Durham Match Thread 2026

[captaincolly]

Agreed. Was just thinking about the last 4 wickets adding about 200! Without wanting to tempt fate it doesn't appear to be on the cards given the scores so far.
Hopefully we'll be batting before lunch tomorrow.

[Durhamfootman]

I watched the highlights. Quite a green looking pitch with exaggerated seam movt and some balls keeping low. The one that got Robbo barely got off the ground

Olivier bowled his first 5 overs for 8 runs, then brought the keeper up and bowled two wide half volleys and a leg stump half volley in consecutive balls to Madsen, who put them all away to the boundary.... couldn't believe his luck, I imagine

[captaincolly]

Oh if it's a tricky pitch we definitely need to go into that second innings with a healthy lead.

[Durhamfootman]

we got a healthy lead and that lead is now up to 349 with 6 wickets in hand, thanks in no small part to 140 for McK (15 fours and 6 sixes)

Do we let Stokes/Clark/Robbo have a bit of fun for an hour before declaring, or will we decide that we've got enough?

Give them 400+ to chase in 3 and a half sessions, I reckon.

[captaincolly]

McKinney out in the last over before tea but super innings and partnership with Rhodes.
Going according to plan so far - the tail didn't last long thos morning and then the first ball dismissal of Lees didn't promt a disastrous collapse.
Lead is 349. Probably already enough but plenty of time to get it over 400.

[captaincolly]

we got a healthy lead and that lead is now up to 349 with 6 wickets in hand, thanks in no small part to 140 for McK (15 fours and 6 sixes)

Do we let Stokes/Clark/Robbo have a bit of fun for an hour before declaring, or will we decide that we've got enough?

Give them 400+ to chase in 3 and a half sessions, I reckon.

My thoughts exactly!

[Durhamfootman]

Well this is going rather well. Stokesy rattles off a quick fire 66 to set that 400+ target, declaration, Derbys 10-3 in reply

I did wonder if the pitch had flattened a bit today, but seemingly not

[Durhamfootman]

Pottsy's on one. Follows up his 3 wickets this morning with 5-1-8-3 this afternoon

[Durhamfootman]

meanwhile Carse is on 5-1-30-1

[Durhamfootman]

Stokes is on a hat trick and he's only bowled 2 balls

[Durhamfootman]

Aitchison survives

Derbys 44-6, still need 379

[Durhamfootman]

Aitchison survives

but doesn't survive the next one

[Durhamfootman]

who's next?

[Durhamfootman]

Randell

scores a single

[Durhamfootman]

still 16 overs to bowl and there will presumably be the option of the extra half hour, so there's time to wrap this up today