The Warwickshire batsman reflects with pride on playing a big part in the win.
Matt Lamb was pleased to contribute to Warwickshire’s emphatic Specsavers County Championship win over Derbyshire – but admitted to a tinge of frustration at missing out on his maiden first-class century.
Bears academy product Lamb top-scored with 79 in the first innings to help put the Bears on course for an eight-wicket victory.
The 21-year-old reflects with pride on playing a big part in the win. His only regret – that the second day, which closed with him 79 not out, could not have gone on a bit longer.
“I was going quite well so wished we could have stayed out there and played for an extra half-hour,” he said. “It was a bit frustrating to get out early next morning so the century wasn’t to be, but I am sure I will get into another situation this year where I can go on and get to three figures.
“It was disappointing not to go on but to put 160-odd on with Trotty and put us in a good position in the match was pleasing. I was a bit scratchy to start with and it took me a while to get going before I found the middle of the bat, but when I got past 20 I started to get into a bit of a flow and rhythm. I’m very happy, though frustrated not to have gone on to get three figures.”
Lamb can still reflect on a career-best 79 against Derbyshire to follow his important 44 in the innings victory over Northamptonshire at Northampton. When there is intense competition for places, as there is at Warwickshire at the moment, all a player can do is make himself difficult to leave out of the side – and Lamb has done that.
“Most importantly, it was a great win for the team against Derbyshire,” he said. “We showed great patience with bat and ball throughout the first three days and it was nice to be able to rock up on the fourth just needing a small total. Then Belly and Trotty played it perfectly.
“After the first game against Sussex was rain-affected we have dominated Northants and Derbyshire and I think that sends out the message that we are massive contenders to go up this year.”
