When I left The Riverside shortly before 5:00 yesterday I fully expected to be back there this morning, 'bye, see you tomorrow' was my departing call for Sussex had begun an untroubled start to the task of chasing down their target of almost 500 to win. The light was as good as it had been all day and Nash and Wells
looked comfortable, but by the time I reached Durham station Stokes had been introduced into the attack and for the second time in the match Wells edged to Mustard who played pass the parcel with Borthwick who safely pouched the rebound. 30 for 1 and as further wickets fell I was forced to consider what would be sufficient enticement to get me to return today. 'If they are only four down, I will definitely go, five probably but not if Durham only need another four wickets' was my hastily constructed rule of thumb. With Hastings joining Stokes in the attack wickets continued to fall so that by the time I got home it was 119 for 6 and when at 124 Wright, who had been the only Sussex batsman to prosper in the first innings, found the safe hands of Muchall in the deep the need to find alternative entertainment today became paramount.
When the extra half hour was taken two wickets were still needed, one of which fell in the first extra over but at stumps the well known firm of solicitors Treadwell and Hatchett were still there and will return to the crease at eleven today, together of course with the Durham team, umpires and scorers. A skeleton catering staff and no doubt some spectators will also be there for what might be one ball and for what might be history should Sussex win or draw the match.
My wife, when informed of this rather absurd situation, suggested that in order to cut back on the Martlets' expenses the main body of their party could travel home in their coach yesterday evening leaving the two surviving batsmen to follow by train sooner or later today. A simple pragmatic solution and one with which the Sussex treasurer might well have agreed but could the Hove two be left in this situation? They will of course need somebody to supervise their warm up this morning, somebody to give them 'a net' before play and should their partnership prosper, somebody to take them a drink to the middle. And as for the idea that the modern cricketers kit bags would fit in Trans Pennine's luggage racks.......forget it.
Had there been alternative cricket in the Wearside area then I might have considered the journey but have opted instead for a trip to Middleton in Teesdale where Durham U15 take on their Cumbrian counterparts. A pleasant drive on what promises to be a fine day.
A couple of weeks ago I drew readers' attention to the ICC European Division B T20 competition being held at three venues in Essex this week and after two days, results have been such as to give Norway 3 wins out of three, two victories each for Belgium and Austria and one for Isle of Man and Gibralter. Germany are the only team without a victory. Play resumes at 11:00 on Thursday.
No comments:
Post a Comment