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Mountains of first-class runs and not a chance, then asked to play against the moving ball in England

Osman Samiuddin14-Aug-2020Wait 10 years, 259 days. Play 12,742 balls of first-class cricket. Average 56 in that time. All for this punchline: in the time it took you to read those sentences but not fully digest those numbers, it’s already over. Four balls, one contact between bat and ball, zero runs. Life is cruel and still it has nothing on the cruelty of batting. Who better to know this than Fawad Alam?For it to be on referral too, because there’s nothing quite like the DRS to prolong and accentuate the torture of batting. What else but something as unforgiving as batting could, after all, accommodate a state in between life and death? Exhale out relief on being given not out. Inhale in nerves upon referral. No chance to exhale. It’s over. He wasn’t even there long enough for Sky Sports to do the inevitable Third Man ostensibly on his stance but really as an excuse to watch some classic Shivnarine Chanderpaul footage.That stance itself feels like a cruel twist now. If you put it against the stance from his earliest days, it could be two different batsmen. He used to have a little shuffle across but remained more or less side on before, still unexplained, the guard became this open invitation for a brawl. Even then it was fine hidden away in deepest, darkest domestic cricket, sighted occasionally on Quaid-e-Azam trophy streams. Now it’s out there for eternity and no matter what runs he scores in the second innings, or however many more Test innings he plays, it consigns him forever to pop up in a listicle on weird stances (we’ll do one most probably).ALSO READ: Asad Shafiq and Fawad Alam: A tale of intertwined destinies
That will accompany the other listicles he’s destined to appear in, on long-suffering domestic toilers (done that already) or on records pages for the longest gaps between appearances (ditto). A career of 17 years and counting, reduced to three lists. And the memes won’t stop for a while yet. Cruel doesn’t begin to describe it.He was on a hiding to nothing coming in at the fall of Asad Shafiq’s wicket and in contributing zero to a partnership of three with Babar Azam. The latter is a generational talent, the former the guy who really could’ve been, both of whom the manner in which they score compensates to some degree for the number of runs they score. Pure, pristine techniques, every shot a picture. And here is Alam. The minute he arrived, cricket orthodoxy blew up: how can he play at this level with a stance like that? The minute he left, it continued blowing up: see, he can’t play at this level taking guard like that.Fawad Alam was out lbw on review•Visionhaus/Getty ImagesAll those years, his best years, that he couldn’t get in because there was nowhere to get in to with Pakistan’s middle order. Azhar Ali, Younis Khan, Misbah-ul-Haq and Shafiq had the absolute run of those surfaces in the UAE. All those years of bounty, eventually the return of Tests to Pakistan and he gets a call-up in England.And after his captain chooses to bat first, the weather conspires against that decision. This Test has been preceded by days of unbearable heat and unflinching sunshine only to welcome Alam back with muggy, overcast skies, heavier with the threat of rain than actual rain. A day on which 126 for 5 is about par for most sides, let alone Pakistan, and every run seems to have been edged to third man. Against an English attack currently so deep they’re literally drawing straws to see who sits out a Test. No Jofra today, no matter, here’s a leftie who looks seven but swings it mean like the expression on his face when he runs in.Sam Curran might’ve actually been relief but Alam started against Stuart Broad whose stock ball these days is simply the one that gets the left-hander – any left-hander – out. There’s cockfights in this world that are not as cruel as this.

After missing 88(!) Test matches, Fawad Alam is a part of Pakistan's Test XI again

— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) August 13, 2020

Three balls from Broad, the best result of which for Alam is a toss-up between all three: the nervy jab at the first, the leave-alone of the second, or being beaten square by the third. Alam’s fourth ball is from Chris Woakes who, for this fleeting moment in our existence post Old Trafford, is the best allrounder in England and given that the actual best allrounder in England is the best allrounder in the world, means he’s not to be trifled with.It’s the last ball Alam plays and even physics is not his friend. It’s slanting across him as it lands, and even though it straightens marginally to beat his inside edge, it’s close to being umpire’s call on where it pitched and close to being umpire’s call on where it hit the stumps. Nearly 11 years and undone not just by a computer but by millimetres.As parting insult, as he’s struck, he looks like a combination of a batsman winded by a hit on the box and bowled by a grubber. A bad day to be Fawad Alam, a great day to be a meme.

Tottenham are looking to sell a Spurs regular who Thomas Frank no longer wants with the January transfer window looming, according to a new report today.

