Of Hair Pulling and Griff

Hampshire took 9 wickets today at a cost of less than 300 runs. Pleasing? Not one bloody bit. Truth is that by the close Notts should have been 15 down for about 160, but a taxi has to be called for a Mr N.D McKenzie and a Mr D.G Cork. It's great to have the worldly experience of these guys in the team but they are not infalliable. Dropping Patel first ball, then dropping him a further 3 times on his way to 116 is amateurish, as were the other 2 or maybe 3 dropped catches in the day.

The bloke I feel most sorry for is David Griffiths. Given his chance (finally!!) after 11 months out of action, Griff delivered more in his first 3 overs than Jones did in the match against Durham. First ball? Flatten Paul Franks' stumps. 8 balls later? Mark Wagh got the same treatment. After 3 overs his figures read 3-3-0-2. THIS was what had been missing from the attack.



Alex Hales shoulders arms to a Griffiths delivery

 Griffiths is one of those bowlers who, in a strange way, you know exactly what you're going to get. You're going to get very, very fast deliveries from a bowler who puts everything that he has into them. He's slingy, he delivers from an awkward height and if he manages to get the ball to target the stumps then let's be honest you're not going to stand much of a chance. Last season a ball that dismissed Ryan ten Doeschate was described in no uncertain terms by a journalist simply as 'violent'. He's the sort of bowler who on his day can pick up a 5er without too much problem. 5-72 from 25 overs a case in point.

In the context of this match though, Hampshire still have a fair way to go. Already 75 behind, we need to remove the last Notts wicket straight away then set about our first target - securing a draw. Rather than collapsing in a heap like a bunch of pansies the middle order must keep their wickets without losing sight of the fact that we can still win this game. If we have say 4 wickets in hand by the close tomorrow then we can look to declare at some point in the morning session of the 4th day. However we mustn't get ahead of ourselves, and I suppose the first aim is for Adams and Dawson to continue their fine work at the top.

At times today our cricket has been sublime whilst at others it has been laughable. Please please please don't leave me torn between laughing and crying tomorrow evening.