3rd test, 1st day

Mon Nov 11, 2024 8:15 am

The skies over Durham Massala conspired to provide perfect conditions for Day 1 of the third test, clear blue skies and a gas mark 4 heat, just sufficiently limited by a fan oven breeze of 5mph, blowing east to west over the pure green grass of the sacred turf.

Roll on 11am ('opening time'), an expectant hush descended over the capacity crowd and the centuries-old traditional bell was struck thrice to bring forward the captains ready for the toss. Umbrian captain Majahid Ranmanakoolaban strode out exuding a calm confidence, while Imaginary captain Greggson was still tinkering with his run-up as he progressed to the middle.

And so it began.. Guest umpire Michael Parkinson thrusted the coin skywards, Greggson with a swift forward defensive, Ranmanakoolaban countering with a deep drive from the blanket-cover.. move followed move, defense countered attack, counter-attack flowed into lethargy and soon, first drinks were taken.

By the end of the second session, with the officials moving on to the Rum and Cokes and both captains starting to show signs of wear, Greggson looked to have the upper hand, with even the unlikely prospect of a single day's toss in the offing. But an inspired final session from Ranmanakoolaban kept the game wide-open, with a best of 5 on the cards, and a final first day's declaration before shorts led to both captains able to walk off with valid reasons to be cheerful and a deep mutual respect for an excellent day's play in the bag.

Sparks will no doubt fly on day 2, with Greggson still having the advantage and, although a Pokeham Sweep is likely, the firm possibility of an early toss victory is very much a realistic proposition.

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