Runs were again the order of the day as four teams made it past 400 and two past 500. Despite this most matches remain ballanced, although our first one, certainly isn't.
Day 2
Warwickshire v Lancashire
War - 557-6d
Lan - 61-5
Warwickshire went on to their highest innings score of the summer so far, while last years Champions could only take 6 wickets. After Ambrose was dismissed for 96, Clarke went on to make 123 not out as the home side just kept batting and batting.
When Lancashire finally came out though it was a different story. Maybe they were demoralised after fielding for so long but it is difficult to explain how they are already five down. The openers had taken them to 31 for no loss but then disaster struck as four wickets fell for nine runs, and Proctor followed soon after. Prince is still there on 14, but he will need to have a wonder innings to dig the visitors out of this huge hole.
Surrey v Somerset
Som - 512-9d
Sur - 286-6
Surrey are still 76 runs short of the follow on after Somerset posted a huge total to take control of this game. Late runs from last batsman, Overton (34*), lifted the visitors past 500 to put Surrey under real pressure. The same Overton (there are two) then bowled Rudolf for one, but Davies batted well to score 104. Maynard is currently 63 not out and the home side will look to him to put on more runs in the morning.
Yorkshire v Hampshire
Ham - 427
Yor - 100-3
Katich fell four runs short of his double-ton, but Bates went on to 103 to put Hampshire firmly in front. In reply Yorkshire made a bad start, losing Lyth, Root and Gale all for single figure scores. However Jaques (59*) and Ballance (26*) batted sensibly to take the home side to the close without further trouble.
Kent v Northamptonshire
Nor - 418
Ken - 123-3
Sale's 140 plus good runs from the lower order took Northamptonshire past four hundred, although they only picked up two batting points due to a very slow rate for most of the innings. Key then made 48 before he was the third man to go, as part of a two wicket collapse, that saw Kent slip from 101-1 to 102-3. This game is finely poised but hopefully tomorrow will speed up to give an indication which way it will go.
Leicestershire v Essex
Lei - 372
Ess - 239-5
Masters finished with 6 for 82 as Essex fought back well at Grace Road. Hoggard took two early wickets but 81 from Westley and 57 from Pettini helped the visitors to 190 before White removed both of them. Between them Wheater was caught behind off Buck as the game evened out once more.
Derbyshire v Glamorgan
Gla - 236
Der - 335-5
Derbyshire moved into a commanding position with Guptill (132) and Madsen (122*) putting on 170 together. North took three wickets for Glamorgan but the day was a tough one for the home side as Derbyshire have built up a 99 run lead already.
Worcestershire v Sussex
Sus - 315
Wor - 231-7
Fouties from Brown, Arif and Magoffin helped Sussex above 300 and put Worcestershire under more pressure than they should have been. All of the home side's 'out' batsmen have reached double figures but only Ali (85) has passed 34 to leave them slightly beehind the game once again. They will hope to inflict a similar morning's session on Sussex as they received and try to add lower order runs to level the game.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Wednesday, 16 May 2012
County Championship Round 7 - Day 1
Batting was better all round with only one team failing to bat all day, and several only losing half their wickets. There have been several century makers but pickings have been slim for the bowlers. With a mostly dry forecast we can hopefully look forward to some exciting contests.
Day 1
Surrey v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to bat.
Som - 441-5
Suppiah (106) and Hildreth (120) put Somerset in a commanding position with help from Compton (83). They have scored at an incredible rate of 4.6 per over but Surrey have still only been able to take five wickets, one of which was a run out, while three were lbws suggesting that there is something in the pitch for the bowlers.
It is unusual for a team to be so much on the back foot after one day but Surrey will have to fight hard now to avoid defeat.
Kent v Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire won the toss and decided to bat.
244-4
Slow and steady was the rule for Northamptonshire's batsmen as they inched along at just above 2.5 runs per over. Sales has been the outstanding player with 104 not out to his name. The visitors were in some trouble at 87-4 but Sales and Middlebrook (57*) have seen them through more than half the day to close slightly in front.
Kent's bowlers kept it tight but will be disappointed not to have taken more wickets after such a good start.
Leicestershire v Essex
Leicestershire won the toss and decided to bat.
