Derbyshire 312 & 162 Essex 386 & 92-2 <i>(Essex win by eight wickets)</i>: Bichel's dents Derbyshire promotion hopes with six scalps
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Andy Bichel's determination to make an impact as Essex's latest overseas recruit yielded an immediate dividend as Derbyshire slumped to a three-day, eight-wicket defeat here yesterday. The Australian all-rounder, in his first Championship game for his third county, finished with 6 for 38 as the home side's promotion prospects took a jolt.
Despite his 36th birthday looming and his last Test appearance being two-and-a-half years ago Bichel was Pura Cup player of the year as Queensland clinched the trophy. His arrival is a boost for Essex, whose plan to employ Mitchell Johnson, for the first half of the season backfired when Johnson was called into the Australia side to tour Bangladesh. Bichel also has the benefit of three months' rest.
Derbyshire, last season's wooden spoonists, appear to have gone backwards after early-season improvement. Their extraordinary run of home Championship matches without a win now stands at 32, spanning four years.
Essex, 271 for 4 overnight, added 115 for a lead of 74. At 20 for 5, seemingly unable to cope with Bichel's swing, Derbyshire looked hard pressed even to make them bat again, despite Michael di Venuto being reprieved on nought when umpire Rob Bailey changed his mind over an lbw call. Steve Stubbings' dogged 39 and a boisterous 46 by Mohammad Sheikh gave Essex a chase as the floodlights illuminated a grey evening. They lost both openers but passed 89 in the first over of the extra half-hour.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments