From the first six overs we scored only 38 runs. From the last three we scored only 17. The bit in the middle was fine, but we simply have to make greater use of the Powerplay and more intelligent use of the overs at the death. 

Part of the problem, and I hate to say it because I really like him as a player, is that Luis Reece is too slow at the top of the innings. Just six from 14 balls today,following on from 23(21), 53(35), 19(15), 0 (2), 14 (12). Only at Trent Bridge did he score at an acceptable rate and today the problem was compounded by the in form Madsen not getting in until the ninth over.

I am a big subscriber to your best batters having the most time in the middle in this format. What Derbyshire need to do is elevate Tom Wood to open alongside the rejuvenated Haider Ali, which allows Wayne and Leus to bat at 3 and 4. 

Ali played very well today, while Madsen just missed out on what would have been a world record sixth T20 score over fifty. But as far as the batting went, that was it. Wood lent some support (and later bowled as well as anyone) but the rest of the batting was a mess. Du Plooy is having a bad trot, partially because he is coming in too low, partially because his shot selection at present is awful. Today’s was pretty horrific and I didn’t understand it, for a player who has such a powerful, front of the wicket game.

The final total was a score that was competitive in the early years of 20 over cricket, but in good conditions not even close today

While the result looked nailed on at the halfway mark, Malan and Lyth sealed it in the Yorkshire power play. Both are good players, of course and would walk into the Derbyshire side, but we had an opportunity ahead of this game and totally failed to take it.

Back to the drawing board. I fully appreciate there are not many options for Mickey Arthur, but today was one of those days when we don’t make anything close to the best of what we have.

And with that, I head off to enjoy my Sunday afternoon in the garden.