Lewis: People Knew Our Fate Before I Did
The Cricket Paper|October 13,2017

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.

Sofia Westaby
Lewis: People Knew Our Fate Before I Did

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.

This story is from the October 13,2017 edition of The Cricket Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 13,2017 edition of The Cricket Paper.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE CRICKET PAPERView All
Kohli leads RCB to much-needed win
The Cricket Paper

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 04, 2020
TEWATIA HAS SPARKED MY LOVE AFFAIR WITH THE IPL
The Cricket Paper

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

time-read
4 mins  |
October 04, 2020
Whitewash victory is just the T20 tonic for Keightley
The Cricket Paper

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.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 04, 2020
TEN OUT OF TEN! RYAN IS BASKING IN MORE GLORY
The Cricket Paper

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

time-read
5 mins  |
October 04, 2020
Surrey have the Will to end hoodoo
The Cricket Paper

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 04, 2020
NOW IT'S OUR TIME TO HELP OTHERS
The Cricket Paper

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

time-read
4 mins  |
October 04, 2020
IT'S OFTEN DOWN TO A THROW OF THE DICE
The Cricket Paper

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

time-read
6 mins  |
October 04, 2020
FINDING TALENTS LIKE TOM IS A GAIN IN ITSELF
The Cricket Paper

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.

time-read
5 mins  |
October 04, 2020
Future looks bright for the Ohio Slinger
The Cricket Paper

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.

time-read
3 mins  |
October 04, 2020
Spin trio put squeeze on after Glenn shows off skill with the bat
The Cricket Paper

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.

time-read
2 mins  |
September 27, 2020