v Surrey LV= The Oval 2012

Batty Notts in a spin

A combination of international calls, bad luck with losing a crucial toss and indifferent batting meant Notts crashed to heavy 195 run defeat at the Oval today.

After a satisfactory bowling performance on day 1, the highlight of which was a fine catch by Read to remove KP during a fine spell from the pavilion end. Gurney was well supported by Ben Phillips and the Bulwell Metronome. However it was apparent even at this early stage that the pitch would take appreciable turn in the later stages. The pitch was slow and low and after the new ball lost its shine Batting became much easier. Runs were hard to eke out as the pitch was centrally located and the ropes pitched far and wide. Indeed the size of the outfield was probably twice the size of the normal TB standards! The fifth partnership of 123 between de Bruyn and Wilson was particularly crucial.

Notts frustrating let the last wicket pair add 38 as Gurney had final figures of four for 47; but 269 was not an outstanding score and Notts could be satisfied with their bowling efforts. Notts though needed a lead of 100 to keep their heads above water; unfortunately they got nowhere near. Wessels was triggered by dreadful decision by Grim Tim. Hales was guilty of chasing a wide one although was a victim of a fine diving catch by Roy at slip. Voges who had a woeful last month in surely his last season in the Green and Gold was beaten for pace by Meaker. An overseas bowler(s) should be a priority for next season, particularly with Pattinson now gone and Adams getting no younger. Taylor and Mullaney were both plumb leg before decisions. Wood showed great composure and promise in his fine partnership of 92 with his captain whose innings of 85 not out was quite magnificent. Wood made 45 in his maiden championship bat and will be a cert to play in the last match against the champions next week. White looked all at sea with the bat, and should now drop down the order below Phillips. Notts were eventually all out for 222. Meaker impressed in his first spell with his pace, Linley was slightly flattered by getting five wickets. The final total of 222 though was just not good enough and it was already apparent that Surrey were going to be the likely victors.

Notts toiled manfully on day 3 but with all due respects to White and Wood they are not in the same class as Kartik and Batty as Surrey knew that without Patel and Swann a spinners pitch would be ideal for them. Once again to the great delight of the travelling few KP flopped again, but once de Bruyn and Wilson had had another crucial stand this time gathering 90 runs; the game was as good as over. White picked up four wickets but despite 100% effort he was not penetrative enough. With Wood taking three wickets it is likely that Calverton youngster could take the number three spinner spot ahead of White particularly in the pyjama game next season. White must go away and improve his batting over the winter.

Notts opened with probably their worst opening pair in their history in Gurney and Edwards and it was no surprise when Gurney perished in the first over of day four caught by KP driving Linley to mid off. Edwards and Wessels managed to bat 19 overs until Wessels who one of Notts better players of spin fell leg before to ball that turned appreciably from Batty. The former Worcester man though did himself no favours by an over the top celebration in the batters face a move he later repeated when he removed Wood. Edwards and Voges took the score to 66 until in the last over before lunch, Voges edged a turning ball in KP’s first over to silly point. The wicket proved the beginning of the end for Notts.

Taylor yet to really show international class had a streaky innings of six before falling leg before to the Surrey skipper. Edwards who despite plenty of playing and missing somehow survived until the 42^nd over when he edged Pietersen to Wilson behind the wickets. His innings of 31 came off 107 balls and will probably ensure that he mounts once again his favourite bar stool in the Last Chance Saloon at TB next week. Read for once played a daft shot as he skied to cover for 17. Mullaney voiced his displease with umpire Saggers when given out leg before to Meaker for 18; he could get in a bit of hot water as he chirping went on a bit too long in my opinion. Phillips found the boundary four times in his 20 not out but White and Fletch did not last long as the game ended at 1456 with Notts 151 all out with spin accounting for eight of the wickets. Extras reached the honours board for the third consecutive time with a steady 24. Batty finished with 4 for 30. With Voges and Hales now missing the Notts line up against The Bears is extremely weak, and another heavy defeat looks almost inevitable. September seems to bring two things every year fine weather and abysmal cricket from Notts. Roll on 2013!