Houghton disappointed by manner of defeat

Dave Houghton was frustrated by the manner of Derbyshire’s heavy defeat to Nottinghamshire in the LV= County Championship. 

The loss, Derbyshire’s fifth in nine first-class matches, saw the visitors lose by an innings and 36 runs, despite a maiden first-class five-wicket from Fynn Hudson-Prentice.

Having been dismissed for 149 in the first innings, Derbyshire’s batting lineup, which was missing a number of experienced players, again struggled on Day Three, being dismissed for 122 inside 47 overs.

Houghton was frustrated by the heavy defeat, and says a lack of form and confidence is affecting how the players approach their innings.

“It was a very disappointing game for us. We’re playing really poor cricket at the moment,” he told BBC Radio Derby.

“Our bowlers were the bright sparks for us again and our catching was excellent but we batted poorly and you can’t compete in this game if you can’t put a score on the board.

“The ball was swinging a bit but if you can’t play a swinging ball you shouldn’t be playing at this level. We’ve got out cheaply twice, we haven’t even got an individual fifty within the game and we were no competition for the opposition.

“Our batting has been poor all season and I can’t put a finger on why. It’s just one of those rolls you get on and the confidence goes. They are going out there almost looking for a good ball and they are getting it.”