Ben Raine was delighted to take to the field in a competitive match situation as Durham enjoyed a top day in the field against Yorkshire at Headingley on Tuesday.
Ben Raine took 3/19 from 15 overs and a superb catch as Durham bowled out Yorkshire for 178 – the hosts continuing to bat on their full 90 overs, reaching 254 at the close of play.
Raine said: “I have been bowling quite nicely in the inter-squad game but didn’t take any wickets, so it was nice to get the first one of the year and a couple more. I had a good day and we bowled nicely.”
Paul Coughlin also returned to action for Durham since re-joining the club in the winter, claiming 3/46.
Raine adding: “It is class to have him back, he gives you something you don’t get from many players, he gives you that bit of Xfactor and can change the game. We seen today, even though it was the end of the day, he can still run in and bowl some good pace.”
With a number of COVID-19 restrictions in place including regular temperature checks, health questionnaires and social distancing , Ben knows him and the squad have to follow the guidelines for the protection of everyone.
“It was very weird at first, the bowlers returned back a week early and it was so alien, but it now becoming a bit more normal. It is still weird but you just have to get used to it.
“With this being the first away game, you just have to get used to the protocols, the hotel process, it is very different, but we just have to stay as safe as we can in this new environment.
“We just have to get cricket on so people can watch and have that sense of normality and people can get back to normal life.”
Speaking about the return to action, Ben added: “ To be honest, if you had asked me a couple of weeks before we got the nod to come back, I would have said there wasn’t much chance of returning.
“Everything was stacked against us, I didn’t even see how the test match cricket would go ahead, but they have done a brilliant job with that and the COVID situation has changed quite quickly and I think we can have more of a positive outlook and this can continue through the season.”
Listen to Ben speak to BBC Newcastle following the close of play.