Derbyshire’s hopes of avoiding a three-day defeat in their Vitality County Championship clash against Leicestershire were kept alive by Wayne Madsen’s resilient half-century.
After being forced to follow-on 407 runs behind, Derbyshire faced an uphill battle. However, Madsen, a veteran of 40 years, stood firm, scoring an unbeaten 59 from 114 balls to guide his team to 224 for 6 at the close.
Despite missing several key bowlers, Leicestershire had bowled Derbyshire out for 167 in their first innings, with Tom Scriven, Ben Mike, and Scott Currie each taking three wickets.
In their second innings, Derbyshire slipped to 144 for 6, but Alex Thomson, who remained unbeaten on 46, joined Madsen in a crucial partnership that lasted 27 overs.
Derbyshire’s chances of avoiding the follow-on had seemed slim at the start of the day, but they managed to resist Leicestershire’s push for victory.
Nightwatchman Sam Conners was the first to fall, followed by Derbyshire captain David Lloyd, who was dismissed for 54 by Mike.
Aneurin Donald and Anuj Dal steadied the ship with a 67-run stand, but Donald’s reckless shot off Liam Trevaskis gave Leicestershire a boost.
The lower order quickly subsided, with Currie claiming the last two wickets.
In the second innings, Derbyshire openers Harry Came and Reece passed 50 before Currie struck twice in quick succession.
Lloyd was then deceived by a full toss from Trevaskis, while Brooke Guest was pinned leg before half-forward just before tea.
Madsen passed 15,000 first-class runs after the interval, but Donald was bowled by Scrivens.
Dal joined Madsen for seven overs before being caught behind off Mike.
However, Thomson’s partnership with Madsen frustrated Leicestershire, giving Derbyshire a glimmer of hope of salvaging a draw.
