Conversions could have “put more nails in the coffin”: Arun Harinath

Conversions could have “put more nails in the coffin”: Arun Harinath

Half-centurion Arun Harinath was left with mixed feelings after Surrey were unable to capitalise on strong individual displays after Day One against Durham at the Kia Oval.

Harinath, Steven Davies and Jason Roy all made 50s, but the visitors fought back as Surrey closed the day on 371-7 after three wickets fell in the last 12 overs of the day. And while Harinath feels his side are still in a good position, the opener admitted it could have been stronger after being 226-2 and 345-4 across the afternoon.

“We played well, but it could have been better and we’ve said that in the dressing room. We could have put Durham under a bit more pressure because a lot of people got starts but we got ourselves out more than anything,” said Harinath, following his 96.

“It was disappointing in that respect, but we’re happy with the position we’re in and with another partnership we can go well towards where we want to be.

“We want another partnership tomorrow, to see how far we can get in the game and maximum batting points are a priority.

“If some of us, including myself, didn’t get ourselves out early then we could have put a few more nails in the coffin. But we’ll have to come back tomorrow, keep on fighting as we have done for the last 12 months.”

It’s been a strong season for Harinath, after making a century against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge before falling four short of the same feat against a Durham attack featuring Ben Stokes, Chris Rushworth and Graham Onions.

And Harinath was happy with the form he has shown this season, as well as over the past year for Surrey.

“I think I’ve been playing well for the last 12 months, it’s just been a case of needing to convert that into runs. Luckily I’ve had the opportunity to do that this year and hopefully I can keep that going for the lads,” Harinath continued.

“It was a poor shot from me, a misjudgment of length. I thought it was a bit shorter than it was and that Durham attack is a disciplined one.

“Jason’s [wicket] was a little bit off the wicket; Davo’s [Davies’ wicket] was a good ball, and the new ball does seam around a bit. And you can get a bit of reverse swing too if you can keep the ball in a hard condition.

“Since Fordy [Graham Ford] took over, I’ve been playing pretty well. It’s just about getting the opportunity to show what I can do and get the runs.

“I’m happy with where I’m at, but it was frustrating to give it away and not make a big hundred that could have put us further ahead.”

Kumar Sangakkara has also been among the runs this season, although he made just 26 on Day One, while Davies made his first half-century of the campaign.

“I always enjoy batting with Steve, he’s had a couple of good balls which have seen him out early which can happen to everyone, but it’s great for Surrey that he’s in good form.

“They’re a very good bowling attack, a disciplined attack, and Stokes is an international quality bowler so it’s always a good challenge for us.

“Jason, Steve and I all think we could have got a lot more, and we could have put the game a bit more comfortable, but we still have three wickets in hand and we can come again tomorrow.

“When Kumar has a bad innings, you know someone’s going to have to pay next time out! He’s a high quality player, he’s scored a lot of runs this season and I’m sure he’ll keep going.”

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