Lei - 325-5
Leicestershire had one of their best days with the bat so far this season, although it began badly. Jefferson, playing in his first match this year, was caught off the first ball, and was soon followed by Boyce and Smith, to leave the score on 29-3. Sarwan (117) and Cobb (80) came to the rescue, compiling a stand worth 216 in 60 overs to put the home side back in front. Masters, though, came back to remove both of them as he finished the day with figures of 4 for 57, easily the best from Essex's bowlers. However, White and Eckersley have taken Leicestershire on to a good overnight score and a position they will look to strengthen in the morning.
Worcestershire v Sussex
Sussex won the toss and decided to bat.
Sus - 283-8
Lower order runs saved Sussex from being bowled out on day one as wickets fell in clusters throughout the sessions. Nash (84) gave Sussex a good start and took them to 109-1 before being caught. He was almost immediately followed by Goodwin though, a pattern that followed, with three wickets falling between 153 and 167. Then Brown (42) and Arif (46), who had rescued the visitors somewhat, were both dismissed within 5 runs, to set them back again.
As it stands the game is evenly poised, but the morning session could swing the ballance. If Sussex bat on past 300, then they will take the impetus, but if Worcestershire can wrap up the innings swiftly then they should have the upper hand.
Warwickshire v Lancashire
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to bat.
War - 289-4
Lancashire again lacked prowess in the bowling department as Warwickshire made another fine start to a match. Chopra (113) and Westwood (70) put on 168 for the first wicket to lauch the home side into a strong position. Wickets fell regularly thereafter and the visitors did manage to restrict the scoring but Warwickshire will be very pleased with their day overall.
Derbyshire v Glamorgan
Glamorgan won the toss and decided to bat.
Gla - 236
Der - 22-0
Glamorgan were the only side to be dismissed today, despite having chosen to bat. North scored 79, but his was the only innings of note as almost all the Derbyshire bowlers chipped in to leave them well placed, especially as they survived the 8 overs till the close.
Yorkshire v Hampshire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Ham - 352-5
Hampshire were another team to make hay with the bat, although they too struggled in the morning. Yorkshire nipped out the openers within six overs and by lunch the visitors were four down. Katich, though, was not going to be removed so easily. With Bates (88*) to partner him, the seasoned Australian made 180 not out and will look to turn that into a double-hundred tomorrow as Hampshire try to press their advantage. Yorkshire will want more early wickets to prevent that, but they are already well behind in this game.
Day 1
Surrey v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to bat.
Som - 441-5
Suppiah (106) and Hildreth (120) put Somerset in a commanding position with help from Compton (83). They have scored at an incredible rate of 4.6 per over but Surrey have still only been able to take five wickets, one of which was a run out, while three were lbws suggesting that there is something in the pitch for the bowlers.
It is unusual for a team to be so much on the back foot after one day but Surrey will have to fight hard now to avoid defeat.
Kent v Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire won the toss and decided to bat.
244-4
Slow and steady was the rule for Northamptonshire's batsmen as they inched along at just above 2.5 runs per over. Sales has been the outstanding player with 104 not out to his name. The visitors were in some trouble at 87-4 but Sales and Middlebrook (57*) have seen them through more than half the day to close slightly in front.
Kent's bowlers kept it tight but will be disappointed not to have taken more wickets after such a good start.
Leicestershire v Essex
Leicestershire won the toss and decided to bat.
Lei - 325-5
Leicestershire had one of their best days with the bat so far this season, although it began badly. Jefferson, playing in his first match this year, was caught off the first ball, and was soon followed by Boyce and Smith, to leave the score on 29-3. Sarwan (117) and Cobb (80) came to the rescue, compiling a stand worth 216 in 60 overs to put the home side back in front. Masters, though, came back to remove both of them as he finished the day with figures of 4 for 57, easily the best from Essex's bowlers. However, White and Eckersley have taken Leicestershire on to a good overnight score and a position they will look to strengthen in the morning.
Worcestershire v Sussex
Sussex won the toss and decided to bat.
Sus - 283-8
Lower order runs saved Sussex from being bowled out on day one as wickets fell in clusters throughout the sessions. Nash (84) gave Sussex a good start and took them to 109-1 before being caught. He was almost immediately followed by Goodwin though, a pattern that followed, with three wickets falling between 153 and 167. Then Brown (42) and Arif (46), who had rescued the visitors somewhat, were both dismissed within 5 runs, to set them back again.
