Jordan Thompson made a fast start to the summer with an excellent bowling performance against Durham, but it should have been no real surprise given speed has been of the essence for him this winter.
The all-rounder, 23, claimed five crucial wickets across both innings of the opening round Bob Willis Trophy win at Emirates Riverside.
He made the most of an unexpected chance following a late shoulder injury for Matthew Waite and was an integral part of a relentless display across both innings from the quartet of seamers – Ben Coad, Matthew Fisher and Steve Patterson the others.
Thompson, from Yeadon, displayed an extra yard of pace to hurry the Durham batsmen and give Andrew Gale confidence that he can be a constant threat throughout the shortened red ball competition.
“The winter seems so long ago now,” he chuckled when recalling technical improvements made to his game.
“But throughout that time with the physical work and conditioning we do, it was an aim of mine to put on that extra bit of pace so I can get that swing and nip at five miles an hour more. You cause more problems with that.
“Hopefully the work I’ve done has paid dividends.”
Thompson is another example that the winter pace bowling programme led by Rich Pyrah is working. A few years ago, Coad worked hard to add extra pace and has never looked back.
“We’re quite a young seam attack now,” said Thompson.
