Berks need Luc on their side

Anthony Smith • Published 19 Jun 2009 16:30 0 Comments

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BERKSHIRE are to give a debut to a highly-talented young batsman Luc Durandt in their Minor Counties Championship game against Cheshire at Broughton Hall which starts on Sunday (11am).

Durandt captained Wellington College last season, breaking their batting record with an impressive total of 1,072 runs at an average of 71.46, earning himself a place in top 20 in the country"s schools batting averages. He scored hundreds against Eton, Harrow and Tonbridge.

While at Wellington, he was coached by Richard Johnson, who is also one of the Berkshire coaches.

Born to South African parents, he now plies his trade with Surrey outfit Cobham Avorians who also boast Berks all-rounder Steve Naylor on their books.

Berks team manager David Morris said: 'I haven"t seen Luc play, but he comes highly recommended by Richard and also by Steve Naylor who plays him with Cobham Avorians in the Surrey Championship.

'He"s a big lad who gives the ball a whack. He appears a very exciting talent and he will probably bat number three. I am looking forward to seeing him play.'

Durandt may not be the only youngster making his debut against Cheshire, as all-rounder George Trewby, who has captained the Berkshire Development XI, is also in the provisional team.

The Falkland skipper hit an unbeaten 105 for Berkshire Gentlemen (215-3dec) when they defeated Leighton Park School (115) on Wednesday.

Reading"s teenage paceman Jamie Hoddle was originally among 12 players named by Morris, but has now been ruled out after pulling a muscle in his side this week.

Morris added: 'I"ve been really impressed with George this season and the job he is doing.

'At 23 he is young to captain Falkland but he has transformed that side and revitalised them. He"s also a very good bowler.'

Michael Bates returns to the team as wicketkeeper, while Danny Shilvock will open the batting with David Barnes.

Berkshire have been forced into making several changes as Jono McLean, James Morris and Chris Peploe are all unavailable due to work commitments.

Berks launched the defence of their Minor Counties title with a spirited draw against Devon in a rain-affected match at Falkland.

Barnes and Morris struck half centuries but the highlight was Richard Logan"s magnificent 8-56 as Devon were shot out for a mere 153 in their second innings.

The main bowling responsibility against Cheshire will now fall to Logan and Henley seamer Tom Lambert.

Cheshire drew with Cornwall in their opening championship match which included a superb 148 from ex-Derbyshire man Ben Spendlove.

Morris argued: 'Cheshire are a good side and I would like to be taking our strongest team up there. But we"re missing a few players which is obviously not ideal.

'Cheshire are a bit like us. They"re a good batting side but not so strong in the bowling department.

'We want to arrive fresh and if we get the chance we"ll bat first and try and put big runs on the board.'

Berkshire (probable): David Barnes, Danny Shilvock, Luc Durandt, Bjorn Mordt (captain), Steve Naylor, Michael Bates (wtk), Craig Crowe, Dan Yardley, George Trewby, Richard Logan, Tom Lambert.

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