As it stands the game is evenly poised, but the morning session could swing the ballance. If Sussex bat on past 300, then they will take the impetus, but if Worcestershire can wrap up the innings swiftly then they should have the upper hand.
Warwickshire v Lancashire
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to bat.
War - 289-4
Lancashire again lacked prowess in the bowling department as Warwickshire made another fine start to a match. Chopra (113) and Westwood (70) put on 168 for the first wicket to lauch the home side into a strong position. Wickets fell regularly thereafter and the visitors did manage to restrict the scoring but Warwickshire will be very pleased with their day overall.
Derbyshire v Glamorgan
Glamorgan won the toss and decided to bat.
Gla - 236
Der - 22-0
Glamorgan were the only side to be dismissed today, despite having chosen to bat. North scored 79, but his was the only innings of note as almost all the Derbyshire bowlers chipped in to leave them well placed, especially as they survived the 8 overs till the close.
Yorkshire v Hampshire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Ham - 352-5
Hampshire were another team to make hay with the bat, although they too struggled in the morning. Yorkshire nipped out the openers within six overs and by lunch the visitors were four down. Katich, though, was not going to be removed so easily. With Bates (88*) to partner him, the seasoned Australian made 180 not out and will look to turn that into a double-hundred tomorrow as Hampshire try to press their advantage. Yorkshire will want more early wickets to prevent that, but they are already well behind in this game.
Monday, 14 May 2012
Pro40 Cricket and Tables - 14th May
Just the one game today with Middlesex the first team to travel to the Netherlands, who have begun with two wins in two.
Netherlands v Middlesex - Middlesex win by 8 wickets
Middlesex won the toss and decided to field
Net - 212-9
Mid - 213-2
The Netherlands were held to a below average score despite having been 100-1 at the half-way point of the innings. Myburgh continued his good run of form by scoring 66 at the top of the order, but that knock was the biggest by some way as the the rest of the batsmen crumbled, three of them to run outs. Stirling, the seventh bowler Middlesex used, took 4 for 27.
Middlesex, in comparison, made a bad start losing Malan for 0, and Stirling with the score on 47-2. The run rate slowly crept up, although never passed the magical 6, until the 29th over when Rogers (83*) and Denly (96*) knocked 16 runs to all but claim the game. With only two wickets down the visitors could stroll the finish, which came with a boundary in the 38th over.
Start Player: Denly, for carrying his bat and the innings with a superb knock of 96 not out.
Tables
Group A
Group B
Group C
Netherlands v Middlesex - Middlesex win by 8 wickets
Middlesex won the toss and decided to field
Net - 212-9
Mid - 213-2
The Netherlands were held to a below average score despite having been 100-1 at the half-way point of the innings. Myburgh continued his good run of form by scoring 66 at the top of the order, but that knock was the biggest by some way as the the rest of the batsmen crumbled, three of them to run outs. Stirling, the seventh bowler Middlesex used, took 4 for 27.
Middlesex, in comparison, made a bad start losing Malan for 0, and Stirling with the score on 47-2. The run rate slowly crept up, although never passed the magical 6, until the 29th over when Rogers (83*) and Denly (96*) knocked 16 runs to all but claim the game. With only two wickets down the visitors could stroll the finish, which came with a boundary in the 38th over.
Start Player: Denly, for carrying his bat and the innings with a superb knock of 96 not out.
Tables
Group A
| Team | Played | Points | |
| 1 | Netherlands | 3 | 4 |
| 2 | Gloucestershire | 3 | 4 |
| 3 | Lancashire | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | Middlesex | 2 | 2 |
| 5 | Worcestershire | 2 | 2 |
| 6 | Essex | 2 | 1 |
| 7 | Leicestershire | 3 | 1 |
Group B
| Team | Played | Points | |
| 1 | Surrey | 2 | 4 |
| 2 | Scotland | 3 | 3 |
| 3 | Hampshire | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | Durham | 1 | 2 |
| 5 | Glamorgan | 2 | 1 |
| 6 | Nottinghamshire | 1 | 0 |
| 7 | Somerset | 2 | 0 |
Group C
| Team | Played | Points | |
| 1 | Warwickshire | 2 | 4 |
| 2 | Kent | 1 | 2 |
| 3 | Sussex | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | Derbyshire | 2 | 2 |
| 5 | Northamptonshire | 2 | 1 |
| 6 | Unicorns | 3 | 1 |
| 7 | Yorkshire | 1 | 0 |
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Pro40 Cricket - 13th May
One day cricket is back for its second weekend. Today almost every game became a one sided affair and, interestingly, of the five that reached results, only one was won by the team batting second. We begin with that game.
