Luke Fletcher admitted he had found some of the best rhythm of his career but was ultimately left feeling ‘disappointed’ by the end of the second day of Nottinghamshire’s Specsavers County Championship match against Essex at Chelmsford.
Fletcher took five for 50 as the home side were forced to surrender a position of strength in being bowled out for 241, a first innings advantage of only 54.
Notts wiped that away without loss, but ended a turbulent day on 90 for six, holding a narrow advantage of only 36.
“During the first two sessions, particularly towards the end of the first session and then straight after lunch we were very good today,” said Fletcher. “Then that partnership between Harmer and Siddle (of 81) took the momentum away from us.
“Then in the last session we started well but lost wickets so, all in all, it has been a pretty disappointing day.”
Stuart Broad had given Notts a lift by claiming two early wickets, including that of Alastair Cook, before Fletcher went to work.
“The ball started swinging, which was nice. I’ve not swung a ball yet this year, so to have a bit of a swing was great,” he said.
“I felt in as good a rhythm as I have done in my career today.
“But it’s just so disappointing to find us in the position that we are in, having to dig deep. What could have been a good day has turned out not to be.
“We’ll come back tomorrow and if we can get a couple of partnerships together, who knows? Tom (Moores) smacked 80-odd here last year, it could be handy if him and Chris Nash get going,” said Fletcher.
“We’ll stay positive, I’m staying positive. I’m going to go out there, when I get a chance to bat and be positive and try and build partnerships with whoever is in with me.
“We’ll give it a good go, we’ve got to. If we can get the lead into treble figures you never know.
“The game could still be a bit of nipper, we’ve got to stay positive.”
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