INTERVIEW: Porterfield discusses "special" Moores innings
Lancashire Cricket’s assistant coach Will Porterfield praised Joe Moores’ “special” career best knock of 85 against Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the Metro Bank One Day Cup.
The 17-year-old starred despite the Red Rose falling to defeat, hitting a rapid half-century as he looked to drag his side over the line. Lancs ultimately lost to the Steelbacks in the end, by 67 runs, but Moores’ innings gave his side a fighting chance.
Moores brought up his 50 from just 38 deliveries, and was dismissed for 85 having faced 59 balls, run out after a mix-up in the middle. He struck 10 boundaries and three sixes, including two off Indian international Yuzvendra Chahal, on his way to the career best score.
Porterfield explained after the game just how impressed he was with the teenager.
“It was a pretty special innings from Joe Moores. It's the maturity that he shows at the crease.
“He seems to take everything in his stride at the minute, and we’ve just got to look after him and keep trying to nurture him. But he's a fantastic talent, and he's shown it again today.”
It was certainly not an easy situation for Moores to be in, with the run rate climbing, but he made sure to keep the Red Rose in the fight for as long as he could.
The intelligence with which he played against Northants, and indeed throughout the rest of the campaign, stood out to Porterfield.
“It's his maturity and composure. His decision-making is on point. I think he's got a very bright future. [We have] just got to keep letting him go out there and do what he can do.”
It was the third time Moores has hit a half-century this season, with one coming in each format. After he scored a crucial 55 in the Vitality Blast against Nottinghamshire Outlaws earlier in the season, with spinner Tom Hartley explained that the rest of the squad was “blown away” by his talent.
Despite Moores’ best efforts, Lancs were unfortunately beaten at Wantage Road on Sunday. It leaves three vital games left in the One Day Cup, with Gloucestershire at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Friday, before trips to Rugby School to face Warwickshire and Taunton to play Somerset.
Reflecting on Lancs’ competition so far, which has seen the Red Rose pick up three wins but suffer two defeats, Porterfield is generally pleased with performances.
“I think across five games, we’ve played some very good cricket. We've been in every game and coming down the back end, we've just got to carry that on and keep looking to improve in little areas. But we're in a good space. We’ve just got to carry that into next week.”
Tickets are still available for the clash with Gloucestershire at Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground on Friday. Don’t miss out, get them here.
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