Essex v Worcestershire - Worcestershire win by 7 wickets
Worcestershire won the toss and decided to field
Ess - 190-9
Wor - 191-3
After Pettini (64) and Cook (47) put on 84 for the first wicket to give Essex a strong start the home side slipped and no other batsman was able to match them. They managed to use all of their overs but set a below-par total.
Worcestershire began steadily but sped up as they built a century opening stand between Ali (99) and Solanki (48). Klinger () kept the runs ticking over as the visitors rolled closer to victory. Ali was caught with 8 runs required and was quickly followed by Cameron, but Mitchell helped to see it through.
Star Player: Ali, despite missing out on a century, he led the batting to take Worcestershire almost home.
Durham v Somerset - Durham win by 14 runs
Somerset won the toss and decided to field
Dur - 222-9
Som - 208
Runs in the middle of the order steadied Durham and took them to a competitive total with Muchall (75) top scoring. Overton picked up 4 for 42 to prevent the home side from dominating and setting a big score.
The target didn't seem to be anywhere near achievable for the weakened Somerset batting line up. Wickets fell in twos and threes with an all round bowling effort from Durham. However the South-westerners still fought on. After losing Waller with the score on 147-8 the game appeared to be all over but Barrow (72) had other ideas. He and Dockrell took the score past 200, but both fell within three runs as the run rate just became too much. Durham were left wiping sweaty brows.
Star Player: Plunkett, took 4 for 33 with wickets thoughout the innings to just prevent Somerset
Gloucestershire v Leicestershire - Gloucestershire win by 164 runs
Leicestershire won the toss and decided to field
Glo - 294-6
Lei - 130
Williamson scored a masterful 112 and put 152 for the third wicket with Howell (88) as Gloucestershire charged at 7.35 runs an over to a huge score. All of Leicestershire's bowlers struggled to contain the runs, and when their batsmen came out the total soon proved to big to chase. Taylor added .. late runs to add to his two wickets earlier, but regular wickets fell as all Gloucestershire's bowlers chipped in, sending the visitors away crushed. Dent finished with 4 for 43 as the pick of the bowlers.
Star player: Williamson, for a century that set a total to high for most teams to chase.
Sussex v Unicorns - Sussex win by 144 runs
Sussex won the toss and decided to bat
Sus - 291-3
Uni - 147-9
Joyce (102) and Machan (126*) both went to centuries as Sussex dominated the bowling at Hove. Unicorns tried six different bowlers but only two took wickets, after Nash was run out.
In reply the visitors lost early wickets to put the game beyond doubt, but lower order definace dragged the game out. They actually survived to the close with the last pair adding 32 in 6 overs, but of course it would never be enough.
Star Player: Machan for finishing unbeaten on his maiden hundred, as he lifted Sussex to a huge total.
Warwickshire v Derbyshire - Warwickshire win by 9 wickets
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to field
Der - 122
War - 125-1
Warwickshire romped to a huge victory, with 93 balls to spare as they chased down Derbyshire's tiny total. The visitors soon found themselves in trouble on 19-3. Durston made 44 to lift the score slightly, but the last 6 wickets fell for 40 runs.
The home side also made a bad start with Chopra caught without scoring. That though was their own loss as Trott (41*) and Porterfield (81*) strolled through the runs to the win.
Star Player: Portfield, for a superb innings to show up almost every other batsman. A century would surely have been on the cards if only the required total was higher.
Scotland v Glamorgan - No result
Glamorgan won the toss and decided to field
Sco - 25-1
Only 6.5 overs were possible before rain ended any chance of play.
Check in tomorrow for the Netherlands versus Middlesex and updated tables.
Essex v Worcestershire - Worcestershire win by 7 wickets
Worcestershire won the toss and decided to field
Ess - 190-9
Wor - 191-3
After Pettini (64) and Cook (47) put on 84 for the first wicket to give Essex a strong start the home side slipped and no other batsman was able to match them. They managed to use all of their overs but set a below-par total.
