Axed Pakistan opener Shan Masood hit a career-best unbeaten double century as Derbyshire dominated Day 1 of the County Championship Division Two match against Sussex at Derby on Thursday (April 14). The batter scored a brilliant 201 from 271 balls, setting up a 236-run third-wicket stand with Wayne Madsen, who scored an unbeaten 88 at the end of the day's play.
Meanwhile, an injury-hit Sussex failed to scalp a wicket after lunch as Derbyshire scored an imposing 327 for just two wickets.
Masood was impressive in the opening match at Lord's, with two half-centuries last week and also narrowly missing out on a hundred in the first innings. This time around, the 32-year-old was flawless against a largely inexperienced Derbyshire bowling unit after they won the toss and batted first.
Masood is playing against his former teammate Mohammad Rizwan, as well as India batter Cheteshwar Pujara. The duo are playing together for Sussex, with Rizwan taking two catches to dismiss Derbyshire skipper Billy Godleman, who nicked a leg-glance to the wicketkeeper, and the Brooke Guest, who bottom-edged a pull shot.
Tue partnership of Masood and Madsen reached the 100-run mark in 28 overs. By the tea break, Derbyshire had scored at a quicker rate than any other team in the country.
Madsen has now shared century stands with 29 different batters, breaking a Derbyshire record of 28 held by Kim Barnett. He reached another milestone when he completed his 100th first-class score of 50 or more. Playing the supporting role, he was also largely untroubled apart from when a throw struck him on the back of the right knee.
Their partnership also surpassed Derbyshire's previous highest third-wicket stand against Sussex of 215 set by Les Townsend and Albert Alderman at Eastbourne in 1938.
The Indian cricket team will travel to England later in the year to play the remaining Test match between the two countries, as well as three ODIs and T20Is. Before their contest, team India will play also two practice T20 matches against Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire on July 1 and 3 respectively, and if Masood keeps up his performances, then he might be in contention to face the team.
