Lancashire v Derbyshire day 2

Lancashire 351 

Derbyshire 235-3 (Came 83, Guest 60*, Montgomery 46, Andersson 37*  Stanley 2-48)

Derbyshire trail by 116 runs

It was a funny old day at Old Trafford today. 

We had Anderson bowling to Andersson, a two that became a six with overthrows and a bowler who removed his jumper to realise he'd forgotten to put his shirt on. The sort of thing you associate with club cricket, not necessarily the first class game, but it made for interesting viewing. 

As for the action, Derbyshire did extremely well before lunch, with Harry Came and Matthew Montgomery batting with great common sense, excellent technique and good judgement of the balls to leave alone. 

The Lancashire bowling was disciplined and tested them. Jimmy Anderson remains an operator of the very highest class, Bailey bowled miserly spells while Mitch Stanley was hitting the top 80s mph. There were not too many boundaries, but the foundation was laid for an acceleration after lunch. 

Montgomery looks an excellent signing. He showed discipline and yet an ability to quickly spot anything overpitched or short. Indeed, it came as a surprise when he drove away from his body and edged to slip, one ball after hitting Stanley over mid-wicket for six.

Came was excellent for the second game running. He looks a very organised player these days and played very straight for the most part. There are times when his technique and footwork are similar to that of Joe Root and we can only hope for similar returns by the end of his career! 

Anderson eventually earned his reward for some demanding bowling, Came playing on. The former England man is an example to everyone in the game, having looked after himself and still bowling with rare hostility and considerable skill.

Andersson came in to join Guest, half an hour before tea and was once again quickly into his stride. His cover drive is rapidly developing into a trademark stroke but in this form he seems to have a shot for every delivery bowled at him. Again though, he will be grateful for the efforts of the top order in taking the shine from the ball and putting overs into the legs of the home side's seam attack. At the other end Guest was controlled and playing increasingly expansively. In his best form he is a lovely player to watch.

Rain came at the tea interval and the resumption was delayed for some time, yet thanks to excellent work by the groundstaff, a final session of fourteen overs was possible. Guest and Andersson came through this with few alarms and took their team to the close at a healthy 235-3.

Derbyshire will be very happy with their day's work, losing only two wickets in adding 235 runs to their overnight total, with batting to come. They stood toe to toe with a very good side and were not found wanting. There was more play than the forecast had suggested might be possible and they will hope for the same tomorrow, when they will resume 116 runs behind. 

I'm sure that Mickey Arthur, undoubtedly following the game closely from Australia, will have been pleased with his team.

I know I am.