Statistical Preview: Essex

Derbyshire’s second Royal London Cup game is against Essex at Chelmsford. Heritage Officer David Griffin Heritage Officer David Griffin previews the match and looks at the statistical highlights of the past.

This will be the 50th scheduled one day meeting between the two counties although the most recent, at Derby in 2014, was abandoned. That was the third abandoned game in addition to three No Result matches with Derbyshire winning 12 and Essex 34.

Despite the disparity between Derbyshire’s wins and defeats, they still prevailed in two of the most important games in their history, winning the NatWest Trophy semi-final at Derby in 1981 and nine years later securing the RAL Sunday League title against the same opponents, also at Derby.

Derbyshire recorded their highest team score of 321 for five at Leek in 2013, winning by 63 runs, while Essex’ best of 304 for one was at Derby in 2008 when the visitors prevailed by 25 runs.

Kim Barnett is the sole player to have scored a one day hundred for Derbyshire against Essex, making a magnificent 131 not out at Derby in 1984. In the process, Barnett was assisted by Bruce Roberts in adding 158 runs for the fifth wicket, still the highest partnership against Essex.

The best bowling by a Derbyshire bowler is six for 24 by Alan Ward at Ilkeston in 1976. His effort was in vain, however, as despite Essex’ lowly all out total of 126, Derbyshire could muster only 119 all out in reply

This will be Derbyshire’s first visit to Chelmsford in one day cricket since 2009 when an unbeaten 62 by Stuart Law and 47 from a young Dan Redfern saw Derbyshire home by 3 wickets under the floodlights.

One-day cricket is back in the height of summer!

Derbyshire compete in enthralling 50-over cricket this August, including the visit of Yorkshire to Queen’s Park. Find out more and book tickets for all home matches now.