The TV challenge game ‘It’s a Knockout’ was an amusing watch, creating humour at the expense of the competitors. Again this week the current cricket campaign has seen the weather prevail, leading to yet another washout. In fact the recent weather has been so appalling that I’ve had to term the new phrase ‘It’s a Washout’. For the second time in a week, Yorkshire were left wondering what might have been, as rain prevented play for the final three days of their County Championship clash against Derbyshire. As a result both Yorkshire and table toppers Derbyshire had to settle for six points a piece, by virtie of a draw.
After a full day of play at Chesterfield on Wednesday, torrential rain swept in during the following evening. The combination of this, followed by a persistent drizzle on Thursday greatly interrupted play, and left the pitch in an unsuitable state for the next three days. By Saturday the weather had improved, but the damage was irreparable as the sodden ground was deemed unsuitable for play even despite the improved conditions. Indeed this proved to be the correct decision by the umpires, since the outfield was saturated, provoking Yorkshire director of cricket Martyn Moxon to comment to the BBC: “The damage was done on the previous two days. The risk of someone slipping in the conditions was pretty high.” This was reiterated by Derbyshire skipper Wayne Madsen, who added: “If we had played it was going to be dangerous and we didn’t want to risk any injuries.”
The first day though against Derbyshire at the Chesterfield Festival was an enthralling day of cricket, as the momentum constantly switched hands, before play ended with Yorkshire possessing a slender advantage. Batting first Yorkshire had progressed nicely to 175-3, courtesy of 61 by Phil Jacques and a quick fire 46 from Gary Balance. However Derbyshire then fought back valiantly, dismissing Balance to spark a collapse. Mark Turner, Tim Groeneweld and Wes Durston all collected three wickets, resulting in Yorkshire folding to a disappointing 219 all out.
In response Derbyshire openers Madsen and Matt Lineker shared an opening partnership of 43, before Madsen’s dismissal by Steven Patterson. This didn’t seem to affect Derbyshire though as they moved the score along to 70 without any further trouble, as they gained the ascendancy in the game. However after Richard Pyrah bowled Lineker for 33, Derbyshire fell into disarray slumping to 105-7. The on-loan Steve Harmison picked up three wickets, whilst fellow paceman Moin Ashraf helped himself to two. The hosts recovered in the closing stages of the day to leave the game fascinatingly poised at 135-7.
However the rain then set in, and the washout occurred. Once again the weather prevailed in a season which is quickly turning into the wettest in memory. At least the immediate forecast appears to be improving, and Yorkshire will be hoping to play against Derbyshire tomorrow in the CB40 as the Chesterfield Festival reaches its conclusion. After that a key quarter final T20 clash lies in wait against Worcestershire on Wednesday at Headingly, as the White Rose bid to qualify for T20 finals day.