Tottenham's rumoured plans for the January transfer window

If there’s one thing the last month has taught us, it is that the Lilywhites are still far from the finished article.

Tepid London derby defeats to Arsenal and Chelsea in the last few weeks, where Spurs barely managed to threaten in either encounter, significantly highlight the need for more firepower in particular.

Striker Dominic Solanke remains out with an ankle injury that required minor surgery, while star playmakers James Maddison and Dejan Kulusevski are still working to come back from their respective long-term problems.

This has left Spurs starved of attacking quality at times, with summer signing Xavi Simons largely failing to impress bar a player of the match display at home to FC Copenhagen in the Champions League.

xG

11.0

17th

Non-penalty xG

11.0

16th

Progressive passes

413

12th

Shots

110

19th

Shots on target

40

15th

Average shot distance

15.6 yards

17th

A silver lining for the north Londoners was Randal Kolo Muani’s exceptional outing against parent club PSG in Europe on Wednesday, where the Frenchman bagged a brace and an assist during the thrilling eight-goal thriller in Paris.

However, amid Solanke’s injury problems and the uncertainty surrounding Kolo Muani’s long-term future, considering he is only on a dry loan, reports suggest that Tottenham could look to sign a striker in January.

Co-sporting directors Fabio Paratici and Johan Lange are also targeting a winger, with Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo on their radar.

Semenyo, who has stood out as one of the Premier League’s finest attacking players this season, could leave for just £65 million during the early stages of January due to a release clause in his contract.

Ex-club chief now tips Tottenham to sign Man City star for £50m in January

A deal is apparently there to be done.

ByEmilio Galantini Nov 28, 2025

Some media sources claim that Tottenham are prepared to shatter their winter transfer record by signing both Semenyo and FC Porto striker Samu Aghehowa, with the latter in excellent goalscoring form right now.

To fund such a big investment, player sales may be needed, and one man believed to be on the chopping block is striker Richarlison.

Tottenham looking to offload Richarlison in January

According to recent reports, despite selecting him 20 times this season, whether that be in the starting eleven or from the bench, Frank views Richarlison as ‘expendable’ heading into 2026.

Now, journalist Pete O’Rourke has told Football Insider that Tottenham are looking to sell Richarlison in January.

Amid concerns surrounding inconsistent form and the fact his contract expires in 2027, it is clear to see why.

The Brazil international has actually scored six goals and bagged a further two assists this term, including two stunning goal of the season contenders against Burnley and Arsenal respectively.

However, Richarlison has still come under criticism this season, and January represents an opportunity to offload for a significant fee before it is too late.

The 28-year-old cost £60 million to sign from Everton, and reports suggest that Richarlison could return to Goodison Park as one mooted destination.

شهدت مباراة ريال مدريد وسيلتا فيجو، حصول أحد لاعبي النادي الملكي على بطاقة حمراء في الدقائق الأخيرة، وهو الطرد الثاني خلال اللقاء.

ويخوض ريال مدريد مباراة أمام سيلتا فيجو على ملعب “سانتياجو برنابيو” ضمن مباريات الجولة السادسة عشر للدوري الإسباني “الليجا” موسم 2025-2026.

وفي الدقيقة الثالثة من الوقت المحتسب بدلاً من الضائع، أشهر الحكم بطاقة صفراء لكاريراس لخطأ ثم اشهر أخرى للاعتراض.

وغادر كاريراس الملعب بالبطاقة الحمراء، ليلعب يال مدريد بتسعة لاعبين، بعد طرد لاعبه فيران جارسيا في وقت سابق خلال الشوط الثاني (طالع التفاصيل).

وعقب الطرد، تمكن فيليوت سفيدبيرج لاعب سيلتا فيجو من تسجيل الهدف الثاني له ولفريقه في شباك ريال مدريد، وحسمت المباراة بفوز سيلتا فيجو بهدفين دون مقابل.

Newcastle United are now reportedly plotting a move to sign a Premier League rival, who’s been frozen out at his current club.

Wissa: Newcastle debut a "long time" coming

At long last, Yoane Wissa made his Newcastle debut against Burnley. The former Brentford star arrived in the summer for as much as £55m – becoming one of the club’s most expensive ever signings – only to suffer an instant injury on international duty. Now, his wait is over and he’s finally stepped out at St James’ Park.

Speaking to reporters at full-time, Wissa admitted that his debut as been a “long time” coming – telling reporters: “It’s been a long time. The last 11 weeks, I’ve learned about the team and the players.

