More bad weather plagued the matches today as the low scores keep coming. I wonder if this early start and lack of batting bonus points will mean the eventual division winners will have significantly fewer points than those of previous years.
Day 2
Glamorgan v Hampshire
Gla - 103-9d & 73-3
Ham - 156
Waters took career best figures of 7 for 53 to keep this match in the balance. Hampshire's last four wickets fell for just 48 as they took a 53 run lead. That though was soon eradictaed. Glamorgan are well set to pass their minimal first innings total in the morning, but they will look to build a big lead as they continue to search for their first win of the season.
Yorkshire v Essex
Yorkshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Yor - 246
Ess - 72-5
This game progressed quickly after having lost the whole of the first day to rain. Jaques was the star with the bat scoring 126, however Yorkshire would have been looking for a lot more when the were 203-3. Mills helped to run through the middle order and soon the innings was over.
Essex though were soon in deeper trouble as Patterson bowled and incredible, triple-wicket, maiden over to take the visitors from 42-2 to 42-5. Bopara (26*) has steadied the ship but will need to hang in there tomorrow to keep his side in the game.
Lancashire v Warwickshire
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lan - 250
War - 68-5
In a remarkably similar game, also being played in the north, Lancashire have taken the upper hand, although this has been more of a team effort. Three batsmen made 40s and so far four different bowlers have taken wickets. Maddy seems to be the only one holding things together for Warwickshire after he took four wickets and is currently 16 not out.
Kent v Gloucestershire
Glo - 255
Ken - 119 - 6
Davies and Coles both picked up four wickets as Gloucestershire were eventually muscled out for 255, after Gidman and Young had both made 50s. Gidman (the younger) also took three wickets under leaden skys to give the visitors the advantage going into the weekend.
Nottinghamshire v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 162
Som - 78-1
A captain's innings to top all others came from Chris Read who scored an unbeaten 104 for Nottinghamshire. Strangely he was only on 58 when last man (playing his first match for Nottinghamshire) Gurney came to the crease. But the tail-ender hung on allowing Read to strike his way cleanly to his first century of the summer.
Trescothic injured his ankle in the field and Gregory, who was chosen to replace him at the top of the order didn't last long, but any possibility of a collapse were wiped away over the next hour as Suppiah moved to 50* at the early close.
Derbyshire v Leicestershire
Lei - 318-7
Sarwan and Cobb both scored 105 to take the visitors past 300, something of a rarity for almost every team in the country at the moment. Together the Leicestershire pair added 141 for the 4th wicket. However with two days gone, and prospect of more bad weather to come something major needs to happen if there is to be a result.
Surrey v Worcestershire
Worcestershire won the toss and decided to field.
Sur - 123-7
Worcestershire's decision to bowl yesterday morning appears to have been a good one, but with only 35 overs play so far there will need to be even more wickets tomorrow to move the game along. Richardson was the star with the ball taking 5 for 42 to leave Surrey in a bad position.
Middlesex v Durham
Durham won the toss and decided to field.
Mid - 132-5
Four and a half more overs were managed at Lord's but the game is less advanced despite Middlesex having been 2-3 and 28-4. Strauss got a second ball duck and the other three (of the top four) only scraped together 10 runs. But first Malan (35) and then Dexter (65*) improved the situation. Durham will look for more quick wickets in the morning but at the moment the game looks to be headed for a draw.
Friday, 20 April 2012
Thursday, 19 April 2012
County Championship Round 3 - Day 1
Rain dominated games across the whole country and could continue to do so over the weekend, but of the matches that did get underway most saw wickets tumbling once again. Three games failed to see any play at all. We begin at Trent Bridge where I managed to see most of the day's play.
Day 1
Nottinghamshire v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 93-6
After winning a good toss Trescothic saw his bowlers rip into Nottinghamshire's top order. Somerset are without Philander but Trego amply made up for his absence by taking 3 for 24 from his 12 overs so far. The start was delayed by rain but by lunch the hosts were already 20-4. After two lbw shouts were upheld Hales was caught behind for 9. Then off the last ball before lunch Patel got a thick edge and Suppiah took a stunning catch diving to his right at third slip.
After the break Taylor departed for 2 so the top five batsmen all failed to reac double figures. Read though began to make up for losing his third toss of the season and by the close stands unbeaten on 52. His innings has included 8 fours and a 6, pulled flat to the mid-wicket boundary. His side however are once again in big trouble and must hope to cause similar havoc in the Somerset innings when it comes.
Here are some of my pictures of the action from Trent Bridge.
