Worcestershire CCC Head Coach Alex Gidman has given his reaction after the LV=Insurance County Championship match with Middlesex at Lord’s.
Bowlers dominated for long periods in the seamer-friendly conditions, and a see-saw match eventually resulted in a 101 run win for Middlesex on the final afternoon.
Gareth Roderick’s contributions with the bat in both innings, Josh Baker’s career-best score, Charlie Morris’s six-wicket haul and some fine bowling by Club captain Joe Leach were the main plus points for Worcestershire.
They will look to end the campaign on a winning note when they take on Leicestershire at New Road starting next Tuesday (10.30am start).
Reflecting on the game, Gidman said: “It was a very strange game. There were a lot of factors in it that were challenging, the weather, the overhead conditions, the wicket.
“It was a topsy-turvy game where no-one could be sure what was going to happen at any particular time.
“Credit to Middlesex, they took the opportunities when things were perhaps more in their favour, especially batting on the afternoon of day two when the sun was out and bowling twice in the gloom under floodlights.
“When you lose by 100 runs, you haven’t really got a leg to stand on. It was a very challenging wicket for the most part, especially at certain times of the days, but it was the same for both teams.
“It’s not the first time, and it won’t be the last that we play in challenging conditions, and we need to learn how to improve how we encounter those both with bat and ball.”
Roderick scored 42 in Worcestershire’s first innings and an unbeaten 42 in the second, and he was the only member of the top six in either innings to make a sizeable contribution.
Gidman said: ”In both innings, Gareth was the stand-out batsman – probably for both teams.
“He batted at number three in very challenging conditions, and I thought he was exceptional.
“He showed great temperament and shot selection and proved you could bat on that wicket if you applied yourself over a long period.
“Gareth has had a very challenging season, moving counties is not easy, and players can take time to settle in.
“But we know his quality, and I’m really pleased for him, and he is giving himself the chance to end the season really well.
“He will be desperate to back up this week with a good performance next week, and he can look forward then instead of looking back.”
Morris enjoyed a successful return to the side for his first Championship appearance since May and returned second innings figures of 6-52.
Gidman said: “I thought the effort from everyone throughout the game was really, really good. Charlie tries so hard for the group all of the time.
“He deserved his opportunity in the game and took it with both hands, so credit to him. He was outstanding and fully deserved his wickets.”
