Close, day one: Derbyshire 279-6 v Middlesex
Middlesex staged a fightback with a couple of late wickets at Derby after Wayne Madsen’s unbeaten century threatened a long day in the field.
Derbyshire skipper Madsen, who finished the day on 105 not out, held together a steady batting display from the hosts, who are bottom of Division One.
Opener Ben Slater scored 53 but veteran West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul made just two before he was removed by Ollie Rayner.
Tim Murtagh, one of seven bowlers used by Middlesex, struck twice inside the final hour to peg Derbyshire back to 279-6 at stumps.
Derbyshire, who have won just one County Championship game this season, were skittled for 60 during Middlesex’s nine-wicket win at Lord’s in April.
However they passed that score for the loss of just one wicket on Tuesday, Gareth Berg removing opener Chesney Hughes.
James Harris, who will be replaced by Steven Finn on Wednesday if he is left out of England’s fifth Test against Australia, ended a partnership of 81 between Madsen and Slater when the latter was caught behind.
The usually obstinate Chanderpaul lasted just 11 balls but Madsen put on a half century stand with Richard Johnson to guide Derbyshire to 174-3 at tea.
Middlesex got the evening session off to a perfect start when Adam Voges dismissed Johnson in the second over after the interval.
Madsen remained steadfast and added 66 for the fifth wicket with Alex Hughes, taking Derbyshire to 245-4.
But Murtagh snapped up two quick wickets to check Derbyshire’s progress a little, although Madsen completed his century late in the day.
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This post was last modified on 21/08/2013