Lancashire v Warwickshire
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lan - 125-5
Fielding first seems to be the only choice to make on winning the toss in these early season fixtures, but for a while Lancashire held the upper hand despite having been inserted. Late wickets however have evened the game up. Brown had made a steady 46 when he became the fourth victim with the score on 111, and soon after Maddy (2 for 11) had Croft caught to give Warwickshire the impetus going into day two.
Glamorgan v Hampshire
Glamorgan won the toss and decided to bat.
Gla - 103-9d
Ham - 29-1
Surprisingly Glamorgan bucked the trend and opted to bat first, but it didn't help their cause as they slumped to 103-9, where upon they surprisingly declared. Clearly they felt there was nothing more to be gained by batting on, and they would rather try and pick up some late wickets themselves. If that was the case then it worked because Adams was soon caught behind for 3. Hampshire have though moved on to 29-1 at the close.
Earlier Balcombe took 5 for 33 to help in the home side's demise.
Kent v Gloucestershire
Kent won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 131-6
54 overs were managed at Canterbury and Kent had the better of the play as Coles (3 for 37), Davies (2 for 19), and Sherck (1 for 46) all took wickets. A couple of batsmen have made starts but no one has yet made it to fifty and the visitors will now struggle to collects any batting bonus points.
Derbyshire v Leicestershire
Derbyshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lei - 24-1
Tony Palladino picked up the one wicket to fall as all bar 10.5 overs were lost to rain today. These midland rivals would have been looking forward to a good match, especially Derbyshire after winning their opening two games.
Surrey v Worcestershire
Worcestershire won the toss and decided to field.
No play due to rain.
Middlesex v Durham
Durham won the toss and decided to field.
No play due to rain.
Yorkshire v Essex
Toss not yet taken
No play due to rain.
Day 1
Nottinghamshire v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 93-6
After winning a good toss Trescothic saw his bowlers rip into Nottinghamshire's top order. Somerset are without Philander but Trego amply made up for his absence by taking 3 for 24 from his 12 overs so far. The start was delayed by rain but by lunch the hosts were already 20-4. After two lbw shouts were upheld Hales was caught behind for 9. Then off the last ball before lunch Patel got a thick edge and Suppiah took a stunning catch diving to his right at third slip.
After the break Taylor departed for 2 so the top five batsmen all failed to reac double figures. Read though began to make up for losing his third toss of the season and by the close stands unbeaten on 52. His innings has included 8 fours and a 6, pulled flat to the mid-wicket boundary. His side however are once again in big trouble and must hope to cause similar havoc in the Somerset innings when it comes.
Here are some of my pictures of the action from Trent Bridge.
Lancashire v Warwickshire
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lan - 125-5
Fielding first seems to be the only choice to make on winning the toss in these early season fixtures, but for a while Lancashire held the upper hand despite having been inserted. Late wickets however have evened the game up. Brown had made a steady 46 when he became the fourth victim with the score on 111, and soon after Maddy (2 for 11) had Croft caught to give Warwickshire the impetus going into day two.
Glamorgan v Hampshire
Glamorgan won the toss and decided to bat.
Gla - 103-9d
Ham - 29-1
Surprisingly Glamorgan bucked the trend and opted to bat first, but it didn't help their cause as they slumped to 103-9, where upon they surprisingly declared. Clearly they felt there was nothing more to be gained by batting on, and they would rather try and pick up some late wickets themselves. If that was the case then it worked because Adams was soon caught behind for 3. Hampshire have though moved on to 29-1 at the close.
Earlier Balcombe took 5 for 33 to help in the home side's demise.
Kent v Gloucestershire
Kent won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 131-6
54 overs were managed at Canterbury and Kent had the better of the play as Coles (3 for 37), Davies (2 for 19), and Sherck (1 for 46) all took wickets. A couple of batsmen have made starts but no one has yet made it to fifty and the visitors will now struggle to collects any batting bonus points.
Derbyshire v Leicestershire
Derbyshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lei - 24-1
Tony Palladino picked up the one wicket to fall as all bar 10.5 overs were lost to rain today. These midland rivals would have been looking forward to a good match, especially Derbyshire after winning their opening two games.
Surrey v Worcestershire
Worcestershire won the toss and decided to field.
No play due to rain.
Middlesex v Durham
Durham won the toss and decided to field.
No play due to rain.
Yorkshire v Essex
Toss not yet taken
No play due to rain.
