By Lower Pav and Phil the Power
August 29 2012

NEW ROAD TOSS SHOCK.

I was up very early this morning and on time The Power drove up outside my house and off we went.  We had an uneventful journey, stopped of at a motorway cafe, and bumped into our Leader and President Geoff Norris and Committeee Member Alvan Seth-Smith. We all seemed in good spirits and in optimistic mood

The Power and I continued our journey and arrived at the ground with about 15 minutes to spare. We bumped into Angus Fraser who advised us we had won the toss.  Me and The Power looked at each other in blank and total astonishment.  This can not be true but true it was and on a slightly green looking wicket Middlesex decided to have a bowl. The less good news was that Strauss was not available. I can never get my head around the availabity and non availability of our England players and The ECB policy on these matters,  so rather than ruin my whole day I forgot about it.

Murtagh opened the bowling from The New Road End and Berg a little surprisingly opened the bowling from The Diglis End.  Mitchell and Hughes opened the batting for Worcs. 12 runs came off the first over from Murtagh.  Hughes began to hit the ball all over the place. After Berg had bowled just 2 overs he was replaced by Roland-Jones. After just 6 overs they were 35 for 0.

At that score,  I can not be certain,  but it seemed to me Mitchell may have been dropped in the slips off the bowling of Murtagh.  If I am correct this was very crucial indeed.

At this point in time Hughes seemed to be playing as though the game was a rain affected 20/20 match. The inevitable happened. He tried one big shot too many and was caught in the deep by Patel off the bowling of Roland-Jones for 34. They were 40 for 1.

Pardoe came into bat and the run rate began to edge back to normality. Then a second wicket. Pardoe LBW to Roland -Jones and now 50 for 2.  Ali came into bat and suddenly they were 52 for 3.  Ali caught Rossington bowled, yes you have guessed it,  the excellent Roland-Jones and we have secured a blessed first bowling point.

At this moment in time things were looking excellent for us and in truth this was the high point of our day. The new batsman was Kervezee.. After 19 overs Worcs were 61 for 3 and Crook came on to bowl at The New Road End and the next over there was a double change with Berg coming back to bowl at The Diglis End. The run rate at this point had become normal and at 84 for 3 Dexter came on to bowl at The New Road End and his first ball was deposited for 4. Crook then came back at The Diglis End.

Lunch arrived with Worcs on 104 for 3 but perhaps a little worringly the wicket seemed rather flat. A shared first session we think.

After lunch Murtagh bowled from The New Road End and Roland-Jones from The Diglis End. Both batsman carried on undisturbed and with the wicket looking placid we wondered where the next wicket was coming from.  The mood was lifted somewhat when we were joined by Mr' Fingers' Fingleton. Black clouds began to circle the ground. Crook and Dexter came on to bowl but with no  discernable difference.

We all looked at each and decided to walk round the ground, purchase ice creams and get a wicket that way. We were half way round when bingo our plan worked. Kervezee out for 55 caught Roland -Jones bowled Dexter.  Blessed relief.  Worcs were 166 for 4.

Pinner marched to the wicket and for the first time we had some spin in the form of Patel. I must say I like the style of this young man, he seems to give the ball plenty of air and he spins it.

Then another wicket. Pinner out for 7 caught Robson bowled Patel. Well done sir.  Worcs 181 for 5. The new batsman is Leach and Tea arrives with Worcs on 186 for 5. Once again a close session we think  with perhaps us shading it.

The final session starts with Patel and Dexter.  200 comes up,  met with enthusiastic applause from the locals and their first batting point. Out of the blue a wicket.  Leach bowled by a yorker from Crook for 10.  Worcs now 219 for 6. and our second bowling point in the bag.

Cox comes into bat. At this stage I must say a word about the announcer who we had listened to all day. He must have the most monotonous voice we have ever heard but am sure he is a lovely man but oh dear that voice.

Crook is now bowling nicely with the old ball and is beating the bat. However the new ball becomes due and back to Murtagh and Roland Jones. We have absolutely no idea when the new ball was taken as we saw no signal from the umpires and the announcer and scoreboard gave no clues.

However another wicket. Cox out for 18 LBW bowled Murtagh and Worcs are 243 for 7 and Andrew comes into bat. Mitchell, yes he is still there gets it has to be said a well deserved if very patient 100 off 273 balls and 9 4's.  A true captain's innings.  A study in concentration,  almost Boycottian,  it has to be said. He gets good applause.

We assume by now the new ball has been taken as it looks shiny and the last wicket of the day falls. Andrew caught Robson bowled Roland -Jones for 6. and Worcs were 262 for 8 and Mitchell is joined by Russell.

The day finished with the admirable Mitchell  129 and Russell 8 and Worcs 295 for 8.

We felt that this was a hard fought day, but bearing in mind we had won the toss and put Worcs in. The fact that they  were still batting by close of play and nearing 300 makes it Worcs taking the first day spoils . However there is a long way to go, but looking at the weather forecast for tomorrow and thursday,  the weather may ultimately prove to be the winner.