Again a let down

Hampshire needed to go into today and wrap up the Durham tail, then set about building a decent second innings. To be honest they let themselves down on both fronts. Plunkett jettisoned Durham ahead of Hampshire's first innings after a fine opening spell which removed Stokes and the dangerous Mustard. Carberry and Adams then were unable to replicate their first innings efforts, before McKenzie then sent a return catch to Thorp. Benham played well and showed a glimmer of what he's capable of before falling as well for 43. What followed was a crucial partnership between the young Vince and captain Pothas, but a few overs before close Vince let down his guard and was bowled by Stokes.

With Tommo in as nightwatchman with Pothas, I fear we won't be able to bat enough of tomorrow to secure a draw. Ervine is in woeful form and to be honest Pothas has been poor too. Ali, Briggs and Griffiths will of course give their all with the bat, but I fear a couple of quick wickets in the morning could spell another defeat for Hampshire.