Interview: Arthur assesses opening day

Head of Cricket, Mickey Arthur, gave his assessment after Derbyshire fought back well on a challenging opening day at Lord’s.

Former Sri Lanka fast bowler, Suranga Lakmal, picked up an early wicket on debut, but Stephen Eskinazi (118) batted fluently for Middlesex, as the hosts closed on 307-4.

“I think the wicket played really well today, you had to be spot on the money which we weren’t in that first hour today,” said Arthur.

“We pulled it back well, but I’d have liked us to add a couple more wickets. I can’t fault the endeavour, discipline or attitude.

“Suranga [Lakmal] has got a big motor and he’s going to be a handful in the County Championship. He brought all of the attributes today which made me want to sign him for Derbyshire.”

Commenting on Ryan Sidebottom’s injury, Arthur said: “It was really disappointing, but I thought Alex Thomson and Anuj Dal picked up that slack really well. He won’t take further part in the game, but it’s not that severe.”

Click the video above to watch the full interview.

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