Worcestershire began steadily but sped up as they built a century opening stand between Ali (99) and Solanki (48). Klinger () kept the runs ticking over as the visitors rolled closer to victory. Ali was caught with 8 runs required and was quickly followed by Cameron, but Mitchell helped to see it through.
Star Player: Ali, despite missing out on a century, he led the batting to take Worcestershire almost home.
Durham v Somerset - Durham win by 14 runs
Somerset won the toss and decided to field
Dur - 222-9
Som - 208
Runs in the middle of the order steadied Durham and took them to a competitive total with Muchall (75) top scoring. Overton picked up 4 for 42 to prevent the home side from dominating and setting a big score.
The target didn't seem to be anywhere near achievable for the weakened Somerset batting line up. Wickets fell in twos and threes with an all round bowling effort from Durham. However the South-westerners still fought on. After losing Waller with the score on 147-8 the game appeared to be all over but Barrow (72) had other ideas. He and Dockrell took the score past 200, but both fell within three runs as the run rate just became too much. Durham were left wiping sweaty brows.
Star Player: Plunkett, took 4 for 33 with wickets thoughout the innings to just prevent Somerset
Gloucestershire v Leicestershire - Gloucestershire win by 164 runs
Leicestershire won the toss and decided to field
Glo - 294-6
Lei - 130
Williamson scored a masterful 112 and put 152 for the third wicket with Howell (88) as Gloucestershire charged at 7.35 runs an over to a huge score. All of Leicestershire's bowlers struggled to contain the runs, and when their batsmen came out the total soon proved to big to chase. Taylor added .. late runs to add to his two wickets earlier, but regular wickets fell as all Gloucestershire's bowlers chipped in, sending the visitors away crushed. Dent finished with 4 for 43 as the pick of the bowlers.
Star player: Williamson, for a century that set a total to high for most teams to chase.
Sussex v Unicorns - Sussex win by 144 runs
Sussex won the toss and decided to bat
Sus - 291-3
Uni - 147-9
Joyce (102) and Machan (126*) both went to centuries as Sussex dominated the bowling at Hove. Unicorns tried six different bowlers but only two took wickets, after Nash was run out.
In reply the visitors lost early wickets to put the game beyond doubt, but lower order definace dragged the game out. They actually survived to the close with the last pair adding 32 in 6 overs, but of course it would never be enough.
Star Player: Machan for finishing unbeaten on his maiden hundred, as he lifted Sussex to a huge total.
Warwickshire v Derbyshire - Warwickshire win by 9 wickets
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to field
Der - 122
War - 125-1
Warwickshire romped to a huge victory, with 93 balls to spare as they chased down Derbyshire's tiny total. The visitors soon found themselves in trouble on 19-3. Durston made 44 to lift the score slightly, but the last 6 wickets fell for 40 runs.
The home side also made a bad start with Chopra caught without scoring. That though was their own loss as Trott (41*) and Porterfield (81*) strolled through the runs to the win.
Star Player: Portfield, for a superb innings to show up almost every other batsman. A century would surely have been on the cards if only the required total was higher.
Scotland v Glamorgan - No result
Glamorgan won the toss and decided to field
Sco - 25-1
Only 6.5 overs were possible before rain ended any chance of play.
Check in tomorrow for the Netherlands versus Middlesex and updated tables.
Saturday, 12 May 2012
County Championship R6 - Day 4 and Tables
What could have been one of the most exciting days in the County Championship this year ended disappointingly with all but one game ending in draws. However there were some thrilling moments in the final hour, and none more so than at our first game at Bristol.
Day 4
Gloucestershire v Yorkshire - Yorkshire win by four wickets.
Glo - 351-9d & 48-0d
Yor - Forfeit & 402-6
Great batting from Yorkshire set up a gripping final hour with just under 100 needed for victory, having been left an unlikely target of 400. Jaques scored a magnificent 160 before being bowled by Gidman, but it was Ballance (121*) who took the visitors over the line for an incredible win. Bresnan (38) was bowled with 17 runs still needed and only 10 minutes left but Ballance finished with a four and two sixes in the final over to claim one of Yorkshire's greatest victories.
Gloucestershire get 4 points, but Yorkshire take 19.
