A 12-player squad has been named to face Durham UCCE starting tomorrow [11am] at Seat Unique Riverside, in a three-day warm up fixture.
Following Durham’s successful pre-season tour to Zimbabwe, Durham will get back to match action tomorrow for the first time since their two weeks in Harare.
The annual fixture against Durham University will get underway at 11am tomorrow, with Ollie Robinson captaining Durham for the first time alongside taking the gloves.
Colin Ackermann returns following his winter in South Africa, while Scott Borthwick is also in contention having not travelled with the group to Zimbabwe.
Academy quick bowler Will Alexander has been named in the 12-player squad for the first time, having impressed during pre-season and with the Academy last season. While Ben Raine returns having not featured in Zimbabwe.
Alex Lees, Will Rhodes and Matthew Potts are rested for the fixture following the recent Zimbabwe trip – with Paul Coughlin, Sam Conners and Luke Robinson side-lined.
Words from Ryan Campbell
Zimbabwe was once again really positive. I think getting the guys out there and getting them outdoors is really important for us. We had some good sessions before we started playing, which was crucial. This group of guys coming together for a new adventure in a different country is always a great experience. I walk away happy, though a bit nervous about a few of the injuries we’ve picked up in the pre-season. But, unfortunately, that’s just part and parcel of cricket.
Matthew Potts was outstanding again, and James Minto showed his ability, especially with the new ball. That’s something we’ve been looking at closely. Alex Lees was strong as well. I was pleased that we didn’t let our standards slip in that first game. It was our first match outdoors, and there were a lot of positives. George Drissell’s form was also pleasing. I wouldn’t want us to win like that all the time because we’re here for hard competition, but the ruthlessness of the team was impressive.
Everyone got an opportunity, everyone got a chance to push their case for the start of the new season, I still don’t know what our first 11 is the for the opening game of the season, we will play against the university this week and give guys more of a chance then to put their names in front of the selection.
Scott Borthwick comes back into the mix this week, Will Alexander another product of the Academy will be given an opportunity, I am really looking forward to seeing how he goes this week. It is important that our batters get back to grips with English conditions, it will be a good challenge which I am looking forward to.
Squad v Durham UCCE [25-27 March]
Colin Ackermann, Will Alexander, Scott Borthwick, Graham Clark, George Drissell, Emilio Gay, Mitchell Killeen, Stanley McAlindon, Ben McKinney, Callum Parkinson, Ben Raine, Ollie Robinson *+
Match Centre
The Club’s match centre will be in operation for the fixture with live scorecards and statistics for the Durham University fixture. There will be no live stream for the game.