Graeme Fowler impressed by Durham MCCU recovery at Derbyshire

Durham MCCU coach Graeme Fowler has praised his inexperienced side as they bounced back on the second day of their university match against Derbyshire.

The students were bowled out for only 67 on day one, but recovered well to dismiss the hosts for 428, before finishing 33-1 at the close.

Although his side conceded 71 runs in extras, the former Lancashire and England batsman was pleased to look at the bigger picture.

“Obviously we are a lot happier today than we were yesterday. The extras didn’t worry me too much because it is the first time they have been outside.

“They were rusty, dead nervous and they’ve never played this sort of cricket before.

“They’re vastly inexperienced and that’s what we do it for. It’s a massive thing for them and it’s a wonderful experience.

“It gives Derbyshire great practice and it’s part of the progressive pathway into first-class cricket.”

Durham have eight players making their first-class debuts in the match and the team has an average age of just 20.

And despite the criticism of pre-season university games, Fowler was quick to highlight the benefits for his players.

“If you look at the Derbyshire team, [Tony] Palladino and [David] Wainwright were both at university centres of excellence in the past.

“Andrew Strauss started at Durham University. It’s easy for people to forget that everybody starts somewhere.

“Some people say these games shouldn’t be first class and they are entitled to argue that. But we don’t do it for that, we do it because it’s part of the development pathway.”

With one day still left to play in the match, Durham are facing an uphill struggle to avoid defeat. But Fowler is hopeful his side might be able to snatch a draw.

“Last year, we came here and chased 400 in the second innings and ended up 20 short.

“We came here yesterday and Derbyshire treated us with respect. They won the toss, stuck us in and we got rolled over.

“If we can get out of this with a draw then we will have played exceptionally well.”