Derbyshire conclude the group stages of the Metro Bank One Day Cup with a game against Essex; the first time they have visited Derbyshire for a one day game since 2014, when the match was abandoned without any play.
Heritage Officer David Griffin previews the fixture.
This will be the 51st scheduled one day meeting between the two counties of which six failed to reach a conclusion due to rain, while Derbyshire won 13 and Essex 31.
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.
Derbyshire almost matched their highest total in scoring 318 for six at Chelmsford in 2022 to secure a comprehensive 92 runs victory thanks to Brooke Guest’s 88 and two wickets apiece for Ben Aitchison, Luis Reece and Mark Watt.
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
Four Essex players have reached three figures with a best of 112 not out by Ravi Bopara at Derby in 2008, and with the ball Neil Foster’s five for 17 at Derby in 1986 is the best of four five wicket hauls by Essex bowlers.
