NEVER mind the frustrations of rain and bad light, Durham ended this 80-minute vignette with a decidedly sunny disposition.
While the heavens heaved down drizzle almost all day, Durham took advantage of two brief on-pitch cameos to seize control of this County Championship clash. Despite already holding the full batting points quota, Durham may well bat on this morning, giving big-hitter Ian Blackwell licence to batter his 139 into something seriously big.
In just 80 minutes’ total play, Durham added 81 runs for the singular loss of Mark Stoneman. The injury-plagued opener resumed on 21 yesterday morning, having returned to the crease on Tuesday night, despite initial suggestions his thigh strain would lay him low.
He will certainly not field, but Durham’s situation appeared grave enough at the first day’s tail to press him back into service. And by last night’s early close, his return was hugely vindicated after he posted a vital 64 to speed Durham past the crucial 400-mark.
With Blackwell keen to turn his ton into a 150-plus score, Durham head coach Geoff Cook hinted he may well let his men keep racking up runs from the off today. “We’ve obviously a decision to make on whether we continue batting,” said Cook. “But that’s a definite possibility. Ian’s knock has been fantastic and absolutely vital once again, and no doubt he would love to add to it even further.
“But he has been supported by a few good efforts too, and while we would have liked to see a couple of people add to their 30-odd scores, we have built some solid partnerships in there. Mark’s inn-ings was excellent as well, he was timing the ball very well, and given his injury, he dealt with the bowling very calmly.
“He definitely won’t field but I’m pleased for him and delighted with not just his score but the pace of his innings, because he ended up outscoring Blackwell when we managed to get on to the square. The challenge for us now, though, is to make the right decisions on how long we continue batting, and then to bowl very tightly.
“The pitch is offering something for the bowlers, as is the atmosphere, so our boys are excited to get a crack at it. But at the same time Warwickshire will take some bowling out because they have a very strong batting line-up.
“So we are pleased with where we are, despite losing a lot of time to rain, but if the weather stays fair as it is forecast, then technically there is still enough time to force a result.” After such a glorious opening day, the rain took just 50 minutes to force the players from the field yesterday. Durham eased past the 350 mark to claim the fourth batting point as spots of rain turned to consistent drizzle, cutting the morning seriously short. With no play between lunch and tea, the covers finally came off for a 4.15pm restart, but sadly they only stayed off for half-an-hour.
