2021 County Championship – Durham vs Derbyshire Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Durham vs Derbyshire taking place? Thursday 22nd April, 2021 – 11:00 (UK)
Where is Durham vs Derbyshire taking place? Emirates Riverside, Chester-le-Street
What is the expected weather for Durham vs Derbyshire? Sunny and warm
Where can I get tickets for Durham vs Derbyshire? The County Championship will initially be played without spectators but it is worth checking each county’s official website for updates
What channel is Durham vs Derbyshire on? This match will not be televised live in the UK
Where can I stream Durham vs Derbyshire? Matches can be streamed live on the official websites of the First-Class Counties
THE PREDICTION
Durham’s defeat away to Essex last weekend seemed like an inevitability at the half-way stage despite bowling their hosts out for less than 100 and taking a 163-run lead into the second-innings. One side is used to winning and the other one just isn’t. Despite the disappointment of throwing away that match, they will probably remain positive. A century for Scott Borthwick means three of their top four now all have 50+ totals in an innings in their two matches. They could welcome Mark Wood back into an attack that will relish the opportunity to bowl at Chester-le-Street in April.
Derbyshire come into this on the back of back-to-back draws to kick off their campaign. No 400+ score will be a concern for Derby but the remarkable form of Matthew Critchley will be a huge positive. The increasingly impressive and inevitable all-rounder has scores of 64, 83, 109 and 84 with the bat whilst taking 2-22 in just six overs, 5-67 and 3-76 with the ball. The lack of wickets from the seam-bowling options, though, will also be a concern.
The home team will come into this as favourites and will fancy taking advantage of home conditions at a usually seam-friendly venue; especially as the visitors are yet to register a massive score and have struggled up-front with the ball.
