Derbyshire vs Nottinghamshire - Impressive discipline at the County Ground

Billy Godleman (FILE PHOTO)

In the last warm up match before the start of the serious stuff, Derbyshire showed impressive discipline with bat and ball today against Nottinghamshire at the County Ground.

The four main Derbyshire seamers bowled with impressive control and hostility on a helpful track, giving away precious few runs. Mark Footitt was a little more expensive and Wes Durston took some stick ahead of the Nottinghamshire declaration, but the bowlers can be very pleased with their efforts ahead of the season opener against Warwickshire.

The visitors’ declaration on 173-5 with forty overs to go would have been with a view to making inroads into Derbyshire’s batting, but after the early loss of the skipper, Durston and Billy Godleman batted very well to see the score to 103-2 by the close, Wes departing in the deep to the last ball of the day.

Full marks to both of them, especially to Godleman, who showed not only that he had the technique, but also the stomach for a fight in conditions that continued to favour a seam attack. It is good to see a player with the requisite guts and technique to open in April, which is a very difficult task. I hope he continues in similar vein tomorrow, when supporters may get their first glimpse of Shivnarine Chanderpaul after a lengthy flight from the Caribbean.

Welcome to Derbyshire Shivnarine. We’re delighted to see you and are sure that you will enjoy your stay!

More tomorrow.