Gareth Rees must dream of playing us.
In six innings against us the youngster has three centuries and two fifties. If we could hypnotise the lad and tell him that they were Derbyshire, he'd be a cert for the Ashes side next summer and would put the Aussies to the sword!
He had his luck today but everyone needs that and I'd reckon at 257-8 the game is fairly even. If we can roll them over for 275 tomorrow then make 400-450 we will be in the box seat, but the captain needs more support than he got at Edgbaston. With Robert Croft still there they'll entertain hopes of getting above 300 and we've missed Charl Langeveldt in this game. I suspect the South African may have fancied that track and we would have been batting by now. That should not detract from an outstanding spell by Jon Clare, after a quiet couple of games. 4-16 in 13 overs is impressive in anyone's language and he was well supported by Graham Wagg, while Wavell popped up with another late wicket.
Wave reminds me of Basil d'Oliveira as a bowler. Not too fast, not too dangerous looking, but very good at breaking a partnership and keeping things steady. If he could only capture his best batting form we would be pretty chuffed, but that has so far eluded him. Maybe tomorrow.
Actually, the groundstaff will do well to get prepared for a prompt start after the late storm, but we can ill afford any delays in this game. What looks like a long and useful batting line up REALLY needs to produce the goods to build on what has been a useful day.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Please remember to add your name. Avoid personal comment at all times. Thanks!