Derbyshire Takes Lead at Bristol with Leus Du Plooy’s Century in County Championship

Skipper Leus du Plooy’s Century Ensures Derbyshire Takes Lead in Rain-Affected Match

In a rain-curtailed third day against Gloucestershire in Bristol, skipper Leus du Plooy displayed his batting prowess by scoring his fifth County Championship century of the season. The South African batsman remained unbeaten on 103 at stumps, taking his overall run tally to an impressive 1,155 runs at an average of 88.84.

Derbyshire posted a total of 390-9 in reply to Gloucestershire’s first innings score of 377. Du Plooy’s fantastic knock spanned four hours on a slow pitch and included striking thirteen fours from the bowlers he faced.

Gohar Impresses with Four Wickets for Gloucestershire

Left-arm spinner Zafar Gohar emerged as the most successful bowler for Gloucestershire, picking up four wickets for just 121 runs from his impressive spell that lasted thirty-eight overs.

Rain Delays Start but Du Plooy Continues Dominance

Persistent rain delayed play throughout the morning session, resulting in an early lunch being taken before conditions were deemed playable. With only five overs left until the new ball was due, both teams opted to open with spinners at both ends.

Du Plooy Reaches Milestone While Dal Offers Support

Du Plooy reached another milestone by completing his sixth half-century of the season off eighty-one balls with the help of seven fours. Anuj Dal provided crucial support with a valuable innings of 21 runs, allowing Derbyshire to close in on their opponents’ first innings score.

Thomson and Du Plooy Build Partnership

Alex Thomson joined du Plooy at the crease and together they formed an eighth-wicket partnership, contributing 34 runs from sixty-five deliveries in just fifteen overs. Unfortunately for Thomson, his mistimed pull shot led to his dismissal as Miles Hammond took a comfortable catch.

Du Plooy Leads Derbyshire’s Fightback

The resilient du Plooy found another reliable partner in Mark Watt as they worked towards erasing the remaining twenty-run deficit. It was du Plooy who ultimately put his side in front by scoring a swept single off Gohar.

Century Achieved Despite Rain Interruptions

Unbeaten on 97 at tea, du Plooy wasted no time after play resumed, hitting two boundaries to reach his well-deserved century off just 151 balls. However, light rain once again interrupted proceedings shortly after the milestone was achieved.

Middleton Claims Maiden Wicket as Bad Light Ends Play Early

In pursuit of an additional batting point for Derbyshire, Middleton dismissed Watt with a stumping that left both batsman and fans frustrated. The umpires then decided to call off play due to bad light despite nine more overs being scheduled.