Derbyshire v Glamorgan day two

Glamorgan 259 (Carlson 94, Van Der Gugten 37, Harris 31, Reece 4-67, Dal 3-29, Aitchison 2-51)

Derbyshire 17-0

Derbyshire trail by 242 runs

Before I give my thoughts on today's play, I thought I should comment on yesterday's non-start, not just at Derby but around most of the country. 

In this health and safety/litigation crazy world we now live in, you cannot take risks with employees. It is all well and good to suggest supporters, ground staff and players could have got the covers off, but what happens if something goes wrong? Add in an outfield that is very wet and people who are playing cricket for their livelihood, not a laugh, the potential for an issue was considerable. 

A decision was made - not just at Derby, but pretty much everywhere - that the risk was too great. While acknowledging it is an important game for Derbyshire, common sense has to apply and I have no issue with play being abandoned for the day. It was a decision made by the umpires and that has to be respected.

Today, a Derbyshire charge was held up by the diligent Kiran Carlson and Timm Van Der Gugten. They batted with complete focus and common sense in repelling the Derbyshire attack for 28 overs when their side had slipped to 99-6 on a more lively pitch than usual, after being under covers for 24 hours. The home seamers bowled well, the ground fielding was excellent and the catching good. Ben Aitchison held a Daryn Smit-style screamer to eventually dismiss Carlson, but the damage had been done by that point. 

Both those batters are admirable players and have been fine servants to Glamorgan. It was fitting that they should team up to steer their team to calmer waters, having done so many times over the years since they both made their debuts in 2016. They are part of an ageing side, but one in which the key players have stayed fit this summer and six batters average over 40. 

There just isn't enough time left in this game for Derbyshire to force a win. They could go in and hammer 400 in 75 overs tomorrow (unlikely, on a surface offering help to the bowlers) but it looks like being a truncated day and the visitors have no obligation to offer anything, when they are in such a positive position in the league.

If this was day one of a four-day game, Derbyshire would be dreaming, but it isn't, so they must battle to get the best points they can from the fixture.

Luis Reece and Anuj Dal bowled splendidly today on a pitch that suited them, but everyone pitched in. Ben Aitchison again offered both quality and control, his return being one of the major plusses of the summer. It was a solid team effort, epitomising our red ball game this year, but as I said at the outset, to do something special you need your fair share of luck. 

Yesterday, we didn't get it. But in that, we were the same as everyone else. 

Sadly, as the saying goes, them's the breaks.

Late in the day, a shoulder injury sustained by Luis Reece in the field was worrying, but he thankfully reappeared soon afterwards and was able to take the second new ball. The pitch appeared easier by that stage and the visiting tail dug in, as the intensity of both the attack and fielding dropped. Gorvin and Harris took time out of the match and did a fine job for their side in an important half century ninth wicket stand.

It was eventually broken by Reece, courtesy of a fine low catch by Guest, but Glamorgan had an unlikely batting bonus point by that stage. Gorvin's eventual dismissal after facing 66 deliveries gave Derbyshire an awkward five overs to face.

Reece and Donald took 17 runs from them and will hope to add many more - and quickly - tomorrow.