Derbyshire dominant on Day One

Leicestershire first innings: 199: Dearden 70, Melton 4-22
Derbyshire first innings: 101-1: Reece 50*, Madsen 37*

Career-best figures from fast bowler Dustin Melton (4-22) and an all-round performance from Luis Reece (3-51 and 50*) put Derbyshire in a commanding position at the close on Day One versus Leicestershire.

Billy Godleman’s side dismissed the table-toppers for 199, before closing on 101-1, rounding off a professional display to take an early advantage in the second round Bob Willis Trophy match.

25-year-old Melton was the pick of the Derbyshire seamers in an impressive bowling display which saw the visitors make the most of the green tinges on a good track after losing the toss.

The Zimbabwe-born quick, who is playing in his fourth first-class match, hit a consistent line and length, restricting the batsmen’s run-scoring options while getting the odd delivery to move off the pitch and force a mistake.

There were also key wickets for Sam Conners (2-43) and Reece, the former removing Ben Slater (0) in the fifth over of the morning.

His edge to third slip was soon followed by the stumping of Hassan Azad (6) as Harvey Hosein showed great awareness to throw down the stumps from 15 yards after the opener had left a Reece delivery.

Harry Dearden began to settle and he was by far the most rhythmical batsman as he punished anything wide with drives and cuts to the boundary.

He continued to score freely as George Rhodes fell to Alex Hughes, one of four players brought into the Derbyshire side through the rotation of seam bowlers and the minor injury to Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Dearden reached a well-made half-century shortly after lunch, but once he was adjudged lbw to Conners on 70, Derbyshire pressed on with their advantage as Melton returned for a second spell.

He bowled Ben Mike (14), before Harry Swindells (21) and Dieter Klein (0) were out in successive deliveries, both chopping on.

Callum Parkinson (20) and Will Davis (21) frustrated the Derbyshire bowlers, but Reece wrapped up the innings with both caught behind, before stepping out to open the batting, trailing by 199.

Godleman (3) was out early, edging a rising delivery from the experienced Chris Wright to Azad at first slip, but from then on Reece and Wayne Madsen (37*) saw off the new ball and began compiling an unbeaten 92-run partnership.

The left-hander pulled Davis to the ropes, while Madsen late-cut Parkinson as the pair settled to their task and guided Derbyshire to 101-1 at the close, trailing by 98.

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