Leicestershire v Northamptonshire - Match drawn
Nor - 352-7d & 26-0d
Lei - 38-2d & 289-9
341 was just too many for a persistant Leicestershire line up who batted well to take this game to a great finish. When Sarwan was dismissed for 94 the home side gave up the chase and settled for the draw; Northamptonshire though had other ideas. Four more wickets for just 28 runs left them needing just one more and twenty-five minutes left on the clock. Somehow though, White and Hoggard saw out the overs, and added 23 runs, in, I'm sure, one of the most thrilling draws ever played.
Leicestershire get 5 points to Northamptonshire's 7.
Worcestershire v Surrey - Match drawn
Wor - 285 & 128-7
Sur - 113 & 431-7d (f/o)
Worcestershire were set 260 to win by Surrey, after the Londoners had gone on to a huge score through Hamilton-Brown (115) and Maynard (143) . Together they put on 225 to put the game in a tantalising position.
The home side soon gave up the victory as they found themeselves 29-3. Surrey though pressed hard to see if they could pull of a surprise win and soon picked up a fourth wicket. Worcestershire seemed to have alleviated the danger but on 93 they lost Cameron for 28. Edwards returned and struck twice in an over to suddenly put Surrey in a great position needing only three more wickets. Lucas fell 11 overs later to renew Surrey's hope but Pardoe and Jones saw Worcestershire home to secure the draw.
Worcestershire collect 8 points and Surrey get 6.
Durham v Somerset - Match drawn
Dur - 125 & 234-9
Som - 267
Somerset put on 47 for their final two wickets, mostly thanks to Kieswetter who was left not out on 96. This gave them a lead of 142 but Durham batted carefully to and prevent defeat. The visitors though soon got on a roll when Durham lost their fifth wicket on 165, with a lead of just 23. Three more wickets fell in the next 50 runs, but by now Somerset were running out of time if they were to knock off the growing lead that Durham had. Part of me thought it would be fun for Durham to declare setting Somerset 80 off 4 overs, but they were determined to see it out and they did.
Durham pick up 6 points to Somerset's 8
Essex v Kent - Match drawn
Ken - 225 & 92-2
Ess - 181
This game never looked like producing a result after the rain and by the afternoon both teams settled down for an advanced practice session. Essex were all out cheaply (despite Pettini's 92) and Kent calmly played out the overs.
Essex take 6 points but Kent collect 7
Nottinghamshire v Middlesex - Match drawn
Not - 423 & 174-7d
Mid - 300-9d & 87-0
Nottinghamshire batted on beyond lunch in a surprisingly defensive manner. Lumb (55) and Mullaney (73) put on 110 for the fifth wicket, but the home side decided to ensure they would not lose before declaring. Middlesex were set 298 to win in 51 overs and never showed any signs of chasing it down. Strauss and Robson batted sensibly to deny the Nottinghamshire attack. Earlier there had been some sharp turn and uneven bounce, but Swann, Broad and Adams were unable to make much use of it as the visitors eased their way to the draw.
Nottinghamshire take 11 points, while Middlesex pick up 8.
Hampshire v Derbyshire - Match drawn
Ham - 352-8d
Der - 403-9
Derbyshire batted excellently to pick up 5 batting bonus points and make certain there would be no shock victory for Hampshire. After slipping to 37-3, Durston (121) and Redfern (133) put on 178 for the fourth wicket. The game had become all about bonus points and Hampshire completed all bowling extras with Derbyshire on 359. However a brilliant last wicket partnership between Palladino (22*) and Groenewald (20*) helped the visitors up to 400 before 6pm.
Both teams take 10 points.
Sussex v Lancashire - Match drawn
Lancashire won the toss and decided to bat.
Lan - 144-8
Sus - 300-8
Shazad produced a stunning spell on his first outing for Lancashire, since leaving Yorkshire on loan. his first 13 ball produced three runs and three wickets. Sussex though went on to claim a batting point through some excellent batting from Prior (86) and Yardy (63), who put on 142.
The teams were, for some reason, allowed extra time, possibly due to all the time lost, and this meant Lancashire were able to take two more wickets for a second bowling point, while Sussex bashed their way to 250 and a second batting point. Even then seven overs were still left and Sussex began crashing the ball Twenty20 style. Lancashire put every avaliable fielder on the boundary but it couldn't stop Gatting hitting four 4s and two 6s, the second of which came in the final over and went out of the ground. Sussex reached 300 and a third batting bonus point, and hands were eventually shaken.
