Thursday 28 April 2011

Leicestershire v Derbyshire day 2

Last night I said that I couldn't comment on a game until I saw how the second innings had gone, but once I'd seen Leicestershire's reply to our innings I'd tell you how it was looking.

The answer is, sadly, down a barrel.

Unless we take quick wickets tomorrow we could be facing a first innings deficit of  200 and a battle on the last day against Claude Henderson, who I currently rate the best slow left armer on the county circuit. Will Jefferson made a fine century, something that none of our batsmen managed and we need to show all of our battling qualities tomorrow to keep in the match.

I'm not sure what's happened. By most accounts the wicket was playing a lot of tricks and batting would continue to be tricky. Yet at 201-2 and counting, Leicestershire are currently ahead of the game and must fancy their position tonight. There was a steady spell by Azeem Rafiq and an unsuccesful shout for a caught and bowled from Jefferson, but apart from that the home side seemed largely untroubled through the afternoon.

Earlier Dan Redfern and Luke Sutton did well, but the tail fell away and we were short of what seemed possible in a somewhat lacklustre day.

Here's hoping for better tomorrow.

8 comments:

  1. I am a massive John Morris fan but still have to be convinced about the Rafiq signing.

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  2. Yes, Rafiq has a first class batting average of 20 and has taken 15 wickets at over 50 each. Jake Needham has a batting average of 20 but has taken 35 wickets at 36. I wonder if we get more money from the ECB for playing Rafiq as he is younger or Needham has upset someone at the club?

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  3. We obviously missed Palladino and perhaps big Steffan. They are both bowling and batting well.

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  4. What is wrong with Needham - is he injured?

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  5. Needham is needing bowling to sort out his technique at present.

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  6. Just looked on espncricinfo this morning and Rafiq's bowling average is actually over 55 and rising. At the other end we have Turner whose is almost averaging 50. It's a bit worrying!

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  7. If Needham is needing bowling then we have got plenty of it down at Grace Road that needs doing!

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  8. Think id rather watch the royal wedding than go to grace road today.

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