Durham Match Thread 2021

[Durhamfootman]

our only bit of success in session sounds as though it came from an iffy lbw decision

[Durhamfootman]

I haven't ruled out losing this yet, btw. The scoring rate is increasing all the time. Even though they are still 200 runs away, if these two stop in until after tea, they may have a dart at it..... could all get very squeaky

[Arthur Crabtree]

That's a bit negative though. You have to approach the game giving yourself the best chance to win. Setting nearly 400 as a target isn't reckless. Need to break the partnership and the game will look different.

[Durhamfootman]

This has exactly the same feel to it as the Notts game and we didn't even get close to bowling them out. In both matches you get the feeling that given enough time eventually they'd be able to knock off the runs

I've lost track of how many times I've said this over the last few years, but we are still paying the price for our lack of a spinner... a decent one. Borthwick isn't a decent one... he might pick up a couple here and there, but other teams win matches with spinners on day 4. Essex did it to us, Yorks have done it to Sussex, Lancs are doing it to Kent. There is this assumption that Durham don't need one at home, but that just isn't true. We need one badly, we have done since the days of Ian Blackwell, yet we always go down the overseas batsman route.

The alternative on day 4 is to have a big snarling fast bowler who can pepper the batsmen and have them jumping around on a pitch with a bit of devilment in it....... shake them up a bit.... ping a few off the helmet...... but we don't have one of those either. Carse when available is a bit quicker than some, but most of our bowlers are very 'samey' 80-85 mph bowlers. There is just no variety in the attack.... at all

At least we are scoring runs this year, so that's an improvement

When Bancroft arrives we'll be able to field 4 wicket keepers in our starting XI

[Durhamfootman]

The irony is that we brought a spinner in on a short term loan..... and we leave him out every match

He might be no good.... I wouldn't know, I've not seen him play.... but if he's no good, why are we signing him?

[Durhamfootman]

well we finally get Critchley. Another 100 match runs for him.... welcome to Durham

if he doesn't get us with the ball he gets us with the bat

[Arthur Crabtree]

Five down. This could be very frustrating.

[Durhamfootman]

Ah well.... one often brings two. Madsen again fails to register 100 against Durham

both fell before the new ball too. Rushy and Salisbury bowling so I assume we have taken it, but it feels like the damage has been done

19 overs to take 5 wickets

feels unlikely

[captaincolly]

Conditions obviously a factor but this attack lacks variety. Carse may have made a difference so bad luck that he's out with one of his infrequent injuries!
If this pitch is typical then there will be a lot of draws.

[westoelad]

Conditions obviously a factor but this attack lacks variety. Carse may have made a difference so bad luck that he's out with one of his infrequent injuries!
If this pitch is typical then there will be a lot of draws.

Looking at all the other 4th day scores we're not alone in not being able to bowl teams out- even Hants with Abbas and Abbot in their attack couldn't succeed. Dry,cold April,and the heavy roller rule is leaving 4th day pitches lifeless. Nevertheless I'd bring Potts and Trevaskis in v Warks -presumably Thompson is ineligible.

[captaincolly]

Conditions obviously a factor but this attack lacks variety. Carse may have made a difference so bad luck that he's out with one of his infrequent injuries!
If this pitch is typical then there will be a lot of draws.

Looking at all the other 4th day scores we're not alone in not being able to bowl teams out- even Hants with Abbas and Abbot in their attack couldn't succeed. Dry,cold April,and the heavy roller rule is leaving 4th day pitches lifeless. Nevertheless I'd bring Potts and Trevaskis in v Warks -presumably Thompson is ineligible.

Yeah, some very unusual last innings scores. Draws and big run chases. I also think we should play the extra bowler, need another option and with Eckersley there Poynter is a 'luxury' we can't afford. Seems fair to say that on the evidence so far Borthwick's bowling is much the same as it was before he left - wicket taking deliveries but lots of free hits, although I suppose his 4 balls don't matter so much if scores are higher than usual.
I have a feeling Thompson could play if we wanted, I read something when he joined saying the stint could see him up against Warwickshire- could have been duff info!

[Durhamfootman]

I take it the confidence for a spectator trial against Warks has waned

[westoelad]

Conditions obviously a factor but this attack lacks variety. Carse may have made a difference so bad luck that he's out with one of his infrequent injuries!
If this pitch is typical then there will be a lot of draws.

Our nemesis, K D Barker, is lingering in Hants 2nds. Now there's a loan signing with his left arm swing who could offer variety to our 1 dimensional attack. 404 wickets at 25!

[westoelad]

Interesting squad. Trevaskis in. I suspect that Wood will be limited to how much he can bowl which makes an interesting dilemma for choice of the final XI.
https://www.durhamcricket.co.uk/news-an ... ip-return/

[captaincolly]

Interesting squad. Trevaskis in. I suspect that Wood will be limited to how much he can bowl which makes an interesting dilemma for choice of the final XI.
https://www.durhamcricket.co.uk/news-an ... ip-return/

Yes, great to have him back but I suspect you're right.