A lead of 276 with 3 wickets still to fall is likely to mean that we will have to bat, as a unit, way in excess of our previous scores this season of 231, 171 and 218. This is, actually, one occasion where a quick 70 or 80 from Crawley could set up a win. I can't see him scoring that off 150 balls as he's unlikely to last that long in the middle in his current form and in these conditions.
Have to say that given our bowlers have succeeded in limiting Middx to less than 3 an over in this innings, when batting conditions have been at their best, is a credit to their efforts as a unit.
You'd expect batting to get easier as the game progresses, as the greenness burns off. But our top 6 are so collectively short of runs that it's hard to have any confidence in us scoring 300.
It is the way for some these days but I see that Crawley takes an off stump guard and does that so he knows that he can, invariably, leave most balls outside that line. The issue is that he plays so many balls across his pads that he is, inevitably, out LBW if and when he misses a straight one.
Given the number of wickets to fall on days 1 and 2 are the pitch inspectors likely to get involved and deduct points or has it been poor batting in the main? I suspect poor batting in the case of Kent given their usual first innings struggles of late.
It's a lovely afternoon. Compton will hopefully take root and occupy one end and Crawley can demonstrate the class and ability to score big that originally got him England selection.
Alternatively I'll wake up and we'll be all out by the Close.
A lead of 276 with 3 wickets still to fall is likely to mean that we will have to bat, as a unit, way in excess of our previous scores this season of 231, 171 and 218. This is, actually, one occasion where a quick 70 or 80 from Crawley could set up a win. I can't see him scoring that off 150 balls as he's unlikely to last that long in the middle in his current form and in these conditions.
Comments
70-3
Hopefully we can quickly finish them off before the end of the day. Don't want their lead extending out of reach
It's a lovely afternoon. Compton will hopefully take root and occupy one end and Crawley can demonstrate the class and ability to score big that originally got him England selection.
Alternatively I'll wake up and we'll be all out by the Close.
37-0
91-1
Let's hope the following batters can continue the positive start from our openers.
141-2