Dress Rehearsal 

While I turned up courtesy of Shrek Wasp with my MTWD T shirt, this also was billed as dress rehearsal of 20/20 semi final, where many pointers for most important match in years will be established.

Teams 

Middx had probable 20/20 starting line-up. Contrary to rumours that they would be rested, both Harmison and Collingwood rejected by England, in line up with Chanderpaul in a strong looking Durham side. 

Grievous Bodily Harmison 

We got off to a good start with a 50 +opening partnership. At this stage my concentration was not fully focussed as questions were made regarding my shirt, discussions were rife regarding futile EGM, the previous day capitulation and certain comments on board.  My poor focus was summarised when I made reference to Ed Joyce in pavilion when he was actually batting. 

In fact Ed J looked in control and rate close to 6 an over we were looking at sizeable total and geezer next to me said 280 expected score.  He is regular follower of Middlesex and perhaps should have known better.

Steve HARMison comes on and first ball goes for edged four, bodes well for this target.    He continues to bowl fast and accurate and has Ed out LB for 49 probably the only wicket that wasn’t given away.  He finished with 4 for 31 in eight overs of hostile bowling  - ironically as England bowlers were toiling at Headingley.

Hendo came in, with conditions ideal for his style of batting. While expecting him to pinch strike, not facing he went for risky 2, which caused run out from where I was, due to him not sliding bat. Needless wicket. 

Ace and Captain M looked like building a good partnership. Morgs then having hit Colly for 6 and seemed ready to let loose further, was out playing the kind of shot that was giving catching practise. 

 Ace now was striking his way quickly to 73 and hitting 2 successive sixes again against Colly. Soon after, he went for suicidal run to Colly not looking at partner standing there and was way out as trying to make way back without Colly needing someone to tackle him.  This wicket was very costly. 

Now the Geezer said it was 218, not 280 that was score he predicted. With us giving further catching practise anything near this would be tough. As it was run rate declined as we were trying to bat out 40 overs and just made 200 in 36 overs. losing last 6 wickets for  26 runs. This way short of any kind of par score and looked a very gettable target for a strong batting line up.  

No Colly Wobbles    

 Durham started slowly and Di Venuto looked uncomfortable.  A well timed toilet break on my return he skied a top edge caught out and I was congratulated on my visit.   Mustard was out from a visit to bar and Will Smith (your having a laugh) was out from another supporters toilet visit.

 At 70 -3 and at 20^th over 81-3, we were winning 20/20 battle.   Now little matter of prising Colly and Chanderpaul. They looked in very little danger apart from one missed c & b off Dial M. Hendo restricted run rate but with wickets in hand expected acceleration took place with return of Finn and Dial M. Colly was particularly severe hitting 6 sixes.  No change of bowling or toilet breaks could impose any pressure as Durham reached target with ease with 4 overs spare for a thumping seven-wicket. 

Will it be all right on Night? 

Assuming this is semi final for Saturday some worrying signs.  We really must not give wickets away against a strong batting side.  It was if we were saying here’s our wicket you can have it.  Our bowling early on was accurate and only went to pieces at end and believe we are capable of defending a reasonable target.  So it’s not a hopeless cause but psychologically the momentum with Durham-assuming they beat Glamorgan.  I’m certainly Glamorgan till Tuesay night!!    

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