Sussex collect 8 points, and Lancashire 5.
Tables
Division 1
Division 2
Tomorrow sees the next round of games in the Pro40. There are six games, plus one on Monday, when I will also give updated tables.
Day 4
Gloucestershire v Yorkshire - Yorkshire win by four wickets.
Glo - 351-9d & 48-0d
Yor - Forfeit & 402-6
Great batting from Yorkshire set up a gripping final hour with just under 100 needed for victory, having been left an unlikely target of 400. Jaques scored a magnificent 160 before being bowled by Gidman, but it was Ballance (121*) who took the visitors over the line for an incredible win. Bresnan (38) was bowled with 17 runs still needed and only 10 minutes left but Ballance finished with a four and two sixes in the final over to claim one of Yorkshire's greatest victories.
Gloucestershire get 4 points, but Yorkshire take 19.
Leicestershire v Northamptonshire - Match drawn
Nor - 352-7d & 26-0d
Lei - 38-2d & 289-9
341 was just too many for a persistant Leicestershire line up who batted well to take this game to a great finish. When Sarwan was dismissed for 94 the home side gave up the chase and settled for the draw; Northamptonshire though had other ideas. Four more wickets for just 28 runs left them needing just one more and twenty-five minutes left on the clock. Somehow though, White and Hoggard saw out the overs, and added 23 runs, in, I'm sure, one of the most thrilling draws ever played.
Leicestershire get 5 points to Northamptonshire's 7.
Worcestershire v Surrey - Match drawn
Wor - 285 & 128-7
Sur - 113 & 431-7d (f/o)
Worcestershire were set 260 to win by Surrey, after the Londoners had gone on to a huge score through Hamilton-Brown (115) and Maynard (143) . Together they put on 225 to put the game in a tantalising position.
The home side soon gave up the victory as they found themeselves 29-3. Surrey though pressed hard to see if they could pull of a surprise win and soon picked up a fourth wicket. Worcestershire seemed to have alleviated the danger but on 93 they lost Cameron for 28. Edwards returned and struck twice in an over to suddenly put Surrey in a great position needing only three more wickets. Lucas fell 11 overs later to renew Surrey's hope but Pardoe and Jones saw Worcestershire home to secure the draw.
Worcestershire collect 8 points and Surrey get 6.
Durham v Somerset - Match drawn
Dur - 125 & 234-9
Som - 267
Somerset put on 47 for their final two wickets, mostly thanks to Kieswetter who was left not out on 96. This gave them a lead of 142 but Durham batted carefully to and prevent defeat. The visitors though soon got on a roll when Durham lost their fifth wicket on 165, with a lead of just 23. Three more wickets fell in the next 50 runs, but by now Somerset were running out of time if they were to knock off the growing lead that Durham had. Part of me thought it would be fun for Durham to declare setting Somerset 80 off 4 overs, but they were determined to see it out and they did.
Durham pick up 6 points to Somerset's 8
Essex v Kent - Match drawn
Ken - 225 & 92-2
Ess - 181
This game never looked like producing a result after the rain and by the afternoon both teams settled down for an advanced practice session. Essex were all out cheaply (despite Pettini's 92) and Kent calmly played out the overs.
Essex take 6 points but Kent collect 7
Nottinghamshire v Middlesex - Match drawn
Not - 423 & 174-7d
Mid - 300-9d & 87-0
Nottinghamshire batted on beyond lunch in a surprisingly defensive manner. Lumb (55) and Mullaney (73) put on 110 for the fifth wicket, but the home side decided to ensure they would not lose before declaring. Middlesex were set 298 to win in 51 overs and never showed any signs of chasing it down. Strauss and Robson batted sensibly to deny the Nottinghamshire attack. Earlier there had been some sharp turn and uneven bounce, but Swann, Broad and Adams were unable to make much use of it as the visitors eased their way to the draw.
Nottinghamshire take 11 points, while Middlesex pick up 8.
Hampshire v Derbyshire - Match drawn
Ham - 352-8d
Der - 403-9
Derbyshire batted excellently to pick up 5 batting bonus points and make certain there would be no shock victory for Hampshire. After slipping to 37-3, Durston (121) and Redfern (133) put on 178 for the fourth wicket. The game had become all about bonus points and Hampshire completed all bowling extras with Derbyshire on 359. However a brilliant last wicket partnership between Palladino (22*) and Groenewald (20*) helped the visitors up to 400 before 6pm.
