Stokes top scores in Durham first class opener

Stokes top scores in Durham first class opener

Will Smith

Will Smith scored the opening first class fifty at Emirates Durham ICG on day one of their University fixture against Durham MCCU but it was Ben Stokes who topped the scoreboard with 93

After winning the toss and electing to field first Smith made light work of the University attack, scoring his fifty off 64 deliveries, including four boundaries.

Paul Collingwood was caught behind off Jonathan Salt jus three runs short of his fifty in the 30 minute run up to the lunch break ending the 118 run opening stand.  

Smith (71) fell shortly after when he was caught by Salt off Nat Watkins for 71 in the 28th over.

After lunch Ben Stokes hit a spree of boundaries which saw him reach fifty off just 35 deliveries.  He went on to reach 93 before being caught by Charlie Wallis off the bowling of Salt.  Ian Blackwell departed without adding to the total.

Durham skippers Dale Benkenstein and Phil Mustard shared a 47 run partnership, which saw Benkenstein reach his fifty, before rain brought play to a halt at 3.30pm.

Play was able to resume for just three overs before the weather brought the day’s action to an early close.

At the close of play Durhamccc.co.uk spoke to Ben Stokes, “It’s great to get a few runs under my belt but obviously I was disappointed not to reach three figures.  But, I’m still happy that I spent a bit of time in the middle and that stands me in good stead for our first LV= County Championship fixture against Nottinghamshire next week.

“Everyone is fit and well and there will be real competition for places next week so those of us playing wanted to go out there today and do well.  The strength of the squad can only be good for the club, we all want to play first team cricket and we know that once the first team is named you still have to keep working hard because the second eleven is so strong.”

Follow the action as it happened by viewing Durham CCC’s Live Match Chat, www.durhamccc.co.uk/live-match-chat

Play is scheduled to resume on Saturday 7 April at 11.00am. Admission to this fixture is free.

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