Essex Club Captain Ryan ten Doeschate was thrilled to see Jamie Porter’s winter hard work pay off as he produced career best match figures of 9-160 in the Championship draw against Surrey.
Porter is in a rich vein of form: he posted best List A figures (four for 40) two weeks ago, career-best first-class figures (five for 24) against Hampshire last week and now best match figures.
All-rounder ten Doeschate believes it is a testament to coming back even fitter and stronger for pre-season.
He said: “Ports has just got better and better as he has experienced more first-class cricket. One of the challenges we set him over the winter was to come back stronger and fitter. That is one of the hallmarks of where has improved as he has got top quality third and fourth spells in him now.
“We know he has all the skills and ability but it was about helping him use those consistently over four days of Championship cricket.”
The top-of-table-clash looked destined for a draw until a fabulous spell of bowling from the 24-year-old saw him take 5 Surrey wickets in just 27 balls.
Dutch International ten Doeschate added: “The game looked pretty dead this morning and he produced a wonderful spell to turn the game on its head somewhat. He already had 40 overs under his belt so to produce a spell like that was a testament to the hard work he has put in.
“Working under someone like Chris Silverwood obviously helps as well as he has seen it all first-hand and can pass on valuable experience. Ports is bowling terrifically at the moment and hopefully he can continue that as the season progresses.”
