Predicting DUR’s Playing XI for the North Group Match Against LEIC in Vitality Blast 2025

With the real business end of Vitality Blast 2025 well and truly here, Durham need to find consistency now to guarantee a place in the top four in the North Group. They produced an encouraging performance against table-toppers Lancashire, despite falling narrowly short, highlighting promise in certain facets of the game but needing to be sharper in other areas. Now, having a match against Leicestershire at home in Chester-le-Street, Durham will be eager to respond strongly. Here’s what we think the playing XI could look like for this vital fixture.

Openers 

Graham Clark and Alex Lees will most likely continue to be paired together at the top of the order. Clark is an aggressive natural who can put pressure on bowlers early, as he demonstrated in the first innings against Lancashire when he scored 13 off 10 balls and hit a six. 

Whereas Lee, the captain, has a very different role to play as the anchor. Again, although 11 off 16 is not the best representation of his game, he is still a key part of the stability he can provide should they lose quick wickets at the other end.

Middle Order

It wasn’t flashy, but Ackermann’s 42 off 35 was the glue that held Durham’s middle together. Ackermann’s ability to rotate the strike and find boundaries at the right time helps distribute the balance of the innings. Ackermann showed good temperament at a tricky time and will be important again against the spinners from Leicestershire.

It was useful that Ollie Robinson was in great form, getting a quick 35 off 22. Robinson’s aggression in the middle overs relieves pressure and makes the bowling team think about changing their minds. 

All-Rounders

James Neesham’s innings was not a highlight, but he made up for it with the ball, taking two wickets (including the dangerous Ashton Turner) and He is a recognised ‘death bowler’ and ‘six hitter’, and is certainly a genuine match winner both in batting and bowling. Will Rhodes was relatively quiet but reported he gave 11 runs from 13 balls. 

Will Rhodes is a versatile player who has the skills for various roles in a team, depending on conditions and match scenarios. In moments of tension and through the middle overs, Rhodes offers the steady hand every team needs. In addition, he can provide a left-arm seam option in certain conditions and provide the captain flexibility with different tactics.

Bowlers

Nathan Sowter had a decent outing last time, taking 1 for 24. Sowter’s leg-spin was effective in the middle overs, breaking vital partnerships and restricting runs scored. He should play a vital role in Durham’s bowling attack on a Riverside surface, which is historically good for spin. 

Matthew Potts will also have been pleased with his level of discipline, taking 1 for 28 from his 4 overs. Potts has a good record of taking big wickets, like Jos Buttler, and will likely be the first change with the new ball. Potts’ pace and control always make him a threat at home.

Despite their defeat against Lancashire, Durham had some standout performances from individuals—Clark’s power hitting, Ackermann’s steady batting, Neesham’s all-round contribution, and the bowling threat from Sowter and Potts required all their resources by the time the end of the innings was upon them. They will now look to take their strengths and their aggression into a difficult game against an enthusiastic Leicestershire squad at our Riverside home.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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