Tuesday, June 13th, 2023

WAITE: EARLY WICKETS CRUCIAL FOR WORCESTERSHIRE IN BID TO ACHIEVE LAST DAY RUN CHASE

Matthew Waite says Worcestershire need early wickets on the final day if they are to chase down a target on the final day of the LV=Insurance County Championship match with Sussex at the 1st Central County Ground at Hove.

All-rounder Waite picked up two wickets in a Sussex second innings total of 359-6 which gives them an overall lead of 297.

The Worcestershire attack stuck to their task on an increasingly flat pitch but Waite admits they need to wrap up the home side’s innings as quickly as possible.

He said: “It’s a funny game. It’s a tough pitch and in the middle session we gave it a really good go, bowled really well, took five wickets and got on top. 

“I thought we stuck at it brilliantly all day but it’s hard work. There hasn’t been a score under 340 in the game yet which tells you everything. 

“We got a massive sniff in the middle session, when we got two in two balls and then Finchy (Adam Finch) got a couple very quickly and there was a real good opportunity there.

“It just wasn’t to be but the pitch is very docile so it was always quite hard to pick up wickets but I thought we did a great effort today. 

“There wasn’t much sideways movement, I didn’t get a lot and I don’t think the other lads did.”

As regards Worcestershire’s last day prospects, Waite said: “The lowest score is 348 so tomorrow we could chase anything to be honest.

“But the key factor will be bowling them out in enough time. 

“The wicket has dried out and maybe the pace has gone out of it a little and it’s been quite flat. 

“Usama Mir got a few to spin, and there is a bit of rough, so hopefully he can get us a couple of early wickets tomorrow and we can get batting.”