“It’s been a long road but I’m happy in the end. It gave my goosebumps [for his name to be read out when he came on]. I’m buzzing now. It can be an excellent season because we have so many quality players.”

Eddie Howe was also pleased to see the forward, although claimed that Wissa’s still got “a lot more work to do”.

The Newcastle boss said: “He’s got a lot more work to do to get to the very best level that he can. We hope to keep him available by managing correctly.

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This Newcastle star struggled in the 2-1 win vs. Burnley

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“It’s difficult with the spell of games that we have to sort of train him and build his fitness with all the game schedule. So it’s going to be a really delicate balance for us, but hopefully we can find a solution to it.”

Meanwhile, as one arrival gets on the pitch for the first time, another could be on the way with reports now claiming that Newcastle are plotting a move to sign Chelsea’s Axel Disasi.

Newcastle plotting Axel Disasi move

As reported by Caught Offside, Newcastle are now plotting a concrete move to sign Disasi from Chelsea in the January transfer window. The defender has been thrown aside by Enzo Maresca and forced to join the likes of Raheem Sterling in the club’s so-called bomb squad. Now, however, he could get the move he so desperately needs in January.

For Newcastle, a move for the out-of-favour Chelsea man would provide Howe with some vital depth as Sven Botman continues to struggle on the injury front.

The Dutchman, as talented as he is, has become somewhat of a liability in recent times thanks to his injury history. And as Malick Thiaw continues to nail down his starting place, the Magpies could do with handing him a consistent partner. That is where Disasi could come in.

Dubbed “brilliant” by Sky Sports pundit and Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher in 2024, Disasi will be chomping at the bit to make his mark, having not played all season at Chelsea, and Newcastle should take full advantage.

Bad news for Woltemade: Newcastle considering move for "phenomenal" PL star

Jackson Merrill had a big day on Wednesday. It started with him signing a massive nine-year, $135 million contract extension with the San Diego Padres, then he helped lead the team to a 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians by hitting a 388-foot home run in the contest.

After the game, MLB Network spoke to the 21-year-old center fielder and he couldn't stop smiling about the great day he had. He joked about striking out at his first at-bat, too.

"I mean, first AB strikeout, I was like 'Damn, this is how we started,'" Merrill said. He was then asked about how much this new extension means to him: "I think it more means a lot to us. I'm here for everybody that's in this clubhouse, that's why I took this deal with the team. I want to be here forever."

From his four at-bats on Wednesday, Merrill completed two hits, two RBI, one run and one strikeout. So far this season, Merrill is averaging .417/.444/.708.

The Padres are 7–0 to start out the 2025 MLB season. Having a player like Merrill on the team, now and for a long time, definitely helps them continue to succeed.

Kirk Gibson was at a cabin in the woods of Northern Michigan at 11:37 p.m. ET Friday. He and a few friends did not have a television on. They were listening to Game 1 of the World Series on one of their phones.

“Like old times, huddled around a radio,” Gibson says with a laugh.

He heard Fox announcer Joe Davis say the New York Yankees intentionally walked Mookie Betts to load the bases to pitch to Freddie Freeman with two outs in the 10th inning.

“Get ready,” Gibson said aloud. “Here it comes.”

At 8:37:50 PT, New York Yankees pitcher Nestor Cortes threw an inside fastball to Freeman, who had not hit a ball hard for three weeks after spraining his right ankle, causing him to limp through the games he was able to play.

Freeman, the hobbled left-handed hitter, with the Dodgers down to their last out, pulled a home run into the right field pavilion to turn defeat into Game 1 victory. The ball landed at 8:37:55 p.m.

Thirty-six years and 10 nights earlier, Gibson, the hobbled left-handed hitter, with the Dodgers down to their last out, pulled a home run off Oakland A’s closer Dennis Eckersley into the same right field pavilion to turn defeat into a Game 1 victory. The baseball landed at 8:39 p.m.

“What I want to know,” Gibson says, “is did he see all the taillights leaving the parking lot as he rounded the bases?”

It’s one of Gibson’s clearest memories of his historic home run: looking beyond right field as he rounded first base to see the red taillights of those who had lost faith, choosing to put a premium on beating traffic than the hope of history. (The stadium traffic pattern has changed since then.)

“Sparky Anderson taught us a long time ago,” Gibson says of his former Tigers manager. “It’s never over until the last out.”

