England promised to surprise fans with an aggressive style of cricket and were on course for a dominant start to the international summer when they dismissed the tourists for a meager 132 at Lord’s.
Potts led that effort, going 4-13 to outshine greats James Anderson and Stuart Broad, but the ball continued to dominate the bat to drag them back into a dogfight on the stumps.
From the relative serenity of a 59-run starting position, England plummeted in the afternoon session to finish 116-7 and throw in a wrench on Ben Stokes’ first day as new test captain.
The ups and downs of the day proved to be a dizzying introduction to the Test Arena for the 23-year-old Potts, but he was happy with the way England were going about their business.
“Yes, it was a roller coaster. We have had an eventful day but we have come to entertain, that is first and foremost,” she said.
“It has been an entertaining day of cricket and I have thoroughly enjoyed it. We’re still in a contest to win a Test cricket game here, so we’re going to attack the next day.
“I think we’re going to throw our punches. I personally think it’s very, very entertaining and I think it’s what we all want to see. We want to exchange blows, and if they throw two at us, we throw four at them”.
England fans would probably have been even happier if the final session had been less exciting and more intense in care and attention, but Potts’ bullish outlook was understandable.
After all, he had just outshone the returning greats Anderson and Broad and defeated the reigning Test world champions, including captain Kane Williamson, in the sport’s most famous arena.
“I’ve been itching to get started, I’ve been waiting to put my top on and do the best job I can,” he said.
“It was nice to start early and Williamson’s wicket really calmed the nerves.
“I will wear that cap with pride every time I put it on. It is a proud moment for me and the family, a special day.”
At one point, Potts looked ready to put his name on the famous board of honour, with No. 11 Trent Boult in the crease as he hunted for a fifth wicket.
Instead, he left the field with cramps, a decision he is sure was the best for the team.
“The calves barked at me a little bit,” he admitted.
“I was probably putting in 110, 115 percent without realizing it…a little bit of nerves probably takes its toll on the body. It was a case of making sure not to drop anything or do anything stupid.
“Stokesy took the decision away from me and said ‘get off the court, rest and we’ll get the last wicket.’
“He is always thinking of the greater good over personal achievement.”
Potts thought he would be England’s only debutant this week, but he was joined by Lancashire spinner Matt Parkinson, who received an unexpected SOS when Jack Leach suffered a rare concussion on the pitch.
Parkinson drove from Manchester after answering the call and has a job to do with the bat before he gets a chance to get his hands on the ball.
“I’m sure he had an interesting run, there will have been a wave of emotions,” he said.
“But you can collect your thoughts tonight and approach the game with a clear head now. Leachy is a tough character.
“It was a rare thing that can happen in cricket.”
More about this article: Read More
Source: www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
This notice was published: 2022-06-02 20:01:24
