First win is not far away, says Franklin
HEAD coach James Franklin hopes it will be a case of third time lucky for Durham as they embark on their first home LV County Championship clash of 2021.
The Riversiders host Derbyshire at Chester-le-Street today still seeking their first win of the season.
Scort Borthwick’s side drew its opening four-day match with Nottinghamshire before losing to last season’s champions Essex - despite dismssing them for just 96 in their first innings.
Franklin, however, has taken great encourgement from Durham’s displays in both games.
The Kiwi said: “I have been delighted and the other coaches have been delighted with our performances so far.
“Although we have not had a win yet, we put in a really good performance at Trent Bridge.
“We lost the last game against Essex, with a slip-up in the last hour of the game, but the performance and the way we drove that game for three and a bit days was really good to see.
“If we stay true to our processes and preparations and put ourselves in a good position and situation to win the game on day four then that is all we can do.”
All-rounder Matthew Potts has been added to a 13-man squad to face Derbyshire over the next four days.
Wearsider Potts
is included for the first time this summer, having played for the second XI in the early part of the season and having featured for the firstteam squad in pre-season.
The 22-year-old replaces fellow all-rounder Brydon Carse, who is ruled out with a niggle to his ankle sustained against Essex.
Borthwick will lead Durham out as captain for the first time on home soil today while New Zealander Will Young will make his Riverside debut.
Derbyshire are set to include 26-year-old 6ft 7in Aussie seamer Billy Stanlake and Zimbabwe international Dustin Melton.
DURHAM SQUAD: