Derbyshire vs Surrey - Day 4 musings

At the risk of suggesting that I have acquired Mystic Meg-like talents, yesterday’s game ended in the draw that looked nailed on from lunch time on day three. Indeed, it couldn’t have looked more obviously so had it taken out national newspaper adverts, perimeter ads on the boundary hoardings and a fifty-foot high neon sign at the entrance to the ground that said ‘THIS IS A DRAW’.

The wicket rendered it so, for reasons that I explained last night. No doubt a track more conducive to wicket-taking was prepared, but you can’t legislate for the rain that meant we had to switch. Some might say we should have had it covered better, but I don’t accept that as fair comment when you’re playing the night before for the benefit of the TV cameras.

The only surprise to me was that Karl Krikken didn’t take the opportunity with the game dying on its feet to give Ben Slater another bat at the County Ground. With Seconds’ games played away from home, it would have been useful experience for the lad and neither Madsen nor Chanderpaul really needed another knock after their first innings. Odd one that, when one assumes he will retain his place for a decent run.

He should open against Durham MCCU, a game that offers a number of batsmen an opportunity to find form. Godleman, Redfern, Durston and Whiteley should all play and we may see an Academy player or two, maybe even Tony Palladino if he is nearing fitness.

Finally, let’s hear it for Martin Guptill. His superb innings yesterday highlighted once more what a class act he is. We can only hope that he’s back at the County Ground before too long, but I don’t think it will be for the T20. I think he will opt for the Caribbean version, a good shop window for the IPL – and, let’s face it, better weather.

Hope I’m wrong though and that Messr Grant and Krikken have got a good plan B up their sleeves.