Durham match thread 2022

[Durhamfootman]

and banging the ball in short every ball just makes life easier to survive as long as you can duck okay.... plus it softens the new ball quicker

only Rushy bowled well today. I watched the new ball today for about an hour and there was sideways movement there, but 2 of our 3 front line bowlers didn't try and exploit it... they just tried to soften the ball and lose that movement.... might be good enough for England, but it isn't good enough for me

[Durhamfootman]

It takes both teams to have positive intent to create an interesting finish. Particularly disappointed with Worcs -thought,if anything,our declaration was on the generous side-442 at 3.75 per over on a flat track. We exceeded that rate throughout the game.

It was when Worcs tried to exceed that they lost wickets.

In between Pottsy's rapid 4fer and Rushy's second innings efforts, our bowling was really rather poor. Worse than that, it was aimless

[captaincolly]

Flat pitches and some suggestion that the balls this season have a less pronounced seam are probably the reason for so many draws but I do think the attack lacks variation, might have been different if Stokes wasn't just back from a long layoff.
Maybe Worcestershire would have had more of a go had they not started the day 4 down - Middlesex have won after scoring 370 in 70 odd overs - but I still think they could have been a bit more ambitious after not losing a wicket in the first session today. If there are going to be lots of draws I think any opportunity to push for a win needs to be taken.

[westoelad]

Flat pitches and some suggestion that the balls this season have a less pronounced seam are probably the reason for so many draws but I do think the attack lacks variation, might have been different if Stokes wasn't just back from a long layoff.
Maybe Worcestershire would have had more of a go had they not started the day 4 down - Middlesex have won after scoring 370 in 70 odd overs - but I still think they could have been a bit more ambitious after not losing a wicket in the first session today. If there are going to be lots of draws I think any opportunity to push for a win needs to be taken.

They started the day 2 down,capt.
Hopefully management learn from this and appoint a top class spinner for the 2nd half of the CC campaign.

[captaincolly]

Flat pitches and some suggestion that the balls this season have a less pronounced seam are probably the reason for so many draws but I do think the attack lacks variation, might have been different if Stokes wasn't just back from a long layoff.
Maybe Worcestershire would have had more of a go had they not started the day 4 down - Middlesex have won after scoring 370 in 70 odd overs - but I still think they could have been a bit more ambitious after not losing a wicket in the first session today. If there are going to be lots of draws I think any opportunity to push for a win needs to be taken.

They started the day 2 down,capt.
Hopefully management learn from this and appoint a top class spinner for the 2nd half of the CC campaign.

Ah yes! I was thinking of the first innings.
A wicket taking spinner would definitely help. Need either high quality spin or genuine pace.

[captaincolly]

Carse back in the squad for tomorrow's game. Very welcome addition.

[Durhamfootman]

get him in

[captaincolly]

get him in

I wonder if they feel Potts could do with a rest? If not he'll probably come in for Salisbury.

[Durhamfootman]

only 2 matches left before they all get loads of rest travelling around the country on a bus

[westoelad]

Potts needs a rest,thought that was evident during Worcs 2nd innings.

[captaincolly]

only 2 matches left before they all get loads of rest travelling around the country on a bus

Good point!

[Durhamfootman]

Potts needs a rest,thought that was evident during Worcs 2nd innings.

looked similar to the second innings against Leics. I agree we have to be careful that we don't bowl him so much that he breaks, but he's the only one taking wickets, so I can't see him being rested just yet, particularly as we seem to have little control over how much Stokes bowls and Carse is just coming back from a lengthy lay off.

Where does Raine fit into the equation, or does he have to accept that Stokes has his spot ahead of the first test?

[captaincolly]

Potts needs a rest,thought that was evident during Worcs 2nd innings.

looked similar to the second innings against Leics. I agree we have to be careful that we don't bowl him so much that he breaks, but he's the only one taking wickets, so I can't see him being rested just yet, particularly as we seem to have little control over how much Stokes bowls and Carse is just coming back from a lengthy lay off.

Where does Raine fit into the equation, or does he have to accept that Stokes has his spot ahead of the first test?

Raine in for Trevaskis is interesting. Wasn't expecting that. I'll pop down later, looks lile a solid start but next session is crucial.

[Durhamfootman]

I half expected it, tbh. If no attacking, reliably wicket taking spin option is available, then a seam attack of Rushy, Potts, Carse, Raine and Stokes probably doesn't need a non threatening spinner to occupy an end while they rest. It was why I asked the question about Raine yesterday

We were inserted and are losing wickets slowly. A slow 44 for Lees, a rare failure for Dicko, a not rare at all failure for Capt Beaky. KP and Bedders at the crease 102-3

[Durhamfootman]

I'l be heading down tomorrow, I think