Stand-in Captain Billy Godleman praised the quality of his side’s seam attack as Derbyshire fought back to claim an eight-wicket win against Kent in the LV= County Championship at Canterbury.
Having been dismissed for 86 and conceding a first innings lead of 119, Derbyshire’s attack, inspired by Wayne White’s career best figures of 6-25, took the last eight Kent wickets for 39 runs to bowl the hosts out for 112.
Godleman (82*) and Chesney Hughes (94) then shared a second-wicket partnership of 186 as Derbyshire reached 232-2 to claim victory halfway through the morning session on Day Three.
Godleman paid tribute to his bowlers as they wrestled the initiative back from Kent to set up the chase for the batsmen.
“Our new-ball bowlers [Mark] Footitt and [Tony] Palladino, together with [Wayne] White in their second innings, were all high class for us,” said Godleman.
“I’m fortunate to have Footitt and Palladino and they make my life as skipper much easier. I’ve really enjoyed the opportunity to lead Derbyshire, it’s been a real honour to lead my friends out.
“You just never know what can happen in cricket if you keep on believing. The trend of the game was for wickets to fall in clusters, so that was our focus second time around, to be patient, and that paid dividends.”
“It was an incredible game of cricket and really enjoyable to be a part of. I’m so pleased we were able to see it through this morning.”
Derbyshire are back in home NatWest T20 Blast action on Thursday 18 June when they welcome Leicestershire Foxes to The 3aaa County Ground.