Sunday, 15 April 2012
County Championship Round 2 - Day 4
An astonishing day saw games swing sharply and several close finishes. Some pitches are coming under question, but at the end of the day teams who throw away winning positions can only blame themselves. All seven matches this week produced results, here is the final round up and tables.
Day 4
Warwickshire v Somerset - Warwickshire win by 2 wickets
Som - 147 & 354
War - 243 & 262-8
Warwickshire pulled off a dramatic win after having seemingly blown their great overnight position. Porterfield scored 84, but when he was caught behind with the score on 197-5 he set off a collapse that ended with the home side teetering on 207-8, still requiring a further 52 runs. Troughton (15), the last recognised batsman, took the defensive approach, but Patel (43) went on the attack, and together they turned the game back to Warwickshire.
So they finished with 20 points, while Somerset only got 3.
Durham v Nottinghamshire - Nottinghamshire win by 114 runs
Not - 161 & 335
Dur - 129 & 253
Nottinghamshire eventually wrapped up their win over Durham, but not before Onions (28*) and Claydon (55) had put on 73 for the last wicket, taking the home side to within 115 runs of victory. The win means that Nottinghamshire are the only team in Division One to have won both of their opening matches, as they take another 19 points, but Durham pick up just 3.
Hampshire v Gloucestershire - Gloucestershire win by 33 runs
Glo - 314 & 174
Ham - 199 & 256
Gloucestershire scrambled over the line with three late wickets to stop Hampshire's charge for victory. A partnership of 56 had taken the home side from 190-7 to 246-8, needing only a further 43 runs, but the final two wickets fell quickly as the visitors wrapped up their first win. They took 22 points but Hampshire only got 3 from their opening match.
Middlesex v Surrey - Middlesex win by 3 runs
Mid - 256 & 106
Sur - 222 & 137
Middlesex pulled off a seemingly impossible victory as Murtagh and Roland-Jones took four wickets apiece to decimate the Surrey order and win by the narrowest of margins. Hamilton-Brown scored 63 but couldn't take the visitors over the line. Middlesex therefore collect 21 points, while Surrey only have 3.
Tables
Division 1
Division 2
The next round of matches will begin on Thursday, 19th April.
Day 3
Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire - Match drawn
Wor - 464-7 & 34-4
Oxf - 435 (Coleman 110)
Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU - Match drawn
L/B - 211 & 189
Yor - 135 & 91-2
Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire - Match drawn
Lei - 320 & 141-6d
Lou - 158 & 122-3
Day 4
Warwickshire v Somerset - Warwickshire win by 2 wickets
Som - 147 & 354
War - 243 & 262-8
Warwickshire pulled off a dramatic win after having seemingly blown their great overnight position. Porterfield scored 84, but when he was caught behind with the score on 197-5 he set off a collapse that ended with the home side teetering on 207-8, still requiring a further 52 runs. Troughton (15), the last recognised batsman, took the defensive approach, but Patel (43) went on the attack, and together they turned the game back to Warwickshire.
So they finished with 20 points, while Somerset only got 3.
Durham v Nottinghamshire - Nottinghamshire win by 114 runs
Not - 161 & 335
Dur - 129 & 253
Nottinghamshire eventually wrapped up their win over Durham, but not before Onions (28*) and Claydon (55) had put on 73 for the last wicket, taking the home side to within 115 runs of victory. The win means that Nottinghamshire are the only team in Division One to have won both of their opening matches, as they take another 19 points, but Durham pick up just 3.
Hampshire v Gloucestershire - Gloucestershire win by 33 runs
Glo - 314 & 174
Ham - 199 & 256
Gloucestershire scrambled over the line with three late wickets to stop Hampshire's charge for victory. A partnership of 56 had taken the home side from 190-7 to 246-8, needing only a further 43 runs, but the final two wickets fell quickly as the visitors wrapped up their first win. They took 22 points but Hampshire only got 3 from their opening match.
Middlesex v Surrey - Middlesex win by 3 runs
Mid - 256 & 106
Sur - 222 & 137
Middlesex pulled off a seemingly impossible victory as Murtagh and Roland-Jones took four wickets apiece to decimate the Surrey order and win by the narrowest of margins. Hamilton-Brown scored 63 but couldn't take the visitors over the line. Middlesex therefore collect 21 points, while Surrey only have 3.
