BURNHAM Cricket Club skipper Harveer Gandam admits he was left shocked by Slough’s batting tactics in the draw at Upton Court Road on Saturday.

Chasing a total of 207-8, Slough ambled to 100-3 before eventually taking off the breaks and closing on 175-4, just 32 runs short with six wickets in hand.

Gandam has praised his side for the way they batted on a difficult wicket, but he is surprised their rivals were not more adventurous.

“It was a feisty encounter which had to be expected as both sides wanted to get a win and bragging rights in the community,” Gandam told the Observer.

“We have had a lot of rain and water leaked into the wicket itself. Everyone would have bowled first but we lost the toss.

“The boys stuck to the task well and we batted our full overs. We done really well to bat time on a wet wicket and the total was a good one considering the circumstances.

“Aftab Khan is on a different level to anyone else. He looks to have real purpose out there and is doing it time and time again. He is in great form.

“I was also really pleased with Kuran Kumar who dug in for his runs and allowed Aftab to bat.”

Gandam continued: “It was not until the last 10-12 overs that Slough tried to win it. I think they shut up shop for the first 30 overs.

“Their response shocked me. They allowed the run rate to get up to four an over before they had a go.

“Slough were two wickets down for quite some time but I was thinking when are they going to push for this.

“If the show was on the other foot, I would have gone for the win and reassessed the situation and, if you have to, play for the draw.

“Slough looked to bat for the draw and then have a last ditch attempt.

“Aftab bowled superbly on a pitch that was not spinning. In fact, it dried out and became a lot easier to bat on.”