Statisticians Day

Posted by Brian Sanderson
A cricket match is like a book to me and this was chapter two.Weather was still warm but not as sunny as yesterday.
McGrath and Rudolph opening the days play.They did not go for the extra batting point and were 329 for 2 after 110 overs. Durham had no bowling points.One of the many talking points at cricket is to work out when the captain will declare.
First theory was that Yorkshire would bat to half an hour before tea.
Both batsmen batted carefully and Rudolph got to the century first and then McGrath.
McGrath was then run out by Blenkenstein causing him to go off injured.
At lunch the score was 408 for 3. The theory was working.
In the afternoon Andrew and myself were joined by Brian Coulthard who worked in the Bank . He has watched Championship cricket for fifty years.The game was meandering on with Gale and Bairstow out.
Half an hour before tea past without Yorkshire declaring. The score was 530 for 5 with Rudolph still there sort of his 200.
Next theory was they may declare at tea or they would bat on so Rudolph could beat his highest first class score of 222.
Yorkshire came out to bat. One theory gone.Rudolph finished on 228 from 389 balls with 35 fours ansd in seven and three quarter hours.
Durham started to bat with Tino Best opening the bowling. He tried to bowl fast but the wicket could not help him. It would be the spinners who would get the wickets.
At this stage Peter Davies arrived in the ground for the quiz this evening.
I went to sit with him a three Durham wickets fell withe two to Rashid the leg-spinner.
Durham reached 54 for 3.
Qiiz had good company including Tony Hutton, Brian Senior and Mick Bourne.