By Janet
June 15 2006

Janet reports "Listening in the sewer pipe: Reference to how bad my speakers are and ‘sewer pipe’ is the setting I have to use to hear anything". And if you expect it to get better ......................... !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Given how Middlesex capitulated maybe they played as if in a sewer.

The day started well with Silverwood getting a wicket in the 6th over. We had further success just before lunch when Chris Wright took 2 wickets in the space of 3 or 4 overs to dismiss firstly the dangerous Ealham, and then Franks, both to catches by Ben Scott. This left Notts 234/7 at lunch.

After lunch Swann and Hussey swung the bat until Silverwood clean bowled Swann for 62 (351/8) and a few balls later Shrek went for 0 (c Scott b Silverwood) giving Scott his 4th catch (357/9). Silverwood took the last wicket one ball later when Hussey holed out to Morgan. This gave Silverwood match figures of 5/79 and Notts a lead of 82.

It was confirmed on the commentary that Ben Hutton is indeed suffering from Shingles. (I had a mild attack of shingles May 5th, so don’t think I passed it on as it has an incubation period of 21 days).

What is there to say about the Middlesex innings. It was more a procession, with Compo top scoring with 11. Ben Hutton dnb. Shrek took 8/31.

My feelings are that, Ben Hutton is an integral part of the team. He may not set the world alight with his batting, but his presence is needed as an inspiration (much as Brearley in the 1980’s).

It’s not ideal, it’s not the end of the world and we are still not in the bottom two.