View on the opposition - Durham Jets
Wed 4 Jul 2018
In the second of a series of views on the opposition from the ECB Reporters Network, we gain some insight on Durham Jets:
T20 record: Finalists 2016, loss by four wickets to Northamptonshire.
Last season: 9th
Captain: Tom Latham
Overseas Players: Tom Latham and Imran Tahir
Big hitter: Paul Collingwood. In the absence of a power player at the top of the order the onus will fall on Collingwood once again to be Durham’s big hitter in the middle order. The club experimented with moving him up the order to open during the Royal London One-Day Cup, although it did not go to plan. Last season in the Blast, Collingwood scored his maiden T20 century. He averaged 38.44 in the competition with a strike rate in the 140s, leading all categories for the north-east outfit. Durham will need him to match his boundary rate from the last term when he notched 25 fours and 13 sixes in 11 matches.
Key bowler: Chris Rushworth – Rushworth continues to be his side’s key man at the top of the innings in all formats of the game. He was extremely valuable in the RL50 matches taking nine wickets at an average of 22.44. The 31-year-old has not quite been as potent in T20s, but considering the lack of depth in the squad, his side will need both wickets and control in the opening overs. The pressure will be on Rushworth to lead an inexperienced attack against the power hitters of the North Group.
Wild card: Gareth Harte – The South African made an impression during his brief stint in the side in the RL50s. He made vital runs in the lower order in victories over Worcestershire and Northants, displaying the ability to manoeuvre the field and find the boundary when necessary. The 25-year-old continued his form in the County Championship, scoring his maiden first-class century in Durham’s incredible fightback against Derbyshire. Harte has the talent and the character for the big occasion, while he can also provide useful overs with his medium pace. He could be a vital man for Jon Lewis’ men in the competition.
* Our first Vitality Blast home game is against Durham Jets on Friday night! The best value tickets are available in advance - they cost just £10 for adults, £7.50 for concessions and £5 for under 16s when brought before 11.59pm on Thursday. Secure your seat at the Fischer County Ground today HERE
