James Kettleborough conceded that Staffordshire’s first evening woes with the bat had been a critical factor in their 187-run NCCA Championship defeat by Buckinghamshire.
Staffs had performed superbly with the ball to dismiss the defending champions for just 211 after losing the toss at Chesham.
However, Staffordshire stumbled to 44-5 in reply before Dan Lincoln and Joe Hawkins dug in to guide them to 95-5 at stumps.
Staffs were bowled out for 143 on the second morning – and then saw the home side pile up 316-9 declared.
That left the visitors needing 385 for an unlikely win, but they were bowled out for 197 on the third afternoon.
‘Key passage of play’
Captain Kettleborough says that conceding a first-innings lead had been a key part in the Division One East loss.
“It probably didn’t go as wrong as the final score reflects. It was two strong teams playing each other,” he said.
“We did good things as well, but we spoke as a group and it was that first evening which hindered our first innings.
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“To have a deficit of 60 runs on that wicket was a big margin. We had the chance to take control of the game, but Bucks did bowl really well.
“We didn’t navigate that passage of play as well as we could have.
“Bucks might have a bit more depth, but our top seven is as good as anyone’s in the country. We wouldn’t want to be picking someone at eight or nine to primarily score runs because that the top order’s job.”
‘County spirit’
Kettleborough says he was pleased to see his bowlers show off their skills in limiting Bucks’ first innings.
At one stage, the home side were 68-5 before recovering to seize a key advantage.
“After losing the toss I was really happy to see us bowl them out for 211,” added Kettleborough.
“But you don’t really know if it’s a good score until both sides have batted on it.
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“On another day we could have restricted them to a lower total, but those are the fine margins.
“I was really pleased with how we stuck to our plans in their second innings as well.
“I was a proud captain as we continued to run in and had some really good energy in the field.”
‘Tough task’
Buckinghamshire declared their second innings closed on the second evening.
And that left Staffordshire with a sizeable task on the last day to try to save the game.
Openers Kettleborough (55) and Sam Kelsall (30) provided a solid foundation – but Staffs went into lunch on 120-3.
A spell of four wickets in 11 balls on the resumption then accelerated Staffordshire’s demise.
“We did have belief going into the final day and especially at 60-odd without loss there was a bit of concern from them,” explained Kettleborough.
“We got through the new ball really well and if we had got to lunch just one or two down, it would have given us a really good platform for the last two sessions.
“Unfortunately, we just couldn’t withstand what they threw at us.”
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It was a disappointing way to start their three-day campaign, but Kettleborough is remaining upbeat.
Staffs entertain Cambridgeshire at Checkley on Sunday, July 26, before visiting Northumberland and then hosting Suffolk.
“If we win three games of Championship cricket we can be in the mix for the title,” said Kettleborough.
“Buckinghamshire will be feeling confident after that start, but all we can do is try to put pressure on them.
“There were positives to take out of the three days against Bucks, but we know there’s areas to address for us with the bat.”
Main image: James Kettleborough saw his Staffordshire side lose out to Bucks in their NCCA Championship opener. Picture: Roger Byrne