Second XI: Melton returns to action at Denby

Fast bowler Dustin Melton made his return from injury in the Second XI Championship fixture against Middlesex at Denby, but his wickets couldn’t prevent the side from ending the season with a defeat. 

Melton, who recently signed a new one-year deal with the club, has been limited to just three first-class appearances this season due to a heel injury, but his return at Denby could see him available to play in the final two LV= County Championship fixtures.

The tall quick looked sharp with the red ball, taking three wickets in the match and was a constant threat, while fellow first teamers Mattie McKiernan (3-18 & 53) and Harry Came also got good time in the middle. Academy prospect Mitch Wagstaff, who featured in the Royal London Cup earlier this season, also played in the fixture.

Spinner Donald Butchart was the pick of the Derbyshire bowlers, taking 5-83 in Middlesex’s second innings, but Derbyshire were unable to chase down a target of 265, falling to a 56-run defeat.