Pre match omens were good as the sun surprisingly shone and Middx started the day in a healthy position at 255-3.

Before I extol Chad , Middx provided other notable performances.

Ed Smith- Looked solid all morning, in fact he seemed set for double ton, when adjudged LBW for 166.   Difficult for me to say from my square leg position, but Ed looked very unhappy with decision. Nevertheless, a great innings and its timing excellent. Especially, as under pressure after all the stick received, mainly on our website. Gosh is it June already?

Jamie Dalrymple- Up until now, this season he has not been in runs. He came in at time when consolidation required after mini collapse and rose to the challenge.   The highlight of his 69 runs was a hooked six in the Warner Stand off Vettori and swiftly followed by a four trying to repeat the shot.  Well played Jamie

Compo/ Scott -73 stand that took Middx over 400. Max batting points, a novelty. In fact took us to 453.  Two more players who have had their batting critics, me included, made a valuable contribution to our cause.  They both fell in quick succession.   Now enter stage………

KeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeGan.   Score at 456-8.  There was a rapturous, by Lords standards anyway, ovation as he walked down pavilion steps.  We didn’t have to wait for announcement of his name before applause started.  At this stage of match, earlier talks of declaration had subsided.  Chad showed early intent with a straight hard hitting drive off Bell for 4.  Then next over off Vettori a repeat shot.   After tea there was further big hitting including a massive straight 6 to furthest boundary, albeit comically tipped over edge by Dougie Brown.   34 not out off 26 balls, enabled Middx to declare on 520, once Louw was out for an ably assisted 28.

25 overs to Warks to face.  Silvers and Chad opening the bowling.   Chad, with his remodelled action looked menacing with an attacking field set, which meant leaked runs, but pressure on.  There were plenty of played and misses before Chad had Knight caught behind tempting him down the leg-side, with score at 21.   He continually had Wagh in all sorts of trouble. JD dropped him a sitter at 4^th slip and memories of his previous triple ton against us were now on our minds. No worries, the best ball of the day from Chad had him bowled with one that swung all over the place.  Silverwood, whose efforts from The Pavilion End should not be underestimated, roughed Bell up, big time.  I’m convinced he would have felt more at ease at Edgbaston against Sri Lankans. The inevitable happened with Chad again capturing Bell, what a clanger, deceived by line. Despite taking the field at the end of each over towards the empty Mound Stand, the Upper Compton, applauded Chad back, which was acknowledged accordingly. 

After 6 devastating overs Chad was rested.   Let’s not burn him out, here,here! Styris and Louw’s insipid later overs put into perspective Keeeegan’s performance.  And they were cries at end give Chad another few overs.

Close of play  Warks 98-3 and the defeat now surely? safe.  With, enforcing the follow–on and 17 wickets required, we must hope for minimal rain stoppages and my rain dances for Durham game don’t arrive over St John’s Wood 2 weeks late. More heroics from Keeeeeeeeeeeegan could well be required. 

However, for now, I think we should all take a deep breath and enjoy the moment.