Durham Match Thread 2026

[captaincolly]

I'm not sure I'd have Minto and Robinson bowling at the start. Minto did OK but they're both young and erratic. We're short of options though, Stokes with the new ball might work.
Could do with Raine!

[Durhamfootman]

can't have him..... he's too busy being paid to have a rest

[captaincolly]

McKinney resting now! Think he had one decent innings but barely scored a run since.
Bedders back in the squad for tomorrow.

[Durhamfootman]

Robbo opening

Bedders back

Sir Lawrence gets a game

rain, of course

[captaincolly]

I think the forecast is a bit better this afternoon. Problem will be if there's persistent drizzle.

[Durhamfootman]

reduced to 38 overs a side

Unless we suddenly put the pedal to the metal in the last 10 overs, we risk posting something a bit below par

time will tell, I suppose

[Durhamfootman]

a six off the final ball ends our innings on 229-5.

6.02 an over. Almost identical to Friday, which we failed to defend.... can we do better today?

[Durhamfootman]

as I always do in tight finishes, I look at the extras column. On Friday, Middlesex conceded 8 extras inc 5 wides. We conceded 21 inc 12 wides.... we lost with 3 balls remaining.

Essex bowled 15 wides today......we can't afford to be as generous

[captaincolly]

Yes, it's going to need a disciplined performance.
Unless it's a tricky outground pitch I also think we're short. Really could have done with Stokes batting deeper into the innings.

[Durhamfootman]

That’s usually true.

Essex were rollicking along at nearly 7 an over, but Rhodes has taken the wicket of Westley, which has slowed them down a bit….. perhaps temporarily

[Durhamfootman]

Oh Lordy…….

Ghafari was going at 3’s, Rhodes at 2’s and picking up wickets, so Kapt Kasey brought himself on and immediately released all the pressure they were building

[Durhamfootman]

Getting rid of danger man Thain helps

Essex need 89 from the last 10

[Arthur Crabtree]

Could do with Worcs losing this tight finish...

[Arthur Crabtree]

Job done.

[Durhamfootman]

I never had any doubt