WAVELL Hinds is still Derbyshire's ticking bomb.

There have been a few sparks and rumbles so far to send opponents diving for cover but no-one has yet been caught in the full blast.

In every other way, the experienced West Indian has been a huge hit at the County Ground since arriving two months ago as a Kolpak signing but he is more aware than anyone that several really big scores are needed before he can consider his first season in county cricket a true success.

Hinds was Derbyshire's leading run-scorer in the Twenty20 Cup, a competition that brought him innings of 61, 45, 42 not out and 72 not out and, despite starting with a first-ball duck, he has since had knocks of 47, 44, 76 and 64 in the Championship.

His first two contributions in the Pro40 League were 45 and 53 and, while it is a treat to watch someone strike the ball with such graceful, powerful clarity, it is natural to long for more.

This is, remember, a man with a Test double-century to his name and the 31-year-old Jamaican knows he has not yet met the standards he has set for himself.

“It's been good so far but it could have been better,” he said. “I've had a few good games and I've had a few bad games.

“Batsmen use centuries and half-centuries as landmarks. I have had a few half-centuries but I'm not satisfied and I'm looking for that big score that will take the team to higher heights.

“I'm working on it and it is very much necessary, not only for myself but for the dressing room, for the other guys to feed from it and take confidence to move the team forward in a positive way.

“I'm a leader and I try to make sure I lead from the front in terms of example. I need to make sure I still enjoy my game and play with a bit of comfort but I know in any cricket team a batsman is marked by scoring big centuries.”

Along with Chris Rogers and Charl Langeveldt, Hinds completed a trio of Test players who have been drafted into the Derbyshire dressing room to help drag along the development of the squad.

It is an added responsibility each has taken on willingly and keeping the three of them at the club in 2009 – only Langeveldt so far has a contract for next season – will be high on head of cricket John Morris' priority list.

Hinds, though he is still waiting for the major innings he desires, says he feels adjusted to the volume of cricket played in an English county season and that he would be keen to return to Derby.

“I'll leave that to the staff and they will make their move whenever it is necessary,” he added.

“I've played in England on West Indies tours but I've always wanted to play county cricket and the experience has been good.

“It's not easy work. It's hard work and you just have to prepare yourself.

“But this is a very happy dressing room and I've enjoyed sharing it. I'm looking forward to being here again, if it is possible.

“There are the resources in the dressing room to compile good performances consistently and I think the staff has done a good job.

“The players are very much enthusiastic and looking forward to making themselves better players and putting the club in a better position.

“Chris Rogers and Charl Langeveldt have been leading from the front and we have a few young players who are putting their hands up at the moment, taking their opportunities and making good progress.

“Having said that, I think there is room for improvement and we have to make sure we make a mark as soon as possible and close the gap because it really is an even Championship.

“The next two or three will be key for us and we have to make sure we are very efficient in our execution for the next couple of games to gain full points and move closer to the top.”

A fully-functioning top five to the batting order is absolutely crucial if Derbyshire are to make a move towards the promotion places in the last half-dozen Championship matches of the season.

Rogers is the only one so far who has really done his bit and, even then, the Australian will feel he should be doing better.

A hundred-plus from Hinds, sooner rather than later, would be a huge lift to the side.

We have seen enough already to feel that the big innings may be on the way and one thing is for sure – when it arrives, it will certainly be worth watching.