Cricket association of Puducherry vs Hutt Hawks – 07/07/2019
We played the first of the one-day (50 overs) game today vs Cricket association of Puducherry.
We won the toss and decided to bat on a two paced wicket. There was fair bit of turn on offer with the older ball as well.
It was a very hot day, touching 35+ degrees but thanks to consistent breeze our players enjoyed the conditions.
Lauchie captaining the side call the toss right and we chose to bat on what looked like a 220-230 wicket. We were off to a great start with both the openers Sushant and Gareth opening cautiously but seizing the opportunities to score when it presented. The Puducherry bowlers were disciplined and bowled in good areas. Ball at times was popping from the length and with the older ball spinning sharply. Gareth and Sushant put on a fantastic 92 runs partnership for the first wicket. Gareth and Sushant put enterprising 92 runs for the first wicket in 22 overs. That was a match winner for us as we knew if we cross 200 runs we will have done well.
Troy and Lauchie carried on playing expertly against the 4 spin bowlers, left arm orthodox, leg spin and off spin… all sorts of spin that we expect in India was on display. They used the pitch very well and scoring runs started to get difficult. Lauchie rotated strike very well along with Troy and pushed us to around 150 mark in 32 overs. We were well set for 250+ at that stage but it was not to be. First Lauchie departed cutting the ball to covers to a ball that stopped and then Troy played on one to the stumps. From then on, batsmen had a very tough time and in no time, we were looking down the barrel. Our aim was to bat 50 overs but we couldn’t achieve that today with us losing 6 wickets for 43 runs once Lauchie departed. It wasn’t easy by any means, Riddles and Devan did their best but their spinners took wickets at regular intervals to have us bowled out for 185.
We had an amazing start with the ball with Ed Nutall bowling heat and knocking over two of their top batsmen in two balls. He was on a hat trick and it was pleasing to see us employ 3 slips and a gully in these conditions. Testimony to Nutall’s pace and accuracy.
Riddles supported Nutall ably from the other end. We are having to observe loads and we can only really bowl prescribed overs of Nutall and other faster bowlers.
We consistently picked wickets thereafter using the two paced pitch to our best ability. Jamie Gibson picked up 3 more wickets and we had them on the rope at 5 for 50. Fergus the first timer in the senior team bowled with great accuracy and picked up a good wicket, caught behind. All our bowlers bowled really well in tandem and when Puducherry were stringing partnerships our fielding was of top notch saving many runs in the infield and the outfield.
It was a cat and mouse from then on. On a pitch that was hard to score off, our bowlers kept patience and kept bowling in the right areas. When they were not able to pick wickets they bowled tightly to keep the required run rate climbing.
Puducherry’s 9th wicket partnership put on 44 runs before Jed got us a much needed wicket with Felix holding on to a good catch. From then on the run rate started to climb and their no.10 had to chance to get some quick runs. Our bowling and fielding prevailed with Riddles using the slower balls to best effect making it hard for them to hit boundaries. Felix bowled an excellent second spell tying down one end and ended up with figures of none for 24 worth gold.
We eventually won by 8 runs. A very good day in the field with everyone getting a chance with the bat and ball. Couldn’t have asked for a better game the first day with the game nearly going full length.
Ed Nutall picked up wickets when we needed with pace and smart use of bouncers. He was amazing and the best bowler on the park both sides included. His involvement with the rest of the boys and the way he has settled in has been of great help to the side.
Puducherry has been amazing with the ground, hospitality and training facilities. Those lads that were rested today had long batting and bowling nets with the local cricketers helping our batters out by bowling for hours at them Overall very satisfied we chose to come to Pondicherry, they do a great job. We have found another center where we can have an awesome cricket tour.
On a special note, having Shoby (Syed Shahabuddin) with us has been the best bargain. He’s been able to use his clout and get net bowlers, facilities at a drop of a hat. Having a local legend of course helps. Massive thanks to Shoby our boys can certainly say they have got the best out of the tour so far already.
There are certain things such as rotation of strike against spinners, holding a length when bowling and changing pace from there, giving away less extras are improvements we would like to see. Hopefully it’ll come over the course of the long tour.
Jeet Raval has just arrived and chances are he will play tomorrow.