Kirk Gibson is 67 years old and battling Parkinson’s disease. “I’m doing O.K.,” he says when asked about his health. Thirty-six years after he became the first player to hit a walkoff home run in the World Series when down to his team’s last out, the memories and the physical sensations of that night all came flooding back to him when Freeman became the second hitter to end a World Series game in that manner.

“I just had a premonition,” Gibson says about the Freeman home run. “Is it the Dodgers? Is it Dodger Stadium? What is it? It’s freaky. It’s spooky. I’m not sure I can find the right words to explain it.

“It was down to the last out. I had a feeling it was going to happen. Then I heard it go down. And I heard, ‘Gibby, say hello to Freddie.’ And then all those feelings come back. Going around the bases, seeing those taillights and then the joy of seeing all your teammates there at home plate. That’s the best part. Though I did have to tell them, ‘Take it easy! Don’t jump on me.’ ”

Gibson had injured both legs so badly he was not expected to play and never took another at-bat in the series.

“Bob Costas wanted to talk to me on the field,” Gibson says. “But we had something special going as a team. We savored victories. So, I said, ‘I’ll be right back.’ And we had this routine. I yelled to the guys, ‘What a f—ing team!’ And they would all respond, ‘Oh, how sweet it is! The fruits of victory!’ ”

Gibson says he knows Freeman “a little bit.” He knows Freeman is “a great guy, a great hitter, a great ambassador” for the game and with a swing that Gibson finds unique. He says Freeman should also know that the home run could be life changing. For Gibson, there is “before” and “after” the home run.

“Freddie has no clue yet what it means to the game and the history of the game,” Gibson says. “It’s big. The home run will be shown over and over. It really belongs to the game and a part of its history. It’s really, really cool. Just take care of it. Honor it.

“In a way, it can make you feel like there’s too much attention on you. Because I always think about all the teammates and people on the team it took to get to that point. It doesn’t happen without them. I was back at Dodger Stadium about six weeks ago. And I was on the dais, and they wanted me to speak. I wanted to hear from my teammates.”

The impact of that Freeman home run, Gibson says, is yet to be known. Game 2, he says, will go a long way in determining whether the Yankees can recover.

“Now what?” Gibson says. “How do you respond? Seeing the pictures of [Oakland manager] Tony LaRussa, you knew they had just taken a solid punch in the jaw. I saw the same look in [Yankees manager] Aaron Boone. It’s hard to stop the momentum. It’ll be talked about forever.”

There was one more detail Gibson wanted to share. On the night before Game 1, suddenly he heard the yelps of a pack of coyotes near his cabin. He has heard them before. Sometimes they would even playfully approach his tractor as he worked the fields of his ranch. But there was something about this plaintive call that startled him. It was so loud. It was so close.

He went to a back door and opened it. There was the pack of coyotes, closer to him and the cabin than he had ever seen them. They looked right at him. It was as if they were trying to tell him something.

“It makes you think,” Gibson says, “there is more at work than we know.”

Danny Rohl has wasted no time before making some changes at Rangers and has already welcomed one player back into the fold to reverse one of Russell Martin’s decisions.

Rohl: Rangers already have "clear" idea ahead of Brann

After nothing short of a disastrous season so far, Rangers enter their game against Brann in the Europa League in desperate need of victory on Danny Rohl’s debut.

The former Sheffield Wednesday boss has replaced Russell Martin to end the 49ers’ search for a manager, which saw both Steven Gerrard and Kevin Muscat lead the race before Rohl took the job.

Rohl already gets January promise from Rangers board as Cavenagh eyes two moves

The new Rangers boss could welcome some key upgrades…

ByTom Cunningham Oct 23, 2025

It’s been a big week for the young manager as he prepares for his first game in charge, but he admitted that his players already have a “clear” idea of what he wants.

That said, there’s no denying that it won’t be an easy fix at Ibrox this season and several changes are undoubtedly needed. Alas, for the time being, Rohl will have no choice but to make those changes using the current squad and that has already seen one player make his return to the fold.

Rohl drops major team news hint

In his first big change, Rohl has recalled Clinton Nsiala to first-team training for the first time since Martin told the France youth international he could leave the club in the summer.

Nsiala’s re-call represents the clean slate that the Gers are now operating with under Rohl and one that several stars should use to make their mark for the first time in Scotland.

It would certainly be quite the move if Nsiala came in for his first appearance of the season in the Europa League and his first game since the quarter-final of the competition in the last campaign, but it’s one that Rohl could make.

