Derbyshire draw but future looks bright
07.04.26, 11:34 Updated 07.04.26, 11:34 5 Minute Read
Paul Fisher
Derbyshire’s main quest this season was to put big scores in the first innings and then have the firepower to bowl sides out twice to secure victories. The opening game against Worcestershire almost went to plan, despite the stand-in skipper, Harry Came, saying that he would have bowled first under murky skies on day one.
The pleasing aspect to see was that Derbyshire weren’t hampered by being a batter down in skipper Wayne Madsen, still suffering from his dislocated shoulder obtained in the T20 World Cup. Madsen is expected to be ruled fit for the trip to Old Trafford on Friday, he may have to wait his turn as all the top order got runs, bar new signing Matt Montgomery, and it’s the German International’s spot that may become available for Madsen.
My colleague, Matthew Rhodes had tipped Martin Andersson to be a key factor for Derbyshire this season, but even he couldn’t have imagined the former Middlesex all-rounder to notch up a maiden double-century and grab three wickets. The 29-year-old could finally become of age, having promised so much.
Last season Andersson hit three centuries and had an average just shy of 50 in 17 innings. While he only picked up nine wickets at an average of 54 last season, his three wickets in the game came at 21. Andersson will be helped by other bowlers creating opportunities for him, and as Came said in his post-match interview with Dave Fletcher of BBC Radio Derby, “Martin has a golden arm at times”.
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