallied and a vintage knock by the sublime Wayne Madsen carried their first innings at least into the third day.
To be honest, the major difference between the two sides is that one has got two overseas players who have led from the front. The 144 from Daniel Hughes yesterday was matched by 3-41 by Jaydev Unadkat, who bowled beautifully with the new ball, putting it in areas that we simply didn't manage yesterday. The 3-107 by Daryn Dupavillon simply didn't compare and it again stressed what we need to find this winter.
Simpson made an excellent century for Sussex before Carson was dismissed for 97, bringing a relief to Derbyshire after being in the field for 140 overs. Came went early in reply and I was surprised that Guest wasn't given a breather after such a long time in the field. He only conceded six byes in the innings, a worthy effort, but would have benefited from a little time in the changing room. Having said that, when the first four wickets are down inside the first eight overs, none of them had much time to gather their thoughts...
Donald batted well for a time, then was bowled through a sizeable gate and it was left to Dal to help in a partnership of 84 runs, before he was smartly caught at short leg by Alsop. A few balls turning quite sharply again confirmed that the decision to bowl and expose themselves to a final innings was not the shrewdest, but maybe tomorrow sees a counter-attack of mythical proportions, that leaves the home side needing 200 on the last day. Hmm..
It seems unlikely, but Madsen played another of those innings where you shake your head and marvel at his longevity and consistency. On the basis of what I saw today, next season need not be his last, as he remains as lean as a butcher's dog, his stroke play still something for the ages.
One back foot force through extra cover today made me gasp at its beauty and he appeared on a different level to anyone else. Playing the ball late and watching it closely, it was an object lesson in batting against spin, three swept boundaries in the day's final over the piece de resistance in an innings of consummate class.
It is hard to believe we can salvage anything from this game, still 429 runs behind. But it was equally hard to believe that Madsen is still capable of such quality into his fifth decade.
Enjoy him, as long as it lasts.
We will not see his like again.
Postscript: rumours emanating from Trent Bridge suggest that Luke Fletcher might be moving to Derbyshire next season.
I have had several messages and emails today asking my thoughts, so here goes..
If he is still fit, if he is wanting to do something with his remaining career, I can buy into it. He will be 36 next season and might be the controlling sort of bowler we need.
But I don't want the County Ground to become a retirement village. Given the choice, I would take Luke Procter, but that is also only a rumour. If Fletcher, a fine servant for Nottinghamshire over many seasons, was to make the switch, I would hope he had more to offer than in his loan spell of a few years back, when he didn't seem to be pushing himself unduly. To be honest, he never struck me as a potential Derbyshire player, but then neither did Samit Patel - and we all know what happened there...
Shan Masood apart Mickey Arthur’s overseas recruitment has been Derbyshire’s biggest problem over the last three seasons
ReplyDeleteI quite agree KJB. MA is a much respected and experienced international coach yet in his time with Derbyshire he hasn't exactly covered himself in glory. If it was his decision to insert Sussex after winning the toss what on earth was on his mind? An explanation would be nice. We cannot hope to salvage anything from this game but surely we can show some fight, as exemplified by Wayne Madsen. With wickets crashing all around him our talisman played an almost lone hand showing his usual skill and determination. I wonder how often we haverelied on him....and how often Donald has managed to get himself out in the 20s?
DeleteI’d throw Zaman Khan in as an excellent overseas T20 signing, but yes MA’s overseas recruitment has been a disappointment.
DeleteIt’s going to be a very sad day when Wayne finally calls it a day. Hopefully he's still got a couple of years left at least.
As far this game, you can certainly look at areas the team could and should do better, but the disastrous decision at the toss has killed us here. Talk of stumbling onto winning formulas and then doing what we did last week because it worked even though the conditions are literally screaming for you to do the opposite isnt the kind of leadership I expected from a coach with international pedigree.
Since when has it been the coach's decision on winning the toss to decide whether to bat or bowl..? Does he overule the Captain's opinion (assuming it was any different)..?
DeleteIn almost three seasons, Arthur doesn't really appear to have come to terms with the English game.
Ian. S.Africa.
Several players from different clubs have told me it's how it works. They will chat it through but the HOC or coach will have final say. Can't think that will have changed with the arrival of David Lloyd, Ian
DeleteOnce again, another top order collapse. That's all I want to say.
DeleteI remember another curious Derbyshire decision at Hove regarding a non declaration, but the decision to field first in this game is worse - defies logic.. I guess the visitors arn't used to the sea air - addles the brain .
ReplyDelete