Hosein and Shaikh hit half-centuries on Day One

Harvey Hosein struck an unbeaten 89 and Nafis Shaikh hit 55 on Day One of Derbyshire’s pre-season friendly against Cardiff UCCE. 

The wicketkeeper-batsman top-scored, as the hosts ended the day 321-6. Academy prospect Shaikh hit nine fours in his 55, one of a number of youngsters who seized the opportunity to impress.

The visitors won the toss and elected to field under cloudy skies in Derby, but an opening stand of 45 between Mitch Wagstaff and Tom Wood (26) got Derbyshire off to a good start on home turf. The latter was caught behind off AJ Woodland, but Alex Hughes stood firm to help guide the hosts to 97-1 at lunch.

Wagstaff was dismissed shortly after the interval, while Hughes and Mattie McKiernan (9) were dismissed within the next six overs. Academy graduates Hosein and Nils Priestley stabilised the innings with an 81-run partnership, moving the score beyond 200.

Priestley fell for 32, bringing another exciting prospect in the form of Shaikh to the crease and he relished the opportunity, hitting eight boundaries on his way to a 102-ball half-century.

The century partnership was brought to an end when the youngster was bowled by Will Collard, but Hosein and Archie Harrison (seven not out) denied the visitors any further wickets on the opening day.

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