Martin Guptill admitted that Derbyshire did not meet their standards during the final day of their LV= County Championship opener with Lancashire but says there are positives to be taken.
Wes Durston and Billy Godleman scored 85 and 76 respectively during the first innings of the match and Guptill is convinced that the time they spent in the middle can only be useful.
Guptill is now ready to come back stronger on Sunday when the team face Gloucestershire at Bristol.
“It wasn’t a great finish from us,” Guptill admitted. “We are a much better team than that and we know that. We will come out firing at Gloucester on Sunday.
“Tom Taylor bowled an amazing spell to get us right back in the game. It was a great spell for him and good confidence booster.
“Some of the boys got good time in the middle during the first innings. Wes (Durston) and Billy (Godleman) both batted very well and fell just short of their hundreds. That happens in cricket and they will be better off for having had that time in the middle.
“We have a couple of training sessions before Sunday so the boys will be ready to go against Gloucestershire.”
Guptill added: “It’s quite hard coming from a lot of white-ball cricket into my first red-ball game in 14 months.
“It’s a little bit different but I am enjoying it. I am looking forward to going again on Sunday and scoring a few runs.”
Derbyshire are back in action on Sunday when they travel to Bristol to face Gloucestershire for the start of the LV= County Championship fixture.
The next fixture back at The 3aaa County Ground begins on Sunday 10 May when Derbyshire entertain Northamptonshire. You can save £4 per adult ticket by purchasing in advance of the game. Click here to purchase>>
