Brookweald 1st XI vs Woodham Mortimer CC, 1st XI

A tight game was expected between two fairly evenly matched teams on another very hot day at Brookweald. Having won the toss, Woodham Mortimer put the Brookweald batters to the test. Unfortunately, it was a test they failed miserably. The changed line-up yielded very little on what can only be described as an extremely flat track. Although the bowlers bowled tightly, the shot selection and general attitude of the Brookweald batters were not just cavalier, but much worse. Finch offered a glimmer of hope with a stylish 43, but he also succumbed to a customary awful shot. Ali Khan showed promise with an imposing 34 but was also caught out in the deep, as if the fielder was lying in wait for the Brookweald's boom boom batting. It seems they don't really know how to assess the game situation. Days like this are much needed to show us what proper cricket looks like.

Woodham came in needing only 130 runs but showed us the proper way to play. Although they lost an early wicket or two, their middle order didn't panic or blame the guys who were out for putting them under pressure. They waited patiently to dominate the below-average bowling. Dan Smith is the batsman to watch and learn from for the Brookweald team. His picture-perfect unbeaten 81, supported by a resilient 35 from Abeyranta, showcased that hitting every ball for six is not necessary. He delivered a lesson in technique, mindset, and composure. His intelligence should not be lost on the Brookweald bowlers – he played them like a guitar, and they danced to his tune. What a symphony it was.

Defending a small target, the bowling performance was almost embarrassing. At times, it seemed that no one wanted to bowl. It was a damning crash landing for the 4Bs.