Dexter edges us nearer

Masters and comebackgatt reoprt on an interesting third day's play at New Road, as the game moved one way and then the other.

I have been staying with my Mum in Kidderminster for the week and asked comebackgatt to come up, which he did late last night. Despite the iffy weather forecast we set off in good time, traffic free run and arrived at the ground in good time.  Some of the journey was spent talking about Andrew Strauss and we both agreed KP should take most of the blame despite what AS had said. KP will get quite a reception should our paths cross. Cloudy over head and last night’s local TV weather promised rain this afternoon. On arrive at ground we were told by a friendly gate keeper that play was going to start on time, much to our delight and surprise. On entering the ground, the umpires where on their way out. We took our place, not many in the ground. Middle 49-0 in reply to Worcs 323.

Big Al opened the bowling to Buck, 1^st over a maiden. Gareth Andrew to start at the other end.

 We got into conversation with a couple of home fans and naturally we discussed the possibility of declarations. We all agreed that Worcs had to win so Mitchell would have to take a gamble (of course it all went wrong for him at Lord’s earlier this season). CBG’s view was that the home team would have to bowl us out, then go for quick runs and still leave themselves enough time to bowl us out second time round. He felt that Buck did not have to show any interest in possible “negotiations”. Then our chat was cut short by a clatter of wickets. First Buck edged a ball from Big Al through to Cox 55-1, enter Joe Denly, out of form, hope he can get a few runs, no he can’t strikes Richardson for four then next ball has his off stump knocked back. 59-2. Enter Dawid Malan, my hero, fingers crossed. Oh dear this is not going to plan, after playing and missing a few times, he mis times a forward defensive and is caught and bowled by Richardson 61-3, all three to Big Al.

Time to get our heads down and battle!. Richardson tiring and out of the attack. This seems to allow Robson and Dexter to go on the front foot and runs flow. Robbo goes through to his fifty and Dex looks in decent nick. Off spinner Ali comes on for the last over before lunch and his third ball keeps really low, Cox behind the stumps misses it and they run 3 byes. Not a sight too often seen. Lunch arrives at 140-3. Robson 63 and Dexter 35. Just 50 needed to avoid the follow on. Elsewhere play has just started at Liverpool while at Taunton the home side are 112-2 against Surrey. We got off to a coffee shop we noticed on the way in for a light lunch as Mum has promised to cook us a vegan dinner when we get back.

 After lunch it will be CBG.

We return to the fray a bit late, Masters decides that she would like a second cup of coffee, nice lunch though. We found the same seats and are re joined by the same couple of home fans who have made us very welcome. Richardson starts after lunch and there is no doubt he is getting some movement. Some darker clouds arrived but move on so no rain so far. Robbo and Dex re settling after lunch. Hear. Lancs are 262 all for 3 points to Durham and 2 Lancs. Then another two quick wickets, first Robbo caught by Pardoe off Ali for a splendid 72, then Rossington, who after striking a pleasant boundary, is trapped in front by Andrew and we are181-5. Dex 57 not out.Enter the Iceman, another good solid knock from him required. The home fans are being to brighten up and talking about bowling us out for under 250 before tea, then letting Hughes loose to score some quick runs to declare in the morning.

Good heavens, the sun has come out, not for long I admit, but did make an appearance. Dex and Iceman are now making steady progress. The ball still moving about a bit but they are being very selective with which balls to play. Ali not causing them too much trouble. Masters looks over my shoulder and see's what I have typed “Are you mad, what are you trying to do” she says, I just ignore her. “Sorry girl”. Just over mid afternoon now and no sign of the rain, could we get a full days play? 230-5 now Dex in his 70’s and Berg 30.

 Tea arrives at 241-5, Dex 82 and Berg 30. Locals now thinking about changing their ideas how the game is going.

 Masters back again. Another cup of coffee gone down nicely.

Set back in first over after the interval, without a run being added Berg is caught at slip by Ali off the bowler of Russell and is 241-6. Local hopes rise and soar as again a cluster of wickets fall. It really is amazing how many times this has happened this season. Dexter was next to go yorked by Leach 24-7, then Roland Jones bowled by Big Al 265-8.  CBG now not confident of third backing points but I said “Crookie’s your man”.  Crook indeed played some wonderful shots as the total edged nearer the 300 mark. Then 19 runs short Russell picked up his second wicket since tea by bowling Crook. Enter Ravi Patel and he turned into an unlikely hero by thumping three fours and the few singles taken by Dial M and Ravi were cheered by us. Finally Dial M was caught and bowled by Russell (the second C & B in the innings) and we were all out 306 with Patel 19 not out. The home side had a narrow lead of 31. Six bonus points each.

Hughes and Mitchell out to start Worcester’s second innings, could be an interesting period of play.

What a start, first Toby traps danger man Hughes in front for just 1. 2-1, then Dial M repeats getting skipper and first innings centurion Mitchell lbw and it’s 6-2. That is not the start the home fans wanted. Pardoe comes out and hits three quick 4’s. Comfort break needed (too many coffees); on return CBG tells me I have not missed much. Pardoe and Ali set about repairing the damage and looked like they had seen it through to the close when Ali edged a ball from TRJ through to Rossington. Night-watchman Russell came in, and at close Worcs were 44-3, 61 on with Pardoe 20 not out.

Weather seems set fair for day four so should be a good finish. Said our goodbyes to Clive and Tom who were great company during the day. Walking back to the car CBG mused over what might happen tomorrow. He reckons Works will have to have a real dart in the morning and look to declare early afternoon setting Middy a chase- able total but leaving themselves perhaps  60 odd over’s to bowl us out. We shall see.

 Right back to Kiddy for our dinner.