Derbyshire risk losing points over pitch

In an amazing day's play yesterday at Derby both Derbyshire and Middlesex batted twice. However this rare occurrence could finish the home side's slim chances of gaining promotion to the First Division of the County Championship.

Indifferent bounce and excessive sideways movement on Wednesday caught the eye of the visiting England and Wales Cricket Board pitch liaison officer, John Jameson, causing him to call for a second opinion from the ECB pitches consultant, Chris Wood.

Following yesterday's play, in which 23 wickets fell, a third view was sought from another pitch liaison officer and Phil Sharp rushed to the ground. These three sat down last night with the two umpires as well as the captains and coaches of each side to discuss whether the pitch is fit for first-class cricket.

Derbyshire, who lie just off the promotion places in fourth, seven points behind Worcestershire, could lose eight points if the pitch is deemed to be poor and 20 if it is thought to be unfit.

Ashley Noffke, Middlesex's 25-year-old Australian overseas fast bowler was the main beneficiary, taking a career best 8 for 24 as Derbyshire were dismissed for 137. Set the challenging score of 306 to win the game they had reached 45 for 1 by the close.

Hampshire had eight points deducted earlier in the season which hastened their return to the Second Division.