Tables
Division 1
| Team | Played | Points | |
| 1 | Nottinghamshire | 2 | 38 |
| 2 | Somerset | 2 | 25 |
| 3 | Sussex | 2 | 25 |
| 4 | Surrey | 2 | 24 |
| 5 | Middlesex | 2 | 24 |
| 6 | Warwickshire | 1 | 20 |
| 7 | Durham | 1 | 3 |
| 8 | Lancashire | 1 | 3 |
| 9 | Worcestershire | 1 | 3 |
Division 2
| Team | Played | Points | |
| 1 | Derbyshire | 2 | 39 |
| 2 | Kent | 2 | 33 |
| 3 | Gloucestershire | 2 | 25 |
| 4 | Essex | 1 | 23 |
| 5 | Leicestershire | 1 | 15 |
| 6 | Yorkshire | 1 | 9 |
| 7 | Northamptonshire | 2 | 7 |
| 8 | Glamorgan | 2 | 5 |
| 9 | Hampshire | 1 | 3 |
The next round of matches will begin on Thursday, 19th April.
Day 3
Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire - Match drawn
Wor - 464-7 & 34-4
Oxf - 435 (Coleman 110)
Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU - Match drawn
L/B - 211 & 189
Yor - 135 & 91-2
Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire - Match drawn
Lei - 320 & 141-6d
Lou - 158 & 122-3
Saturday, 14 April 2012
County Championship Round 2 - Day 3
Three matches were completed today, all by some margin, and a few teams are already starting to show their dominance, while others seem slightly lacking in spirit. Here's today's round up.
Day 3
Northamptonshire v Kent - Kent win by an innings and 4 runs
Nor - 132 & 116
Ken - 368
Northamptonshire's poor start to the season continues as they failed to pass 150 for the third time in four innings. This though was there worst score yet, mainly brought on by Coles who took 6 for 51.
Kent will be pleased with their bowling after they only drew last week, this time though, they've gone one better and picked up 23 points, while Northamptonshire only got 2.
Lancashire v Sussex - Sussex win by 10 wickets
Lan - 124 & 176
Sus - 300 & 4-0
Lancashire lose their first match, while Sussex win their first (after losing last week). The visitors needed only one to complete the victory, which they got when Joyce knocked the third ball of the first over for four. This was after the Champions failed again to reach 200, as only Prince (58) passed the half-century mark. Man of the match goes to Magoffin who finished with figures of 7 for 34 to add to his two wickets in the first innings.
Sussex take 22 points to Lancashire's 3.
Glamorgan v Derbyshire - Derbyshire win by 130 runs
Der - 130 & 197
Gla - 95 & 102
Glamorgan made a surprisingly good start to their second innings reaching 59 before losing their fist wicket. After that though the rest of the batsmen collapsed as Clare (6 for 40) and Palladino (3 for 29) ran through the home side, the ten wickets falling for just 43.
Derbyshire have made a remarkably good start to the season with their second win, while Glamorgan have now played two, lost two. They take 3 points, but Derbyshire take 19.
Warwickshire v Somerset
Som - 147 & 354
War - 243 & 123-2
Compton (133) has helped Somerset back into the game despite their poor first innings. The visitors left Warwickshire 259 to win as the day was dominated by a stand of 167 between Compton and Buttler (93). Warwickshire however, have stuck to their task and at the close only require a further 136 runs for victory. Don't count Somerset out yet though, they won't go down without a fight.
Durham v Nottinghamshire
Not - 161 & 335
Dur - 129 & 203-9
Nottinghamshire are on the brink of victory at Durham, although they probably should already have completed it. Late runs from the home side have pushed this game into the fourth day. After a quick-fire 80 from Mustard all of the bottom five have reached double figures, something only one of the top five managed. Adams has taken four wickets, but all of the other five bowlers have also taken one each. Durham still require another 165 runs, so it is almost certain the visitors will secure the victory tomorrow morning.
Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Glo - 314 & 129-5
Ham - 199
More bad weather plagued this match but when play did eventually begin Gloucestershire wrapped up the Hampshire innings and denied them a batting bonus point in the process. The game is finely balanced, but a draw looks the most likely result, especially if more rain comes tomorrow.
Middlesex v Surrey
Mid - 256 & 106
Sur - 222
Yesterday I said something dramatic would have to happen for this match to produce a victor, and it has happened. Middlesex may have had a first innings lead, but Surrey took control of the London derby as the home side were rolled over for just 106 second time around. Lewis took five wickets to put Surrey in the driving seat.
The visitors did try to make things harder for themselves by slipping to 22-3 and 68-4, but an unbeaten 51 from Hamilton-Brown has left Middlesex staring at a second straight defeat. Surrey need just 46 more runs to win.
