Jon Lewis passes 50 again as Durham fight back

By Jon Steer
May 15 2003

Durham failed to take early wicket as Worcs built a solid total of 395. Harmy and Srinath both performed well taking three wickets each, Wells provided useful support with a couple but Law and Phillips were both expensive.

The morning began with a century stand for the fourth wicket by Worcs. But then fine spells from Harmy and Indian star Javaghal Srinath put the visitors in trouble as they slipped from 250-3 to 258-7.

Just as it looked like Worcs would be restricted to a score of below 300 Kabir Ali recorded his highest score of 84 not out to take Worcs to 395 all out, including a last wicket partnership of 49 with Nanty Haywayd who was finally bowled by Harmison.

Durham innings began well but with the score on 41 Hayward struck a double blow, removing first Gough for 22 and then Gordon Muchall first ball in his first championship innings of the season. Skipper Jon Lewis steadied Durham and for the fifth time in five championship innings took his own score past fifty.

Gary Pratt was out just before the close for 38 and the score on 140. Nicky Phillips then came in as nightwatchmen and saw Durham through to the close with the score on 146 and Jon Lewis on 66 not out.

So a better batting performance than we have seen so far, lets hope we can get some bonus batting points by building a decent a score and put some pressure on Worcs in their second innings.