Match Report – DERBS vs SUSS sixteenth Match, Might 03 – 06, 2024

Sussex 357 for five (Pujara 104*, Coles 72, Alsop 64, Haines 58) lead Derbyshire 246 (Tickner 47) by 111 runs

The Indian maestro scored an unbeaten 104 with Tom Haines, Tom Alsop and James Coles all making half-centuries as Sussex closed on 357 for five, a lead of 111. Sussex’s place would have been even higher however for 2 late wickets for Luis Reece to maintain Derbyshire within the sport.

The house aspect had earlier taken their first innings to 246 due to a career-best 47 from Blair Tickner who shared a ninth wicket stand of 68 with Jack Morley earlier than Coles took 2 for six along with his left-arm spin to complete off the innings.

The cloud cowl of the primary day was changed by patches of blue sky, making batting a extra comfy proposition and Tickner and Morley took benefit.

Tickner pulled an Ollie Robinson no-ball to the ropes and there was extra frustration for the tempo bowler when Tom Clark put down a troublesome low likelihood at second slip with Morley on 6.

The pair accomplished a 50 stand from 75 balls and Tickner was in sight of a maiden first-class half-century when he made room to drive Coles and was bowled by a faster ball.

Morley had performed the supporting function, displaying sound defence, however with Tickner gone, he grew to become extra expansive and got here down the pitch to dispatch Jack Carson over long-on for six. Derbyshire have been closing in on a batting level when Morley used his toes once more to try to drive Coles by way of the off aspect however missed the ball and was stumped.

Though their rating was greater than had appeared possible when the eighth wicket went down at 163, early wickets have been wanted to place Sussex beneath stress and Daryn Dupavillon obliged in his second over. The South African quick bowler moved one again in from exterior off to bowl Clark however the bowling was too inconsistent and Haines pounced on something that was barely offline.

He reached his 50 which got here from solely 38 balls within the first over after lunch and the stand with Alsop was price 90 when he performed on aiming to chop a ball that was too near him for the stroke.

The sight of Pujara strolling out to bat on a floor the place he made a double-century two years in the past was an ominous one from a Derbyshire viewpoint and he was quickly working the ball round with a quiet assurance.

Alsop reached his 50 with consecutive fours off Reece however two overs earlier than tea, he aimed to work Anuj Dal by way of midwicket and was lbw.

On the interval, Sussex have been trailing by 50 and with Coles enjoying positively from the beginning, they started to take a grip on the match within the night session. Coles launched Morley over long-on for six earlier than Pujara reached 50 from 74 balls, the identical quantity Coles wanted to finish his when he pulled Zak Chappell to the wonderful leg boundary.

The partnership was price 141 when Coles drove Reece low to mid-off and after Pujara punched David Lloyd to the quilt boundary for his tenth 4 to finish a century off 158 balls, Reece bowled John Simpson with one which straightened.

Derbyshire claimed the brand new ball earlier than the shut however Pujara and Carson stood agency to make sure it was the guests day.