Wayne Madsen says it is a privilege to contribute for Derbyshire after passing 15,000 total runs for the club.
The 35-year-old recorded his second double-century for the county against Gloucestershire on Sunday to help Derbyshire to a hard-fought draw in Bristol.
Madsen also passed 10,000 first-class runs for Derbyshire during the trademark innings, while he became only the ninth player in the club’s history to go past 15,000 runs in all forms.
“It was very important that we managed to bat out for a draw because it was a tough game,” said Madsen.
“It was hard for the bowlers to get anything with both spin and seam so it was good to get the draw and it was pretty special for me to get the double hundred.
“I’m very proud of the achievement and to be able to contribute that many runs to the club has been a privilege.
“I’m lucky to do what I do so hopefully I can continue that for a number of years to come.
“It’s always important to start well and build confidence at the beginning of the season and we’ve done that with a great win against Durham at home and a hard-fought draw down in Bristol.
“It has built a lot of confidence with lots of performances from everyone throughout the team so it’s great to take that momentum into the 50-over competition starting on Friday.
“I know that it’s a totally different format but the confidence that the guys can take from the way that we’ve played over the first two games will stand us in good stead.”
After a positive start to the season which sees Derbyshire top the Specsavers County Championship Division Two table, Madsen is now looking forward to an exciting block of Royal London One-Day Cup action.
“Last year we played some good cricket at the start and we were top of the table halfway through but we didn’t finish as well as we would’ve liked or should have,” admits Madsen.
“However, this year we want to be a bit more consistent throughout the group stages to give us a chance of getting into the knockouts and then anything can happen.
“We’re looking forward to Friday and I think that first and foremost, we will concentrate on the next game.
“Friday’s game will be important so that we get off to a good start in the competition.
“We’re excited about it and we’ve got a balanced squad with a few all-rounders which will help us with batting depth and stand us in good stead.
“I think it’s a positive for everyone to be able to focus on the white-ball competition for a few weeks.
“It’s difficult to change between formats so it gives us a bit of focus around getting it right in the 50-over competition.
“I think it will be beneficial for the standard of cricket in the competition and with us having a smaller squad and most guys playing all formats, it gives us an advantage in that regard to focus purely on the 50-over format.
“It’s hugely important for us to start well, with two big games against Northants on Friday and the big derby against Notts on Sunday.
“For us, it’s going to be crucial that we have as many people down at the ground as possible supporting us and we’ll be looking to put in performances to make the crowd proud.”
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