Fresh off a pivotal 65 at the top of the order for his side, Dan Lategan reflected on an eventful finish to day two at Lord’s that saw his Worcestershire side close with a 208-run lead despite losing a cluster of wickets late on.
Continuing his excellent start to the season at the top of the order for the Pears, Lategan’s superb 63-ball-65 took centre stage as Worcestershire’s looked to build on their slender eight-run lead at the halfway point in the match.
Striking the ball with a dismissive and confident tone, the 19-year-old played with fluency as he raced to a second half-century of the campaign, adding 112 in partnership with Jake Libby for the first wicket.
Lategan’s dismissal, followed by Libby’s for 79, saw Worcestershire endure a tricky last session of the day, with the visitors closing on 200-7.
The top-order batter, said on a pitch that is showing signs of wear, a bright start on day three is crucial.
“It definitely wasn’t easy out there, I think there is still a lot in the pitch. It was nipping around a little bit so I was just trying to be as positive as I can and put away the bad ball.
“It seems to be deteriorating slightly, which will be good for us bowling tomorrow and then we’ll just have to try to defend our total.
“If we can put a few more on the board tomorrow morning I think we’ll be a little bit ahead of the game and have a little bit more to defend and then go out with the new ball and fightback.
“I think we’re in a good position.”
After being handed the reins at the top of the order for the Pears, Lategan has revelled in his new role opening the batting.
Forming a sturdy partnership with Vice-Captain Jake Libby, the pair showed once again why they are such a well-balanced duo on day two at Lord’s, with their 112 run first-wicket stand providing the visitors with an ideal of start to the crucial third innings of the match.
At better than a run-a-ball, Lategan picked off any loose deliveries on offer at will, backing up his exceptional performance at Derbyshire, where he again looked short-odds to notch a maiden first class hundred.
Although denied then as he was today, the young batter is keen to build on his positive early season form and kick on for his team when it matters most.
“I’ve had a good start to the season which is nice but I’d have liked to have kicked on today. I’ve got in a few times and then got out, but overall I’m very grateful that I’ve been able to get a few runs on the board.
“I’m feeling very good, I’ve obviously given away a few chances which isn’t ideal but to be able to say I’ve capitalised on a few chances as well is nice and hopefully I can go on and get a big one soon.”
