Durham - lack of ambition?

If I were Durham supporter, given how close the battle for the Div 1 title might be, I would be disappointed that they didn't seem to have made much effort to get a victory against Notts. They had a useful first innings lead of 90 but then took 50 overs to reach 181 for 3 in their second innings. Notts finished on 172 for 5 off 54 overs - and it looks as tho their 5th wicket fell sometime before close of play.

If it had been Somerset (for example) in the same position as Durham I expect they would have taken a few risks and tried to score at 6+ an over in the second innings and give themselves at least another hour more to bowl out the opposition.

Am I missing something?

Lack of drive I would say is the problem. If we were looking for the victory we should of put Mustard and Blackwell up the order they get us some quick runs and we give ourselves more a chance of bowling them out. Like you said trying to score at 6+ a over. Also think we should of experimented with a few more bowlers, Stokes and Collingwood. These are a all things we should of done but didn't, little things like this could matter hopefully it doesn't

what i dont get is that durham won them cc back to back, and cos they lost a few games in the season after, smith was dithced as captain and no one said why lol

cricketfan90 wrote:what i dont get is that durham won them cc back to back, and cos they lost a few games in the season after, smith was dithced as captain and no one said why lol

The captaincy was taken off Smith because he was in terrible form with the bat and soon after he was dropped. He's just recently he's go back into the side.

As a Somerset fan, we are chasing the leaders so the onus is on us to produce "result" pitches and force games to a conclusion. It is probably harder to be Durham in this situation as they whilst only having a small lead, lead the CC (or did) subconciously they think they can afford to draw, as long as they do not lose. Whereas Somerset, it is win or bust,

With most of Durham vs Hants washed out, the only chance of getting a result on day 4 is by Hants setting a target by a contrived declaration. Perhaps they will show more ambition this time....

Hampshire have declared well before lunch on the final day setting Durham a target of 276 in quite a lot of overs. If Durham win at a canter the other title-chasing sides may well be asking for a stewards' inquiry.

On the other hand, if Durham get bowled out they will hardly get any points for this match.....

hampshire win