Day 2
Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire
Wor - 464-7 (Klinger 120)
Oxf - 213-3
Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU
L/B - 211 & 127-6
Yor - 135
Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire
Lei - 320 & 2-0
Lou - 158
Day 3
Northamptonshire v Kent - Kent win by an innings and 4 runs
Nor - 132 & 116
Ken - 368
Northamptonshire's poor start to the season continues as they failed to pass 150 for the third time in four innings. This though was there worst score yet, mainly brought on by Coles who took 6 for 51.
Kent will be pleased with their bowling after they only drew last week, this time though, they've gone one better and picked up 23 points, while Northamptonshire only got 2.
Lancashire v Sussex - Sussex win by 10 wickets
Lan - 124 & 176
Sus - 300 & 4-0
Lancashire lose their first match, while Sussex win their first (after losing last week). The visitors needed only one to complete the victory, which they got when Joyce knocked the third ball of the first over for four. This was after the Champions failed again to reach 200, as only Prince (58) passed the half-century mark. Man of the match goes to Magoffin who finished with figures of 7 for 34 to add to his two wickets in the first innings.
Sussex take 22 points to Lancashire's 3.
Glamorgan v Derbyshire - Derbyshire win by 130 runs
Der - 130 & 197
Gla - 95 & 102
Glamorgan made a surprisingly good start to their second innings reaching 59 before losing their fist wicket. After that though the rest of the batsmen collapsed as Clare (6 for 40) and Palladino (3 for 29) ran through the home side, the ten wickets falling for just 43.
Derbyshire have made a remarkably good start to the season with their second win, while Glamorgan have now played two, lost two. They take 3 points, but Derbyshire take 19.
Warwickshire v Somerset
Som - 147 & 354
War - 243 & 123-2
Compton (133) has helped Somerset back into the game despite their poor first innings. The visitors left Warwickshire 259 to win as the day was dominated by a stand of 167 between Compton and Buttler (93). Warwickshire however, have stuck to their task and at the close only require a further 136 runs for victory. Don't count Somerset out yet though, they won't go down without a fight.
Durham v Nottinghamshire
Not - 161 & 335
Dur - 129 & 203-9
Nottinghamshire are on the brink of victory at Durham, although they probably should already have completed it. Late runs from the home side have pushed this game into the fourth day. After a quick-fire 80 from Mustard all of the bottom five have reached double figures, something only one of the top five managed. Adams has taken four wickets, but all of the other five bowlers have also taken one each. Durham still require another 165 runs, so it is almost certain the visitors will secure the victory tomorrow morning.
Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Glo - 314 & 129-5
Ham - 199
More bad weather plagued this match but when play did eventually begin Gloucestershire wrapped up the Hampshire innings and denied them a batting bonus point in the process. The game is finely balanced, but a draw looks the most likely result, especially if more rain comes tomorrow.
Middlesex v Surrey
Mid - 256 & 106
Sur - 222
Yesterday I said something dramatic would have to happen for this match to produce a victor, and it has happened. Middlesex may have had a first innings lead, but Surrey took control of the London derby as the home side were rolled over for just 106 second time around. Lewis took five wickets to put Surrey in the driving seat.
The visitors did try to make things harder for themselves by slipping to 22-3 and 68-4, but an unbeaten 51 from Hamilton-Brown has left Middlesex staring at a second straight defeat. Surrey need just 46 more runs to win.
Day 2
Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire
Wor - 464-7 (Klinger 120)
Oxf - 213-3
Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU
L/B - 211 & 127-6
Yor - 135
Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire
Lei - 320 & 2-0
Lou - 158
Friday, 13 April 2012
County Championship Round 2 - Day 2
Five games moved into their third innings today although there was some better batting. There has been a remarkable amount of play despite it still only being the second week of April, and praise must go to the dedicated ground staff around the country. We begin in Cardiff, where wickets have continued to tumble.
Day 1
Glamorgan v Derbyshire
Der - 130 & 152-6
Gla - 95
Derbyshire somehow managed to force at 35 run lead on the first innings by bowling the home side out for just 95. Clare took 5 for 17 off eight overs. More wickets were to come though as the visitors found batting no easier second time round, falling to 97-6 before Wainwright (30*) and Clare (40*) came to their rescure.
Lancashire v Sussex
Lan - 124 & 85-4
Sus - 300
The reigning champions are in a precarious position overnight after Yardy put in a true Captain's innings of 110 to help Sussex to a lead of 176. Magoffin has taken three wickets so far in the second innings and Monty Panesar one and both will be looking for more tomorrow as the visitors look to possibly seal victory by an innings.
