SINCE July last year, Durham have lost five of their most successful cricketers from their books. All of them had learnt their cricket through Durham’s academy, second XI and ultimately found ‘fame’ in Durham’s first team.
Whilst Alastair Cook’s latest opening partner in Test cricket, Mark Stoneman, chose to leave before Durham’s predicament was known, their head coach Jon Lewis has his suspicions that this is where naivety ends.
“I think a couple of people knew what was around the corner for Durham before I did,” he tells me on the morning that Keaton Jennings’ departure is rumoured.
By accepting a £3.8million bailout from English cricket’s governing body, Durham were relegated to Division Two in the County Championship and docked points in all three formats.
Leg-spinner and nifty batsman Scott Borthwick followed Stoneman to Surrey in early September 2016, when the scale of Durham’s predicament was becoming clear. “How much he (Scott Borthwick) knew about what was coming, whether he was aware of anything, I do not know,” Lewis says after a pause.
“But I have a sneaky suspicion a couple of people did know.”
When asked who these ‘people’ might be, Lewis keeps his cards close to his chest. In reality he probably could not pinpoint an individual, but rather refers to the background whisperings and chatter, rife in the close-knit community of county cricket.
この記事は The Cricket Paper の October 13,2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です ? サインイン
この記事は The Cricket Paper の October 13,2017 版に掲載されています。
7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。
すでに購読者です? サインイン
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
VIRAT KOHLI returned to top form with 72 not out to lead RCB to an eight-wicket victory over the Royals in Abu Dhabi.
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
James Wallace admits he has been surprisingly taken in by the IPL so far – and, in particular, the performance of a new Royal renegade
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
A SERIES that few thought would come to fruition ended in triumph for England who completed a 5-0 whitewash of the West Indies in Derby.
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
Chris Stocks catches up with Ryan ten Doeschate, who has plotted Essex’s recent county domination every step of the way
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
WILL Jacks may be a hot batting prospect but he’s relished the added responsibility with the ball in Surrey’s charge to T20 Finals Day.
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
Chris Stocks catches up with England’s director of cricket and discusses the need for the ECB to help boards around the world
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
Garfield Robinson explains just how big a part luck plays in determining success or failure in sport
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
One of the unexpected highlights to emerge from English cricket’s Covid-attenuated season was the chance given to young players to strut their stuff. With many overseas players and Kolpaks affected by travel restrictions many counties looked instead to the young talent on their staffs with gratifying results.
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
ALI Khan is earning his stars and stripes in the Indian Premier League, with the first American to play in the tournament breaking down barriers in every sense.
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
SARAH GLENN helped England spin it to win it after proving she can make an all-round contribution.
