I'm delighted we managed to get through the group after our appalling start to this tournament. At the risk of cursing us Leicestershire is winnable in my opinion too.
As disappointing as it is that Leaning hasn't played in the Hundred and has still been prevented from playing for us, it is great to see the way a non contracted player like Finch has stepped up to the mark in the last couple of games. I also hope that he doesn't lose his place to Muyeye should he become available because, as much as the lad is a great prospect, he hasn't actually taken many of his opportunities recently.
As disappointing as it is that Leaning hasn't played in the Hundred and has still been prevented from playing for us, it is great to see the way a non contracted player like Finch has stepped up to the mark in the last couple of games. I also hope that he doesn't lose his place to Muyeye should he become available because, as much as the lad is a great prospect, he hasn't actually taken many of his opportunities recently.
Indeed, really impressed by Finch's performance yesterday & hope it's the first of many.
Unfortunately, this news is not good news and suggests that things are, more or less, signed, sealed and delivered:
Ned Eckersley has left Durham.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Eckersley joined the club in 2019 and has been a part of the county's setup in all formats during his four seasons at Emirates Riverside.
The 33-year-old played his last game for Durham in the Vitality Blast in early July. He has managed more than 1,500 runs across formats for the club during his time in the north east, and captained the side in the County Championship.
Durham director of cricket Marcus North said: "We would like to thank Ned for his effort and commitment during his time with us.
"From joining the club, Ned has been a real pleasure to work with and we thank his contribution in a Durham shirt, we wish him all the best for the future."
Eckersley's departure indicates the imminent arrival of a new wicketkeeping option. Durham are understood to be close to a deal for Ollie Robinson of Kent, who previously spent time at the Riverside on loan earlier in 2022.
I think we can attribute not just the situation Kent have found themselves here in being spoilt for choice and a reluctance to us Robinson in the Blast but also England's insistence that Billings takes the gloves in the CC. Meanwhile, Durham are replacing a 33 year old for someone who is a great prospect and a decade younger too.
Good last over from Finch gets us to 325/8. Have to feel if Denley and Stevens had hung around together for a bit longer then 350 was on the cards, but a decent score never the less
Comments
I'm delighted we managed to get through the group after our appalling start to this tournament. At the risk of cursing us Leicestershire is winnable in my opinion too.
Ned Eckersley has left Durham.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Eckersley joined the club in 2019 and has been a part of the county's setup in all formats during his four seasons at Emirates Riverside.
The 33-year-old played his last game for Durham in the Vitality Blast in early July. He has managed more than 1,500 runs across formats for the club during his time in the north east, and captained the side in the County Championship.
Durham director of cricket Marcus North said: "We would like to thank Ned for his effort and commitment during his time with us.
"From joining the club, Ned has been a real pleasure to work with and we thank his contribution in a Durham shirt, we wish him all the best for the future."
Eckersley's departure indicates the imminent arrival of a new wicketkeeping option. Durham are understood to be close to a deal for Ollie Robinson of Kent, who previously spent time at the Riverside on loan earlier in 2022.
I think we can attribute not just the situation Kent have found themselves here in being spoilt for choice and a reluctance to us Robinson in the Blast but also England's insistence that Billings takes the gloves in the CC. Meanwhile, Durham are replacing a 33 year old for someone who is a great prospect and a decade younger too.
https://www.kentcricket.co.uk/fixture/leicestershire-foxes-vs-kent-spitfires/
Solid start
Evison, the aggressor, out LBW for 62 off 56. Compton, the glue, is still there on 30 off 48.
Robinson out for 27
Have to aiming for 325 with those wickets in hand although the likes of Hendricks and Mulder might have a say in that
Compton reaches his 5th fifty in 8 innings in the comp
171-3 off 30.4
Denly 21* (23)
Blake out for 20 (27)
Denly 59* (48)
Stevens 8* (6)
256-5 off 40.5
281-6 off 43.5
Stevens 34* (19)
Big final 5 overs
297-7 off 46.1
307-8 with 6 balls to go
Finch with an excellent 30 off 18