Bresnan makes the difference

posted by John Winn

The form of cricket that the ECB thinks we need less of fought back at North Marine Road yesterday when, in perfect weather, an estimated 7000 lovers of first class cricket, and they were by no means all from the older age groups, saw twenty wickets fall in a day to leave Yorkshire just in front at stumps.

The Lower Ure charabanc, having made its by now traditional stop at Curly Fletcher's Seafood Stall, disgorged its passengers just as the gates opened at 9:30, and they took their seats just in front of McCain Chips (5% fat). Eventually, and not before some had enjoyed an early grumble about the tardiness of the announcement, we were told the teams. Yorkshire of course missing three batsmen on test duty, Durham an all rounder and a bowler on the same mission. and to even things up, Collingwood with over 250 first class matches under his belt, replaced by Burnham with none. Our Hartlepool correspondent who has defended Jennings against my criticisms thought there was a case for recalling KK for a match of this importance in front of such a crowd. I have to admit he had a point but Burnham it was, aged just 18 years, and Jennings was left in charge of the Lucozade.

Gale, suitably blazered, won the toss and elected to bat, who wouldn't, but the feeling on the top shelf of the Peasholm Park end was that this was two 'flaky' batting sides against too very good bowling sides and so it proved but to a far greater extent than anybody could have predicted. By half past six twenty two had had a go at batting, nobody had made fifty and the average score was a whisker under 16. I will spare you the details, suffice to say Yorkshire were nine down at lunch, rallied to 162 thanks largely to Bresnan, who carried on where he left off at The Riverside in June, and only Borthwick and Pringle lasted more than fifty balls for Durham. Just after six it looked as though Pringle and Hastings might give Durham a lead but we reckoned without Sidebottom who took three late wickets to finish with the second best figures of the day. The best went to Rushworth who once again belied the myth that he can only take wickets at The Riverside.

Bresnan and Sidebottom add 67 for last wicket

Yorkshire were left with an awkward five overs but survived intact to leave
them sixteen in front at high tea time. Sixteen might not seem many but Durham needed a lead not parity and it is advantage Yorkshire on what promises to be another lovely day. Enjoy.

Tea interval at North Marine Road