Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s sensational century – his first for the Club – has put Derbyshire in a strong position after the opening day against Surrey at the County Ground.
The West Indian batsman shared a sublime 203-run partnership with Captain Wayne Madsen, who ended the day unbeaten on a faultless 92, as bad light forced the players off with the hosts on 232-2 – with Chanderpaul 112 not out.
After a lengthy rain delay, play finally got underway at 3.15pm with 63 overs scheduled to be bowled in the day. Derbyshire won the toss and elected to bat first, but they got off to a slow start losing the early wicket of Chesney Hughes who was bowled by Chris Tremlett without scoring in the opening over.
Billy Godleman began the counter-attack hitting four quick boundaries to move onto 17 inside the opening 10 overs, but he was removed shortly after by Tim Linley as the opener edged to third slip to reduce the hosts to 29-2.
But Chanderpaul and Madsen developed a magnificent partnership to remain unbeaten at the interval. World number two Test batsman Chanderpaul played some beautiful shots through both the on and off side, including back-to-back boundaries straight past Linley, to complete a 65-ball half century before Tea.
Derbyshire restarted on 121-2 and Captain Madsen quickly followed his batting partner and reached an excellent half century from 92 balls, which included six fours, as the pair completed the 100-run partnership in the 34th over.
The duo continued to accelerate the run rate in the evening session scoring over five an over at times, as the pair exchanged boundaries off Tremlett on the way to a sublime 150-run stand.
Chanderpaul batted with poise and displayed his class against an experienced Surrey attack, hitting 13 fours on his way to a magnificent century from 116 balls – his first three figure score for the Club.
Derbyshire moved past 200 inside 47 overs, going at over four runs an over, as Captain Madsen continued his assault on three figures, effortlessly knocking the Surrey bowlers through both the on and off side, but he ended the day eight runs short as bad light forced an early closure to proceedings with Derbyshire 232-2.
Madsen and Chanderpaul will hope to push home their advantage on Day 2 – which begins at 11am. Tickets will be available on the gate; adults £16 and juniors £5.
Source: Derbyshire County Cricket Club