Chester-le-Street and Multan are unlikely companions. One resides comfortably in the north-east of England, relatively cool and stable, just 10 miles from the North Sea. The other lies in the southern part of Punjab, with a semi-arid climate, extreme seasonal temperature variations—currently peaking in the high 30s—and is surrounded by mango orchards. For the second Test against Pakistan, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum raised an eyebrow at the unfamiliar conditions and the six-day Multan pitch, opting for an all-Durham seam attack—a first in English cricket history. Joining Stokes were Matthew Potts and Brydon Carse, with the spin duties handled by Somerset's Shoaib Bashir and Jack Leach.
Thus, Carse and Potts charged in, the humidity soaring, temperatures blistering, and air pollution in the city five times the WHO recommended levels. They delivered outstanding performances—bold, strong spells with both new and old balls, reversing and bouncing on a challenging surface. Just two years ago, during the UK's infamous 40°C day, Potts was forced off the field due to extreme heat during his ODI debut. The conditions were severe, with spectators seeking shelter as the ECB and Durham considered calling off the game. However, Potts has since strengthened and become a resilient, almost indestructible force, fitting seamlessly into the Durham lineup. He delivered 17 overs on Tuesday, conceding only 36 runs. Carse, who faced a three-month suspension this summer for historic betting violations, bowled 11 flawless overs for just 14 runs, resting his hands on his hips briefly as the day concluded.
Stokes, cleaning up around the edges with five overs, watched admiringly as a selection of western hits from Oasis to Adele played over the ground's PA system. The trio follows in the footsteps of a long line of Durham fast bowlers—even if Stokes and Carse were polished elsewhere—from Simon Brown to Liam Plunkett, Steve Harmison, Graham Onions, and the fastest of them all, Mark Wood, currently sidelined with bone stress in his right elbow. Ryan Campbell, Durham's head coach, shared his pride in creating England players. "We have a proud history of it, to have three players in one game... add Mark Wood, who, if fit, will be a formidable force, and it's an exciting time for Durham. I'm already looking ahead to April, wondering who might miss out if everyone's available," he said.
Campbell theorized about Durham's knack for producing fast bowlers. "Our academy and John Windows have a remarkable history of developing fast bowlers. Without a private school system, our young players go through the rigorous club cricket, facing men and toughening up. This year, we had a 16-year-old opening the bowling and a 19-year-old at the other end—that's the future. We may not excel in producing batters and spinners right now, but that will come." He also acknowledged the Championship's role in preparing young bowlers for the demands of five-day cricket. "Potts' and Carse's resilience and ability to endure a county cricket season prepares them for the rigors of Test cricket. Watching Brydon on the speed gun in the first Test, his ability to bowl at 140-142 on day five in 35°C heat shows his potential. His future is bright, especially for England in Australia."
Durham's success isn't limited to the men's fast bowling. After returning to Division One of the Championship for 2024—their first time since 2016—they finished fifth, above Lancashire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Kent, and Worcestershire. While not the win Campbell aimed for, it was respectable. They achieved this with their entertaining, high-scoring style, fostering a warm, welcoming atmosphere. In the women's game, Durham was awarded tier one status by the ECB in April and has since signed top talents like Mady Villiers, Emily Windsor, Bess Heath, and England's quick Lauren Filer. Marcus North, the director of cricket, highlighted Filer's signing: "She's a significant asset with her pace and quality."
Perhaps the final word should go to Potts, who, when asked about the challenges of using the Kookaburra ball during a county season, simply said, "It's red, it's round, it goes down the other end." This straightforward attitude keeps Durham grounded and their cricket vibrantly alive.
