A leader's display from Phil Mustard

Sep 1 2010 by Luke Edwards, The Journal

PHIL Mustard probably is not everybody’s idea of a perfect leader, and he may not hold on to the Durham captaincy beyond the end of a disappointing season for the reigning County Champions, but he cannot and should not be faulted for the manner in which he has taken on the task.

As a wicketkeeper-batsman some believe the captain’s job is simply asking too much of the 27-year-old, others merely believe Durham need a different type of driving force in the dressing room.

Yet, Mustard has not shirked a challenge since he was promoted to the position following the deposing of Will Smith in May and while there may be more articulate cricketers around, there have been times when he has been a hugely inspirational figure on the pitch.

He saved them from defeat with an unbeaten 71 against Lancashire last month after a century against Warwickshire at Edgbaston would have won his side the game had it not been for the intervention of the weather.

This was another one of those occasions. In the morning, Durham’s top order was blown away by Nottinghamshire’s seam attack and a side still haunted by the fear of relegation going into the final month of a ridiculously long season were 76-4 when Ben Harmison went for two before lunch.

Half centuries from Mark Stoneman and Ian Blackwell halted the crash, but neither were able to move on to three figures, Stoneman out leg before and Blackwell clean bowled by Andre Adams.

The fall of those wickets appeared to end Durham’s hopes of posting a daunting first innings total, but Mustard had other ideas and in his usual ‘attack as the best form of defence’ style, he landed blow after blow in the evening session.