Warwickshire v Somerset
Som - 147 & 127-4
War - 243
Warwickshire will be disappointed not to have built up a bigger first innings lead despite a stand of 47 for the last wicket. Compton has since gone on to 61* for Somerset as the visitors ease their way back into this match.
Durham v Nottinghamshire
Not - 161 & 231-4
Dur - 129
Durham were skittled on the second day as Nottinghamshire used only 4 of their 6 potential bowlers. Phillips took four wickets and Adams and Carter three apiece, to wrap up the innings. The visitors, as in their first game last week, are batting better in their second innings, Lumb currently the top scorer with 104* to his name, as Nottinghamshire move in to a healthy position.
Northamptonshire v Kent
Nor - 132 & 50-4
Ken - 368
Northamptonshire look set to lose their second match already after Powell (128) put Kent in a fantastic position. Brooks was the only bowler for the home side to threaten as he took five wickets. Kent though were soon back among the top order reducing the home side to 25-4. Sales (31*) has steadied the ship but must look to bat for much of tomorrow if Northamptonshire are to salvage anything.
Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 314
Ham - 182-7
Gloucestershire hold the upper hand after two days in Southampton. Opener Dent finished with 114, his highest first class score, and then took three catches as Gidman and Saxelby picked up three wickets each. Hampshire will try to pick up a batting bonus point in the morning and then hope to bowl better to keep themselves in the match.
Middlesex v Surrey
Mid - 256
Sur - 161-5
Surrey plodded along today, as this game remained firmly in the balance. Indeed things will need to speed up or change dramatically tomorrow for a winner to be found on Sunday. The visitor's innings began well with Rudolph (45) and Davis (62) putting on 85 for the first wicket, but after that Middlesex picked up regular wickets.
Day 1
Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire
Wor - 323-5 (Klinger 120)
Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU
L/B - 211
Yor - 80-6
Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire
Lei - 302-7
Day 1
Glamorgan v Derbyshire
Der - 130 & 152-6
Gla - 95
Derbyshire somehow managed to force at 35 run lead on the first innings by bowling the home side out for just 95. Clare took 5 for 17 off eight overs. More wickets were to come though as the visitors found batting no easier second time round, falling to 97-6 before Wainwright (30*) and Clare (40*) came to their rescure.
Lancashire v Sussex
Lan - 124 & 85-4
Sus - 300
The reigning champions are in a precarious position overnight after Yardy put in a true Captain's innings of 110 to help Sussex to a lead of 176. Magoffin has taken three wickets so far in the second innings and Monty Panesar one and both will be looking for more tomorrow as the visitors look to possibly seal victory by an innings.
Warwickshire v Somerset
Som - 147 & 127-4
War - 243
Warwickshire will be disappointed not to have built up a bigger first innings lead despite a stand of 47 for the last wicket. Compton has since gone on to 61* for Somerset as the visitors ease their way back into this match.
Durham v Nottinghamshire
Not - 161 & 231-4
Dur - 129
Durham were skittled on the second day as Nottinghamshire used only 4 of their 6 potential bowlers. Phillips took four wickets and Adams and Carter three apiece, to wrap up the innings. The visitors, as in their first game last week, are batting better in their second innings, Lumb currently the top scorer with 104* to his name, as Nottinghamshire move in to a healthy position.
Northamptonshire v Kent
Nor - 132 & 50-4
Ken - 368
Northamptonshire look set to lose their second match already after Powell (128) put Kent in a fantastic position. Brooks was the only bowler for the home side to threaten as he took five wickets. Kent though were soon back among the top order reducing the home side to 25-4. Sales (31*) has steadied the ship but must look to bat for much of tomorrow if Northamptonshire are to salvage anything.
Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 314
Ham - 182-7
Gloucestershire hold the upper hand after two days in Southampton. Opener Dent finished with 114, his highest first class score, and then took three catches as Gidman and Saxelby picked up three wickets each. Hampshire will try to pick up a batting bonus point in the morning and then hope to bowl better to keep themselves in the match.
Middlesex v Surrey
Mid - 256
Sur - 161-5
Surrey plodded along today, as this game remained firmly in the balance. Indeed things will need to speed up or change dramatically tomorrow for a winner to be found on Sunday. The visitor's innings began well with Rudolph (45) and Davis (62) putting on 85 for the first wicket, but after that Middlesex picked up regular wickets.
