Sam Billings' non-availability as wicket keeper is hurting Kent

English wicket-keeper batsman Sam Billings was not available for keeping wicket during the second innings of the county game between Kent and Durham. As per reports, the reason for the right-hand batsman’s non-availability is being described as a migraine attack. In his absence, first opener Daniel Bell-Drummond and the Joe Denly were given the keeping duties in the county championship match at Emirates Riverside. However, both the replacements dropped a few chances which hurt Kent dearly.

Being the first choice wicket keeper Billings has always done a decent job behind the wickets for his county team Kent, but his absence during the second innings is definitely hurting  his side. At the end of the third day’s play, Durham were in a dominating position at 145-2 and opener Tom Latham 64* and middle-order batsman Graham Clark 49* were looking pretty comfortable on the field. However, it is still not clear whether Billings will take further part in the game or not.

The Match Story

Kent skipper Sam Northeast won the toss and opted to ball first. Durham batters were not allowed to settle down by Adam Milne, who claimed 4 wickets, and Mitchell Claydon, who bagged a five-wicket haul. As a result, Durham were bowled out for 217 runs in the first innings. In reply, Kent batsmen were also in a similar state, with the exception of skipper Sam Northeast. He played a splendid knock of 110 runs but couldn’t get any support from rest of his team. Kent were bowled out for 206 runs, as fast bowler Graham Onions picked up 6 wickets.

After managing a 11-run 1st innings lead, the Durham batters came out with a different mindset as compared to the first innings. Kiwi opener Tom Latham is playing a great innings and remained not out at the score of 64, before surviving a difficult chance dropped by Drummond at the score of 40. Also, his partner Graham Clark, who was dropped by Denly on 25, seems pretty comfortable at the crease on the score of 49. The third day’s play ended early due to bad light with Durham reaching to 145-2, managing a lead of 156 runs.