Nick Compton

Compo came in at a crucial time.  Having been in a comfortable position of 154-2, 191-4 was not looking so healthy and the pressure was on.  There were shouts around me that we were down to the tail. Compo was helped with getting his eye in by having his first 6 balls passing by off stump, with only one of them played and missed.  It was clear from the way Key set the field that Kent's plan was to give Joyce the single and tempt Compo outside off stump. Compo sensibly declined (while Joyce tucked in to the easy runs on offer to him; the only batsman to look genuinely comfortable all day).  Compo was slowly accumulating runs and growing in confidence; shots slightly mistimed; Min Patel lofted back over his head for a mistimed two for example.  Finally, Compo looked set with a glorious off drive for 4 to bring him up to 13.   Then next shot he chased, got thin edge and was caught behind.  He looked bitterly disappointed, not sure whether it was with the decision or the shot; probably the latter.  13 (mostly) scratchy runs off 61 balls have not helped his cause at this stage.  He will hope to do better in the 2nd innings, but if he fails, I feel he should get a 2nd chance at Hampshire.

Chris Wright

Chris Wright came in to some derision about being in at 9 and the “all-rounder” status mentioned.  Despite his poor batting average he looked composed and early shot selection was good. His early runs were edged to 3rd man.  Then he hit an assured 4 off his feet to put him in double figures. At this stage, I was nervous, as I had promised to streak if he completes a ton.  [First interjection from the editor: surely you should have learnt your lesson from Gillespie and Hayden, Kev?].  Lo and behold, much like Compo, no sooner had Wright hit his first positive scoring boundary he was out.  A superb catch at 2nd slip by van Jaarsveld, one of three catches for him during the day.  To be fair, Wright is not a recognised batsman and should be judged tomorrow on his bowling. 

There was some assistance for seam bowlers, with some swing as well; indeed it was Kent’s change bowlers, medium/fast, that caused us the most difficulties. Day 2 should be an ideal chance for Wright and indeed Middlesex's three other pace bowlers.

Wearing helmets and from my distant position, regrettably I am unable to comment on hairstyles.  [Second interjection from the editor: although the story's lead photograph (above) is a season or so old, MTWD admin can confirm that Nick Compton's "barnet" retains the slightly spikey, shock of blond look as portrayed in that photo.  Thanks to Janet, you can also see the Day 1 Chris Wright hairstyle by clicking on the link below; then click the back button to return to this article.  He has replaced wild hair with wild faces for the camera!]

http://www.sportnetwork.net/mainadmin/img/661146114494.jpg

Chris Wright practices the Bob Willis Grimace.  MTWD thanks Janet for the photograph.

…and the rest

I need to also mention Joyce superb ton, when others around him were getting starts and not capitalising. His timing and marshalling of tail was superb. 

As a footnote, the Ali innings was most entertaining. His mistimed and misplaced pulls had fielders and fans confused on where the ball was until it crossed boundary edge.  He wasn’t capable of blocking, but did the right thing within limitations to add useful runs with Joyce.  [Final interjection from the editor: watch the ball, Kev, not the bat.  You wouldn't be selected to field for my team!!]

Summary of the day: honours even. Game on.