Day 1
Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire
Wor - 323-5 (Klinger 120)
Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU
L/B - 211
Yor - 80-6
Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire
Lei - 302-7
Thursday, 12 April 2012
County Championship Round 2 - Day 1
Wickets were tumbling left, right and centre this morning as the second round of Championship Cricket got under way. Indeed by lunch time 25 wickets had fallen across the seven games being played, and it didn't stop there. Only two teams batting at the start of the day are not all out overnight.
We start at Liverpool where Lancashire were beginning their title defence, having not played last week.
Day 1
Lancashire v Sussex
Sussex won the toss and decided to field.
Lan - 124
Sus - 137-3
Croft's innings of 50 was the only one of note as Lancashire were skittled in just over fifty overs, making a bad start to their season. For the visitors Anyon picked up five wickets, at an economy rate of just 2.51.
Lancashire, though, hit back immediately to leave Sussex 15-3. However if the local supporters were hoping for a complete turn in fortune it wasn't to be as Joyce (48*) and Yardy (70*) took their team beyond Lancashire's score and into a very strong position early in this game.
Warwickshire v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to bat.
Som - 147
War - 111-3
Runs down the order half saved Somerset's innings after they found themselves 95-8. For once the great run machine that is the Somerset top order failed, leaving it up to players like Philander, who made 38 including hitting two sixes to lift the visitors.
Somerset also picked up wickets to have Warwickshire on 58-3, but, in a similar fashion to Sussex, Chopra (40*) and Maddy (24*) took the home side to 111-3 at the close.
Glamorgan v Derbyshire
Derbyshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Der - 130
Gla - 37-4
Derbyshire were left feeling foolish for batting first in Cardiff when they collapsed to a meagre 130 all out, as Wagg (6 for 44) ran through them. However more late wickets have reduced the home side to just 37-4 in reply, with no batsman having reached double figures yet.
Durham v Nottinghamshire
Durham won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 161
Dur - 55-3
Rain and bad light affected the first day in Durham, where the hosts won an important toss and made full use of it by dismissing Nottinghamshire inside 60 overs. Taylor top scored with 32 while for Durham Onions picked up four wickets and Claydon three. But once again, in difficult evening conditions wickets fell quickly. The home side were 33-3, but managed to reach the close without further losses. Adams currently has figures of 7o-3m-8r-2w.
Northamptonshire v Kent
Northamptonshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Nor - 132
Ken - 127-3
The same pattern can be seen at Northampton too, where the home side were knocked over for 132 before taking three wickets themselves. Ben Harmison was run out for 46, but Nash is 40* at the close and will look to kick on in the morning to take the game away from Northamptonshire.
Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 195-4
For a while it looked as though things were going the same way when Gloucestershire were on 87-4, but then an unbeaten partnership of 108 between Dent (59*) and Cockbain (52*) put to shame all the other batsmen around the country. Again rain and bad light restricted the number of overs, but the visitors will hope to go on tomorrow to post a high score.
Middlesex v Surrey
Surrey won the toss and decided to field.
Mid - 225-9
The match swayed throughout the day between the London rivals, who are also the two promoted teams from last season. Middlesex made a relatively good start, but soon wickets were falling as Dernbach (3 for 33) made inroads. However from 129-7 Middlesex recovered as Malan (62*) helped the home side past 200. Surrey, who won their opening match will be disappointed not to have taken all ten wickets today.
We start at Liverpool where Lancashire were beginning their title defence, having not played last week.
Day 1
Lancashire v Sussex
Sussex won the toss and decided to field.
Lan - 124
Sus - 137-3
Croft's innings of 50 was the only one of note as Lancashire were skittled in just over fifty overs, making a bad start to their season. For the visitors Anyon picked up five wickets, at an economy rate of just 2.51.
Lancashire, though, hit back immediately to leave Sussex 15-3. However if the local supporters were hoping for a complete turn in fortune it wasn't to be as Joyce (48*) and Yardy (70*) took their team beyond Lancashire's score and into a very strong position early in this game.
Warwickshire v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to bat.
Som - 147
War - 111-3
Runs down the order half saved Somerset's innings after they found themselves 95-8. For once the great run machine that is the Somerset top order failed, leaving it up to players like Philander, who made 38 including hitting two sixes to lift the visitors.
Somerset also picked up wickets to have Warwickshire on 58-3, but, in a similar fashion to Sussex, Chopra (40*) and Maddy (24*) took the home side to 111-3 at the close.
Glamorgan v Derbyshire
Derbyshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Der - 130
Gla - 37-4
Derbyshire were left feeling foolish for batting first in Cardiff when they collapsed to a meagre 130 all out, as Wagg (6 for 44) ran through them. However more late wickets have reduced the home side to just 37-4 in reply, with no batsman having reached double figures yet.
