Amongst mere mortals

posted by John Winn

I was not in the kind of exalted company Brian enjoyed yesterday and the 'think tank' was slightly depleted in numbers but not for the first time opinions were divided as to the merits of Yorkshire's cricket , particularly in the afternoon when the run rate slipped below four an over from the dizzy heights set by Root and Bairstow on Thursdaya evening. I was not part of the majority  who thought that Yorkshire rather lost the way after lunch. Rather I felt that they did as well as some good Northants bowling allowed and that a more adventurous approach might have resulted in the loss of wickets and thet any lead gained would have been insignificant. As it was the last five wickets added just short of 150 which with Rafiq coming in at 8 was a good effort. McGrath, as well as scoring a steady 47 added to the drama of the afternoon by his 'will he, won't he? ' entrance when he must have come very close to being timed out.
Northants had 15 overs to face and a deficit of 163 but would probably be reasonably pleased to only lose one wicket before the close and will start this morning 120 behind.  If they bat for two sessions today that will probably ensure the draw but early wickets for Yorkshire could create a winning position. Not for the first time the opening hour will be critical. I have decided that with a draw still the most likely outcome, I will, rather than travel to Headingley,  execute a plan to visit some Wetherby League grounds, a plan that has twice been postponed this season due to rain. As I usually get these things wrong those going to HQ can probably expect an exciting day.