Peng century secures batting points for Durham

Peng century
By Jon Steer
August 14 2003

A brilliant 133 by Nicky Peng and great support from Bridge and Phillips lifted Durham out of trouble at 141-6 to finish at 355 all out.

After a reasonable start by Durham, things started to go downhill when Martin Love was caught behind off the bowling of Croft from the last ball before lunch leaving Durham on 124-3.

Three more wickets by Croft soon after lunch, including Phil Mustard lbw first ball left Durham in trouble at 141-6 with Peng and Bridge at the crease.

Both players started slowly and showed that they were more than capable of playing sensibly against the Glamorgan spinners. When Bridge was finally dismissed one short of his half-century the stand was worth 97.

With Peng going along very well, Nicky Phillips took on the supporting role in a stand that went beyond the previous one and was only brought to an end when Peng departed for a brilliant 133 off the last ball of the day. The stand was worth 116, only just behind the record 8th wicket stand by Durham of 134 set in 1994.

Glamorgan soon wrapped up the innings this morning with the last two wickets only adding two runs but a total of 355 gives us 4 bonus points and was something far more than we could have expected early yesterday afternoon.

With the wicket turning, the inclusion of two spinners by Durham after the withdrawl of Shoaib could be a master stroke.