Durham v Nottinghamshire
Durham won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 161
Dur - 55-3
Rain and bad light affected the first day in Durham, where the hosts won an important toss and made full use of it by dismissing Nottinghamshire inside 60 overs. Taylor top scored with 32 while for Durham Onions picked up four wickets and Claydon three. But once again, in difficult evening conditions wickets fell quickly. The home side were 33-3, but managed to reach the close without further losses. Adams currently has figures of 7o-3m-8r-2w.
Northamptonshire v Kent
Northamptonshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Nor - 132
Ken - 127-3
The same pattern can be seen at Northampton too, where the home side were knocked over for 132 before taking three wickets themselves. Ben Harmison was run out for 46, but Nash is 40* at the close and will look to kick on in the morning to take the game away from Northamptonshire.
Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 195-4
For a while it looked as though things were going the same way when Gloucestershire were on 87-4, but then an unbeaten partnership of 108 between Dent (59*) and Cockbain (52*) put to shame all the other batsmen around the country. Again rain and bad light restricted the number of overs, but the visitors will hope to go on tomorrow to post a high score.
Middlesex v Surrey
Surrey won the toss and decided to field.
Mid - 225-9
The match swayed throughout the day between the London rivals, who are also the two promoted teams from last season. Middlesex made a relatively good start, but soon wickets were falling as Dernbach (3 for 33) made inroads. However from 129-7 Middlesex recovered as Malan (62*) helped the home side past 200. Surrey, who won their opening match will be disappointed not to have taken all ten wickets today.
Tuesday, 10 April 2012
Overseas signings
Here is a run down of the overseas players the clubs have signed for this season. It is interesting to note that almost all of the clubs have found it hard to tie down the player they want for a whole season, and many have not managed to secure the services of players from previous years. Continuity from season to season and over a year can be crucial. But international commitments and the IPL will always come first for these stars.
Usman Khawaja (Australia, 14 June until end of season)
Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (Pakistan, for Twenty20)
Mitchell Johnson (Australia, for Twenty20)
Peter Siddle (Australia, for Twenty20)
Marcus North (Australia, from early May)
Gloucestershire
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka, for Twenty20)
Kane Williamson (New Zealand, 26 April to the end of T20)
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan, for Twenty20)
Kent
Brendan Nash (West Indies)
Leicestershire
Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies, subject to international clearance)
Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan, for Twenty20)
Cameron White (Australia, for Twenty20)
Chris Gayle (West Indies, for Twenty20)
Albie Morkel (South Africa, for Twenty20)
Murali Kartik (India, after IPL finishes)
Dirk Nannes (Australia, for Twenty20)
Steve Magoffin (Australia, first half of season)
Warwickshire
Jeetan Patel (New Zealand)
Philip Hughes (Australia, from late May)
Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan, for Twenty20)
Derbyshire
Martin Guptill (New Zealand, until 12 June) Usman Khawaja (Australia, 14 June until end of season)
Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (Pakistan, for Twenty20)
Durham
Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa, for Twenty20)Mitchell Johnson (Australia, for Twenty20)
Essex
Alviro Petersen (South Africa, until mid-June) Peter Siddle (Australia, for Twenty20)
Glamorgan
Moises Henriques (Australia, early part of season)Marcus North (Australia, from early May)
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka, for Twenty20)
Kane Williamson (New Zealand, 26 April to the end of T20)
Hampshire
Simon Katich (Australia)Shahid Afridi (Pakistan, for Twenty20)
Brendan Nash (West Indies)
Lancashire
Ashwell Prince (South Africa)Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies, subject to international clearance)
Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan, for Twenty20)
Middlesex
Chris Rogers (Australia)
Northamptonshire
Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka)Cameron White (Australia, for Twenty20)
Nottinghamshire
Adam Voges (Australia, 25 May until the end of the season)
Somerset
Vernon Philander (South Africa, April-May)Chris Gayle (West Indies, for Twenty20)
Albie Morkel (South Africa, for Twenty20)
Surrey
Jacques Rudolph (South Africa, first part of season)Murali Kartik (India, after IPL finishes)
Dirk Nannes (Australia, for Twenty20)
Sussex
Scott Styris (New Zealand, for Twenty20)Steve Magoffin (Australia, first half of season)
Jeetan Patel (New Zealand)
Worcestershire
Michael Klinger (Australia, start of season until late May)Philip Hughes (Australia, from late May)
Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan, for Twenty20)
Yorkshire
TBC
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