Durham Match Thread 2021

[Durhamfootman]

It's easy to forget that play is supposed to finish at 6pm. I can't remember the last time play didn't go on to at least 6.30, so these 30 mins are more likely to take play up to 7pm

I see that we shook hands with Notts the moment the umpires told us that we'd caught up with the over rate, although I had assumed that was the reason for not shaking at 5pm, in truth

[westoelad]

I'm the first to complain about tardy over rates but surely some adjustment to 16over/hr rate should be built in when focus protocol demands frequent hand sanitisation breaks and 12th man having to act as sweater bearer at the end of each over.

[captaincolly]

I'm the first to complain about tardy over rates but surely some adjustment to 16over/hr rate should be built in when focus protocol demands frequent hand sanitisation breaks and 12th man having to act as sweater bearer at the end of each over.

Yep. And in this match the constant umpure discussions after what seemed at times to be every over.

[Durhamfootman]

Yep. And in this match the constant umpure discussions after what seemed at times to be every over.

that was particularly evident when Notts were bowling.... although I was complaining on Saturday over how long it took to bowl 3 overs (14 mins) at a time when it looked as though we were going to be 10 or 12 overs short on the day. As it happens the umpires kept them out there until 7.15 to make sure no time was lost

[Durhamfootman]

Notts are taking 5 mins for every over

Saturday 5.50

Something is going on. The umpires are pretty animated, chuntering away to Mullaney... on the walkie talkie... Peter Moores down to the outfield. No idea what it's all about. Nothing to do with the light, but maybe they aren't happy with how long things are taking, although in fairness they've been having long chats with each other between overs, so they're part of the problem from what I can see

Saturday 6.51

[captaincolly]

I wonder what they were chatting about?

[Durhamfootman]

seemed to be the over rate. They were using the walkie talkie to get the up to date figures from the scorers/3rd umpire so they could keep track of it, is my understanding. Then they were using that info to batter Mullaney over the head, as he was trying to get on with the bowling.

it must be something the umpires have been told to get a grip of this year...... which I won't complain about. Shame they don't do that to England.... although they have video replays and reviews to fit in somewhere. It can take an age to see if a fielder saved a run while sliding into the ropes, instead of just taking their word for it and getting on with the game

[westoelad]

Looking at the scores around the country it seems like lots of teams are struggling to take wickets after the new ball loses its shine. A load of unusually high middle and lower order partnerships.

Yes,just occurred to me that could this because players can no longer ,because of covid protocol , put saliva on the ball to preserve the shine and ,probably more importantly, work on creating reverse swing as the ball gets older. Draws could become much more likely-was this the rationale behind awarding 8 points for a draw?

[captaincolly]

Looking at the scores around the country it seems like lots of teams are struggling to take wickets after the new ball loses its shine. A load of unusually high middle and lower order partnerships.

Yes,just occurred to me that could this because players can no longer ,because of covid protocol , put saliva on the ball to preserve the shine and ,probably more importantly, work on creating reverse swing as the ball gets older. Draws could become much more likely-was this the rationale behind awarding 8 points for a draw?

That sounds highly plausible. I think that's what is happening.

[westoelad]

Cameron Steel is currently 126* playing for Hants 2ndsv a Surrey 2nds attack comprising Plunkett, Clarke, Dunn and Moriarty.

[captaincolly]

Cameron Steel is currently 126* playing for Hants 2ndsv a Surrey 2nds attack comprising Plunkett, Clarke, Dunn and Moriarty.

Very strange! I wonder what that's all about?

[westoelad]

Cameron Steel is currently 126* playing for Hants 2ndsv a Surrey 2nds attack comprising Plunkett, Clarke, Dunn and Moriarty.

Very strange! I wonder what that's all about?

Presumably he's out of favour at Durham and been told, or has decided himself, to find another club.

[Durhamfootman]

My understanding, erroneous or otherwise, is that the 8pts is an attempt by the ECB to encourage counties and their batsmen to rediscover the art of hanging around to try and force a draw, rather than throwing wickets away with the excuse that they're 'expressing themselves/playing their natural game' (delete as appropriate) because grinding out a draw is harder than flogging a few and then putting your feet up for a bit......... 'it's only 3 pts after all.

This inability to apply themselves has been a mentality trait among England players for a while, and I hope that this the ECB attempting to tackle the draw malaise that has existed for a few years now and that it helps develop future test players into something more rounded, rather than just biffers who can score quickly when conditions suit, but get out equally quickly when they don't. I wouldn't back an England team to bat out 2 sessions to save a test match let alone a whole day

[westoelad]

As could be expected Young for Jones only change.
Still persisting with Coggers
https://www.durhamcricket.co.uk/news-an ... ham-debut/

[Durhamfootman]

We won't leave out Thomson at Chelmsford, will we? The pitch may have been dog flat last week, but they surely won't make that mistake again. We might need a spinner on a pitch that has serviced the best wicket taking spin bowler in the CC for the last few years and counting.

Of course, what we don't know yet is whether he's any good

If Young doesn't score any runs, he'll have to be electric in the field to beat Jones, who was excellent at TB