It is perhaps fitting that Derbyshire have started to host cage fighting events at the County Ground in an effort to boost their income. For if anyone doubts the tough and competitive nature of championship cricket, they would do well to reflect on events

An intriguing final day looms at Chesterfield as Derbyshire look to establish a new county record for a fourth-innings run chase

Whisper it quietly, but Surrey may have turned a corner. After a few grim years when the club has plumbed the depths of mediocrity (and then kept digging), there are early signs that the first green shoots of recovery may be poking through.