The one sure thing in this game now is that we're not going to win it.
A disappointing batting performance this morning, albeit due to some excellent bowling from Chaminda Vaas, meant that our innings petered out for less than 200, a disappointing tally. Enough players got a start, but Martin Guptill's fifty yesterday remained top score by some distance and now, 362 behind with 2 days to go, the best we can hope for is a draw.
The Saturday forecast I have seen suggests that if we're not bowled out a second time tomorrow we may escape with a draw as heavy rain looks likely. Realistically, however, we don't deserve that and the gap between ourselves and Northamptonshire will remain at least the same, but will in all probability widen.
No complaints from me about a team that always gives a hundred percent, but we've fallen short in s big game once more which is disappointing, but not the end of the world.
Hopefully we can go down fighting tomorrow.
I can only get back to an earlier point. We do need a couple or three batters that can score heavily on a regular basis. I am not suggesting we don't have anyone capable of doing this, but we don't have finished articles yet.
ReplyDeleteWe are certainly improving, but the feeling I have is one of a team which still has a fair way to go. Improved reliability in the batting ranks and an established spinner are the key areas for me. All could and should come with time or perhaps the odd wisely chosen addition from outside the camp.
I could see this coming last night. The loss of Guptill and Durston at a time when they should have been digging in,lit the touchpaper. Some things you can just sense and todays collapse was little surprise to me.
ReplyDeleteI cannot and never have understood the reasoning in sending out a night watchman. It,s a complete waste of time and usually achieves nothing. Most of the time they are as unwilling to face the bowling as those they are supposed to be protecting.
Its game over and so far there are very few coming out with much credit. If i were in charge of Northants we would be bowling first thing tomorrow. Can,t see any reason why they should bat on,especially looking at the forecast.
Peakfan,
ReplyDeleteRemember indicating a 'no' to my suggestion we look to take on Middlebrook a little while back. You retorted inidcating we have better on the books or something similar. Well, I think he has turned out quite handy for Capel's crew, don't you?
He's on 100* as I write.