Ottis Gibson has reflected on another near miss as Yorkshire had to settle for a draw against Kent at Headingley, admitting: “Especially with the way things panned out for us last week, to get ourselves in a position and then not to be able to get across the line, it was very frustrating.”
Unbeaten Yorkshire have started their LV= Insurance County Championship campaign with a win and two draws, but it could have so easily been three wins from three.
After the draw at Northamptonshire last week, Yorkshire were not given the opportunity to chase 114 in the final 21 overs as bad light engulfed Headingley and forced the early abandonment of the clash.
“We were a man down with Haris Rauf not able to bowl in the second innings. But, again, the approach of the guys, they worked very hard. I’m very proud of the way they fought to the end,” said the Bajan head coach.
“We said at tea, ‘If we get an opening, we can get through them’. That’s what we did.
“Unfortunately, one great big cloud came over and put a stop to everything.”
On the prospect of a quick-fire chase, Gibson said: “We would have had a go in 10 overs. We knew what we had to do. Twenty one (overs) would have been ideal, but if it had come down to 10 we’d have still backed ourselves to have a right good go.”
He went on: “If we’re being honest, had we had Haris today it would have been a different outcome.
“We’ve played some really good cricket here. But, at the end of the day, we’re in a results business and we’re frustrated not to get a result.”
Steve Patterson was outstanding with five wickets, including taking three as Kent lost their last four wickets for only nine runs to manufacture a chance of victory when the game looked to be drifting towards a draw after tea.
“That’s what leaders do,” said Gibson. “Patto led from the front.
“We know in most normal situations, he’s not going to go for many runs. Today, we needed wickets and he proved that he can take them. He’s fantastic, and that’s why he’s still going at the ripe old age of whatever he is.”
Pakistan star Rauf did not bowl in the second innings due to a left side injury, and Gibson reported mixed news.
He said: “He’s had a scan, and early suggestions are that it’s not too bad. So, maybe with a week’s rest and some work from the medical team, we’ll get him back for next week.
“He will definitely be out of the next game (Essex on Thursday) for sure.
“Hopefully we’ll get him back for the next home game at Headingley (Lancashire).”
Rauf’s absence was felt keenly, though Gibson is hopeful Ben Coad may be fit to play his first game of the season at Chelmsford on Thursday after a groin injury.
“Coady played club cricket yesterday,” he said.
“We sent him out to play a club match to get his workload up. He’s going to travel and we’ll see how close to playing he could be.”
But there was positive news on the return of Joe Root, as long as – of course – he can impress the new coach.
Gibson laughed: “He’s still got to be selected!
“But he’s in the squad for the next game, yes.”
