Opposition One To Watch: Derbyshire

22 Apr 2016 | Cricket
Derbyshire have assembled a formidable batting lineup for this year\'s Specsavers County Championship and in-form opener Chesney Hughes could be crucial to the hosts\' chances of a successful season.

West Indian-born Hughes made his first-class debut for Derbyshire in 2010 and has since become an integral part of the team.

Hughes averages 32.5 in first-class cricket and after a couple of indifferent seasons where he was in and out of the Derbyshire side, he has returned to form in spectacular fashion this season.

The 25-year-old hit 96 and 137 not out in Derbyshire's draw with Gloucestershire at Bristol last week and his power-hitting can take the game away from you.

With the experience of New Zealand's Hamish Rutherford and former captain Wayne Madsen behind him in the order, Hughes now has the licence to play his natural game, which is to bat positively and expansively. If he gets in, he has a tendency to make big hundreds, with eight first-class centuries to his name including a top score of 270 not out.

Chesney Hughes First-Class Stats

Matches: 60

Runs: 3,445

Average: 32.50

Highest Score: 270*