(Day 1 of 4)
1st September 2015
Prior to this match I had noted Worcestershire
all-rounder Joe Leach had labelled his side’s remaining County Championship
matches “three cup finals”. It struck me
as an odd term to use to describe what were not only league matches, but
four-day jobs at that. Nevertheless, it
did serve to illustrate the parlous nature of Worcs. First Division
status. They sat in second bottom place
(two are relegated), with this afternoon’s opponents Sussex just four points
and one position above them. So clearly,
if the Three Pears were to entertain any hopes of survival, this was a match
they could not afford to lose.
So, it is a fairly safe bet that the loss of Daryl
Mitchell and Tom Fell with the innings barely begun was not in the script. However, then followed one of those periods
which makes cricket so unfathomable to the likes of my Wife. For Brett D’Oliveira and Joe Clarke dug in
and we faced a grinding war of attrition, as for 30 overs little of substance
appeared to happen. The batsmen prodded
away ball after ball, content to chisel out what could not have been much more
than 2.5 runs an over. It was grim
stuff, and I loved it.
The pair were dismissed in quick succession after lunch
however; D’Oliveira caught after attempting a shot which, even to my untutored
eyes, could best be described as reckless.
Ben Cox later gave his wicket away equally cheaply, by doing the
lifting-his-bat-out-of-harms-way thing (shouldering arms, is it called?), only
to turn around to witness one of his wickets sent flying. I am guessing that being dismissed in such a
manner is pretty embarrassing for a batsman – second only to being involved in an
Inzamam-esque run out, perhaps.
That one put the hosts on 110-6 and in more than a little
bother. Fine work by Alex Gidman did
keep the over rate ticking over, and by the time tea was called (and I had to
leave) Worcs. had progressed to 172-8.
But this was hardly cup final winning form.
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| The main entrance to New Road, Worcestershire CCC |
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| I rather liked this cloud formation |
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| Happy to be corrected, but I think this is Daryl Mitchell |
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| Brett D'Oliveira failed to get a touch on this one |
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| Panorama of New Road, Worcestershire CCC |
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| Chris Jordan launches one in the direction of D'Oliveira |
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| This slightly rickety wooden building sat behind the Basil D'Oliveira stand... |
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| ...a gift from the Supporters' Association back in 1954 |
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| Panorama of New Road, Worcestershire CCC |
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| The Graeme Hick Pavilion |
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| I would rather like to sit up there. |
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| Throughout the day the skies alternated between azure blue and slate grey |
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| There is something I find inexpressibly pleasing about the presence of trees within a sporting venue. |
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| Brett keeps his eye on the ball. |
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| Michael Yardy (Sussex CCC) |
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| Sussex bowler Luke Wells gets busy |
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| Panorama of New Road, Worcestershire CCC |
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| Panorama of New Road, Worcestershire CCC |
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| Chris Jordan |
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| Chris Liddle |
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| Break for tea - and time for me to head to Newport |
Update: Worcestershire lost the match by an innings and 63 runs. Division 2 beckons Methinks.
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