Matt Critchley’s maiden first-class hundred has been voted by supporters as the greatest Derbyshire innings of the 21st century.
The Club compiled a list of the top 20 innings by Derbyshire players across all formats since 2000, based on the runs scored, match situation and the quality of the individual performance.
Interest was high, with over 500 votes received across Twitter, Facebook and via email as the Club counted down to its Membership Early Bird deadline on Monday 1 February, with the knock by Critchley in May 2015 coming out on top.
The Cricket Derbyshire Academy in partnership with the University of Derby graduate scored an unbeaten 137 from 179 balls against Northamptonshire in just his second County Championship appearance, and his first at The 3aaa County Ground.
In the process, all-rounder Critchley, who has been in training with the England Lions in Dubai this winter, became the youngest first-class centurion in the Club’s history.
THANK YOU to everyone that voted for #DCCCInnings, over 500 votes were cast. Here is the winning innings #P2bD https://t.co/0lpcrnkhmI
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) January 29, 2016
Critchley finished ahead of Martin Guptill, who scored a memorable 227 at Bristol in 2015, while Chesney Hughes’ unbeaten 270 at Headingley in 2013 was voted the third best innings.
Wayne Madsen’s debut century versus Gloucestershire in 2009 and Michael Di Venuto’s unbeaten 192 at Lords’ in 2002 completed the top five.
Critchley said: “It’s an honour. I didn’t really expect to win when you consider the big names I was up against. Chesney Hughes’ 270 not out was a huge achievement as well as Martin Guptill’s amazing double-century this year.
“I’d like to thank everybody that voted for me.
He added: “We were struggling a bit in the game when I came in so I just dug in at first. I can’t really recall that much about the innings but obviously it was incredible to do it in my second game.
“I don’t really know what I was thinking trying to hit a six to go to a century. Luckily it did go for six and it will be something to look back on in my career and be proud of.
“At the time, it didn’t sink in. It was only a few months later when you really realise how much of an achievement it was. Hopefully, I can kick on and get a few more in the future and replicate what I did to win this award.”
There’s still time to purchase Membership for the 2016 season at the Early Bird price, which ends at midnight on Monday 1 February. To view full list of Membership categories and prices, click HERE.
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