CAMB-UNIV_DURHAM_UM_14-16JUN1997_MR

By Neville Scott at Fenner`s

Second day of three:Durham (288-2 dec & 9-0) lead Cambridge University (188-2 dec) by 109 runs

ED SMITH, identified by a Durham bowler as a "class above the university norm", missed a fourth century in only 21 innings when, on 99, he clipped slow left-armer David Cox to mid-on.

Extending his career average to 62.63, however, he should surely move straight into the Kent ranks - Matthew Fleming most obviously under threat - when he rejoins the county in three weeks` time.

Both sides showed proper respect for first-class status, Cambridge by declaring 100 behind at Smith`s dismissal to keep things open, Durham by trying to stifle him as the elusive 100 beckoned.

Laudable too was a readiness to play at all after a delayed start with the umpires happy to wait. Smith and John Ratledge took 75 from the first 11 overs to the disgust of the Durham bowling coach Geoff Arnold.

But James Boiling, enjoying Fenner`s as spinners now do, so strangled progress that no four came off him until his 97th ball, after he removed Ratledge. Rain, robbing two hours, returned as Durham batted again.

Source :: The Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/)