Still there

By Way Out West
May 13 2014

Way Out West manages an excellent report of day despite various distractions

The somewhat inconsistent nature of my work does have its benefits when a Monday morning off coincides with the second day of a County Championship game. I shared my train journey with frustrated looking workers in bland suits and blander looking expressions.

My smug feeling soon wore off as the weather forecast suggested I should dress for Winter but the brisk ten minute walk from Paddington suggested Mid-Summer as the sun beat down. I decided to askew my usual sideward view as I don`t find the Tavern as enticing as I do the Grandstand on the other side. Less sun for a start. I took my view in the Edrich Stand right behind the bowlers arm and by the looks of the crowd, most people were in suits and the office today rather than shorts and cricket.

My overall feeling was that if we could negotiate the tricky early overs we would be fine. Rogers was off the mark from the first over from Lancashire Coach/Captain/Bus Driver Glen Chapple. A massive celebration masquerading as an appeal in the slips eventuates from the first ball bowled by Kyle Hogg. Not out. Next ball same again, huge hollers and woops. Umpire Evans seems unsure, slowly walks towards Umpire Evans but Rogers has already walked. 1-1. A bit of a tame dismissal, strangled down the leg side but Buck won`t be receiving any criticism or advice from these quarters any time. Rough with the smooth and there is certainly more smooth than rough.

Malan and Robbo then negotiate a very tricky period from the two opening bowlers. I believe I am right in saying it was 25/1 after the initial 14 over burst. I did make notes but these were eventually blown away by the wind as the weather now alternated between Summer/Siberian Winds. Malan in particular survived once although it was the sort of hard hit shot that would have taken some catching at short leg. They either stick or they don`t. It didn`t.

The vocal Lancashire fielders led by the tidy Buttler were not yet at mute but the volume was decreasing. Maybe they knew what was coming next in terms of bowling stock. Tom Smith bowled a steady over but then Kyle Jarvis came on at the Pavilion End. I must confess that I have always rated Jarvis very highly when watching him for Zimbabwe. However, cricket life in the UK has been a little tricky so far for him and it was about to get a bit worse. First off came a false start as he didn`t release the ball, then the loosener was dispatched by Robbo to the boundary rope along with two further fours in the over. His eventual figures of 0/59 off 12 overs don`t do full justice as to how poorly he bowled. Not a lost cause though as I am sure he has it in him to be a good county bowler. Malan did slash wildly at his bowling on one occasion but once again straight through the hands of Horton.

There really wasn`t that much else to recommend from the change bowling as Malan and Robbo made hay to drastically improve the run rate as we reached the heady heights of 91-1 at Lunch (again I might be a run or two out here, damn wind).

Seeing as I had made a solo voyage to the cricket I decided to have a walk and ended up in the Prince Alfred pub in Maida Vale. Very nice as well, thank you. Lunch was rather nice and meant I had slightly neglected my reporting duties. A quick glance at my phone suggested I hadn`t missed anything at first, but a closer inspection revealed Sam Robson had been run out. Oops. I am still none the wiser as to the details, so feel free to educate me as to the manner of the dismissal.

The sun had now reached the Tavern on my arrival and buoyed by the arrival of my friend Mark we were soon making our way through further shop bought refreshments, well, Lager anyway. Morgan was playing beautifully, all fine cuts and wristy endeavour, a real joy to behold. Malan who is always so technically fine to behold was giving more than a few chances but was playing with such strength and conviction that the chances were not sticking.

Hogg and Chapple can only bowl so many overs and whilst Smith was fine in backup, the rest were very expensive. Messrs Kerrigan, Procter and Reece bowled a total of 18 overs for 0/83. Compare that with Dexys fine return of 6/63 from 26 overs and we have an undisputed champion of part-time bowlers after two days.

There didn`t seem any real chance of a wicket until disaster struck as Morgan tickled one into the outfield and set off for a run. Malan never looked like making his ground and out he was. Somebody shouted “brainless” very loudly and I waited to see if Malan would make any comment to Morgan. None was made and I would strongly suggest it was the call of Dawid anyway. I may be wrong. Out for 92, a good positive innings but far from chanceless. . Nevertheless, my view for what it’s worth is that our running is excellent and contributes many runs to the team. Clearly this run was rather suicidal but I find it hard to be too critical in our running in general.

Dexy, fresh from his career best, joined Morgan and soon steadied the ship. Now THIS is what our middle order is capable of. Be patient through the tricky overs and punish the change bowlers when possible. Morgan played beautifully and as it stands the partnership is 94* going into a crucial third day.

The unpredictable weather continued to have its say and as the clouds darkened upon St Johns Wood I decided it would be best to make my escape for Paddington a few overs early. The rain storm that followed bought both play to an early close and a soaking for myself.

An enjoyable day and one that has put Middlesex in a very strong position. I am hoping the weather stays fine today and we can really press home our advantage.