Landmark wicket for Finn on Lord’s return

Derbyshire 205-9 v Middlesex

Steven Finn took his 300th first-class wicket on his return to Middlesex action as his side enjoyed a fruitful first day in the field at Lord’s.

The England fast bowler, making his first County Championship appearance since last July, took four wickets as Derbyshire were reduced to 205-9 at stumps.

Tim Murtagh, Toby Roland-Jones and Gareth Berg also picked up a wicket apiece, justifying the decision to bowl first after winning the toss.

Billy Godleman (55) and Wes Durston (48) top scored for Derbyshire with veteran West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul making just 18.

A ninth-wicket stand of 24 will need finishing off early on Thursday but Middlesex already look well-placed to build on their victory at Nottinghamshire last week.

Having put Derbyshire into bat, Middlesex skipper Chris Rogers was then instrumental in the fall of an early wicket, running out opposite number Wayne Madsen, after a mix-up with his fellow opener Godleman.

A patient partnership of 83 between Godleman and Durston frustrated Middlesex – but Finn, in for the injured James Harris, underlined his quality with regular wickets in the afternoon session.

He had Durston caught for 48 to bring up the 300 landmark and then quickly removed Dan Redfern (15), Chesney Hughes (4) and Jonathan Clare (6), as Godleman watched numerous partners come and go.

Berg picked up the key wicket of the experienced Chanderpaul as Derbyshire, newly-promoted from Division Two, slumped to 150-6.

Thomas Poynton briefly supported the stubborn Godleman in a stand of 30 but his dismissal triggered another couple of wickets.

Murtagh finally ended the near six-hour vigil of Godleman, who hit just one boundary in his 265-ball innings, and despite a late flourish from the final pair, Middlesex will be happy with their day’s work.

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