The return of the defender could prove to be an early masterstroke, too. Whilst he didn’t feature under Martin, he started nine games in the Scottish Premiership last season and lost just once. Given Rangers’ defensive problems in the current campaign and how he’s taken previous opportunities, it’s only right that a return is on the cards.

With Brann tonight and Kilmarnock at the weekend, it’s the type of week which may steer Rangers in the right direction for the first time this season.

Rangers are on the brink of bringing a new manager to Ibrox, and have already agreed to four demands from the incoming boss.

Rangers manager latest

As reported by Ben Jacobs, Rangers are close to a total agreement to seal Steven Gerrard’s return to Ibrox. The Gers have identified their replacement for Russell Martin and look destined to welcome the last manager who won them the Scottish Premiership back to Glasgow.

It’s a swift decision from the 49ers, who know that they cannot afford to get another appointment so wrong after Russell Martin’s tenure to forget. The former Southampton boss won just once in seven games in the Scottish Premiership and lasted just 123 days in charge.

The first task for Gerrard will be turning things around after Rangers’ disastrous start. The Gers are already as many as nine points behind champions Celtic and 11 behind unexpected leaders Hearts. Simply put, the Liverpool legend has a monumental task on his hands.

The new manager also has the task of keeping players happy in the club’s current state. Rumours are already emerging that Nicolas Raskin has attracted interest from Turkish side Besiktas, who could make the midfielder one of Rangers’ biggest ever sales.

Losing Raskin would be a disastrous early blow for Gerrard, who could look to throw the Belgian into his strongest side to make up for Martin’s wrongoings.

It’s a tenure that the 49ers will be desperate to see go right after they agreed to one of Gerrard’s main demands.

Gers agree to backroom demands

As reported by TeamTalk, Ibrox chiefs have already agreed to Gerrard’s demands for his backroom staff. The incoming manager reportedly requested Jermain Defoe, Gary McAllister and Steven Davis return to the club with him alongside one other unnamed staff member, all four of which have been agreed to.

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Another potential blow for the Gers.

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Having been handed that assurance, Gerrard handed Rangers the enthusiastic “yes” that they had been searching for and should now be on his way to take charge for a second time.

The 45-year-old wasn’t afraid to admit the importance of his backroom staff in a recent interview with Rio Ferdinand and has now followed that up with his Rangers demands.

The Gers have handed Gerrard what he requested and now, he must play his part in turning things around at Rangers following such a poor start to the season.

Not for the first time, Peter Handscomb returned to haunt his old county as Leicestershire kept their noses in front on an absorbing day two against Middlesex at Lord’s.Handscomb made only two 50s in 21 innings over two seasons for the Seaxes, but added to his century here last season with a defiant 87. It marked his 100th score of 50 or more in first-class cricket. Ian Holland (37) and Ben Green (36) lent support in stands of 93 and 59 respectively to carry the visitors to 274.Former Pakistan international spinner Zafar Gohar kept the hosts in touch with figures of 4-34, but the missed stumping off his bowling which reprieved Handscomb on 54 may yet prove costly.Middlesex openers Sam Robson and Max Holden survived a nervy four over before the close, reducing their arrears by 10 runs in the process.Leicestershire were initially bogged down as the new ball regularly whistled past both edges of the bat. Sol Budinger opted to counter-attack, depositing one from Dane Paterson over mid-on for six, but the former South African international reaped rapid vengeance, bowling him with a beauty which clipped off-stump.Toby Roland-Jones came on as the day’s first change and struck with his second delivery, a lack of footwork from Rehan Ahmed, coupled by a tentative poke at the ball resulting in an inside edge onto the stumps.With the hosts now on top, debutant Naavya Sharma should have enjoyed a dream start, finding the edge of Lewis Hill’s bat in his opening over in first-class cricket, only for the usually safe hands of Sam Robson to grass the chance at first slip. Hill though didn’t make the most of the reprieve, Roland-Jones bowling him off the inside edge soon afterwards.Handscomb though found an ally in Holland as the early afternoon developed into a game of patience, stoic defence resisting frugal bowling by the hosts. Thirteen runs were squeezed out in 11 overs before a lovely cover drive by Handscombe raised the 50-stand and Holland mimicked his captain’s shot as the scoreboard began to tick over.Another boundary took Handscomb to his landmark half-century, but he should have gone on 54, wicketkeeper Jack Davies missing a stumping chance after he gave Gohar the charge. A huge lbw shout to the next delivery also went unheeded, after which Handscombe re-entrenched.His stand with the obdurate Holland reached 93 before the all-rounder was bamboozled by one from Gohar which beat his defences and dislodged the off-bail.It was part of a lovely spell by the left-arm spinner either side of tea in which he also snared Ben Cox and Logan Van Beek, both leg before.At 197 for 7, Middlesex were even scenting a narrow first-innings lead, but new batter Green opened his shoulders, clubbing Hollman over the short boundary.The new ball was dispatched with similar distain, a straight drive back past Roland Jones, one of the shots of the day.Handscomb appeared to be inching towards his century, but was undone on Australia’s unlucky number 87, lofting the first ball of Gohar’s new spell to the hands of mid-on.Green’s enterprising innings ended when he was pinned in front by Higgins, before Sharma returned to scatter Tom Scriven’s stumps and claim the maiden first-class wicket he should have had earlier in the day.

