Kyle Coetzer is out to impress

Jun 30 2009 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

KYLE Coetzer intends to make the most of a rare chance to shine in the Liverpool Victoria County Championship as Durham look to prove they have the strength in depth to maintain a title challenge against Worcestershire.

It has been an exceptional month for Durham, who are top of the Championship pile and unexpectedly qualified for the quarter-finals of the Twenty20 Cup with four successive victories.

And, while much of their Championship success has been down to superb fast bowling from England pair Stephen Harmison and Graham Onions, Coetzer is confident the squad can do more than just cope in their absence.

The terrible twosome will both play for the England Lions side against Australia this week, with Mark Davies and Liam Plunkett recovering from injury just in time to take their place against Worcestershire.

Coetzer has also been given an opportunity to prove he is more than just a limited overs specialists as he prepares to open the batting in the absence of the injured Mark Stoneman.

He said: “I can’t wait to play because I’ve waited a long time for an opportunity to show what I can do again in the County Championship. It’s the first time I’ve played a four-day game this season and I’m determined to make the most of it.

“The great thing about Durham is that we all get on and we all want each other to do well, that’s why we are successful. It really is about the good of the team as a whole, but of course I want to try and get my place back in the side.

“I spoke to him (Stoneman) yesterday and he is disappointed to miss out because of an injury, but he shook me by the hand and said go out and make runs.