Half-centuries for Smith and Booth reduce deficit after McKinney makes 153 in first innings

ECB Reporters Network supported by Rothesay12-Apr-2025

Hamza Shaikh was bowled by Daniel Hogg for a duck•Getty Images

A brilliant bowling performance from Durham put them in a controlling position in their Rothesay County Championship clash with Warwickshire despite excellent half-centuries from Kai Smith and Michael Booth.Durham were bowled out for 387, adding 44 to their overnight total, with Warwickshire spinner Taz Ali mopping up the tail, picking up two wickets to give him figures of four for 66.Warwickshire’s reply started well with their opening pair putting on 57, but the visitors struggled to get a grip of the game as Daniel Hogg and Brendan Doggett put them in a spot of bother at 157 for six.However, Smith and Booth excelled with the bat to combine for a 115-run partnership which gave Warwickshire some hope of getting close to Durham’s score, but a late cluster of wickets meant that the visitors closed on 287 for eight, 100 behind Durham’s score.Resuming on 343 for seven, Ben McKinney and Matthew Potts were looking to pursue quick runs in the opening session of day two. McKinney passed 150 with a nice flick off his pads for four but the opener didn’t last much longer as he was caught behind off an Ethan Bamber ball for 153.Potts smashed a Booth delivery over the square leg boundary for six, but his excellent knock ended soon after as he was stumped by Smith off the bowling of 18-year-old Ali for 70 and the spinner wrapped up the innings in the same over when he got Doggett LBW.Warwickshire’s opening pair of Alex Davies and Rob Yates started their reply well, with Yates producing a lovely cover drive for four off the bowling of Potts.Davies then found the boundary with a super straight drive from a Hogg delivery and a few balls later he picked up back-to-back fours from the same bowler. Hogg responded though and removed the Warwickshire skipper for 38 as Davies chipped a ball to Emilio Gay, who caught excellently at cover.Hogg struck again soon after, with the 20-year-old producing a jaffa to bowl Warwickshire prospect Hamza Shaikh for a two-ball duck just before lunch.The visitors began the afternoon session in a calm manner, but they offered a huge chance to the hosts as Doggett forced Sam Hain into an edge but Will Rhodes dropped a regulation catch at first slip with the Bears batter on nine.Durham continued to probe and Yates and Hain were happy to absorb the pressure, but the pressure was too much for the former as he edged a Ben Raine delivery to second slip for 42.Hain started to make the most of his second chance as he played a lovely cover drive for four, while Dan Mousley looked good for 24, but Rhodes atoned for his drop by getting the England white-ball player LBW to swing the momentum back to Durham.Doggett was then rewarded for his hard work with his first Durham wicket as Hain edged behind to a diving Ollie Robinson for 30. Wickets came like London buses for Doggett as Ed Barnard skied one straight to the hands of Alex Lees at mid-wicket to depart for 12.Young Bears wicketkeeper Smith looked good in the early stages of his innings and he picked up three boundaries from a Raine over.Smith and Booth continued to frustrate Durham, with Smith impressing in particular as he adapted to the match situation and he got his 50 from 86 balls.Smith moved through the gears with a cut shot from the bowling of Rhodes going to the boundary and Booth got in on the act as he hit Colin Ackermann for back-to-back boundaries. However, just before close Smith departed for 79 as he spliced a Hogg delivery in the air and Gay made no mistake with the catch at third man.There was another boost for the hosts when Raine got Ali LBW for one, but Booth reached his half-century in the final over of the day and remains at the crease with the visitors 100 runs behind.