Both teams take 10 points.
Sussex v Lancashire - Match drawn
Lancashire won the toss and decided to bat.
Lan - 144-8
Sus - 300-8
Shazad produced a stunning spell on his first outing for Lancashire, since leaving Yorkshire on loan. his first 13 ball produced three runs and three wickets. Sussex though went on to claim a batting point through some excellent batting from Prior (86) and Yardy (63), who put on 142.
The teams were, for some reason, allowed extra time, possibly due to all the time lost, and this meant Lancashire were able to take two more wickets for a second bowling point, while Sussex bashed their way to 250 and a second batting point. Even then seven overs were still left and Sussex began crashing the ball Twenty20 style. Lancashire put every avaliable fielder on the boundary but it couldn't stop Gatting hitting four 4s and two 6s, the second of which came in the final over and went out of the ground. Sussex reached 300 and a third batting bonus point, and hands were eventually shaken.
Sussex collect 8 points, and Lancashire 5.
Tables
Division 1
| Team | Played | Points | |
| 1 | Nottinghamshire | 6 | 78 |
| 2 | Warwickshire | 4 | 71 |
| 3 | Middlesex | 5 | 57 |
| 4 | Somerset | 5 | 50 |
| 5 | Surrey | 5 | 39 |
| 6 | Sussex | 4 | 38 |
| 7 | Lancashire | 5 | 25 |
| 8 | Worcestershire | 5 | 25 |
| 9 | Durham | 5 | 22 |
Division 2
| Team | Played | Points | |
| 1 | Derbyshire | 5 | 65 |
| 2 | Yorkshire | 5 | 65 |
| 3 | Kent | 5 | 56 |
| 4 | Gloucestershire | 6 | 47 |
| 5 | Essex | 5 | 46 |
| 6 | Hampshire | 5 | 42 |
| 7 | Northamptonshire | 5 | 39 |
| 8 | Leicestershire | 5 | 35 |
| 9 | Glamorgan | 5 | 17 |
Tomorrow sees the next round of games in the Pro40. There are six games, plus one on Monday, when I will also give updated tables.
Friday, 11 May 2012
County Championship Round 6 - Day 3
Most games appear to be heading towards draws although some captains have made interesting decisions in attempts to snatch victories. For once no game has been completed in three days, leaving some exciting prospects for tomorrow.
Day 3
Worcestershire v Surrey
Wor - 285
Sur - 113 & 216-4 (f/o)
Surrey were skittled in their first innings. For once Richardson was the bowler to miss out, picking up only 2 wickets, while his fellow seamers Lucas and Jones, collected 4 each. Rudolph was the only batsman to hold the side together as he was last man out for 68. Worcestershire, though, took a 172 run lead to put them in a strong position. It should have been much higher, after they had the visitors 43-8, but then let them put on 60 for the ninth wicket.
Unsurprisingly they enforced the follow-on but Surrey applied themselves much better second time around. Ironically Rudolph fell first this time for just 7, but Kevin Pietersen (who scored 11 in the first innings) made 69, while Hamilton-Brown (50*) and Maynard (63*) have batted the visitors into a lead. Jones has had a good day with the ball, picking up another four (all of the wickets to fall so far in the second innings).
It is unclear where this match will go. Surrey have a 44 run lead but will struggle to turn that into a big enough target to put Worcestershire under pressure. The home side will hope to take more quick wickets and knock off the runs, but if they can't the game may peter out to a draw.
Nottinghamshire v Middlesex
Not - 423 & 22-3
Mid - 300-9d
Night-watchman Rayner had a day to remember as he hit a personal best 143 not out to made up for the rest of his team. He then took two late wickets to possibly turn this game for Middlesex. He and Malan (46) put on 119 for the fifth wicket, but Rayner went on to take the visitors to a third batting point. They declared with a deficit of 123, which Nottinghamshire will try to build on before a final scrap for the victory on the last day. The innings hasn't started well, however, with Hales, Edwards and Night-watchman Swann (who couldn't follow in Rayner's shoes) all departing early.
Gloucestershire v Yorkshire
Glo - 351-9d & 48-0d
Yor - Forfeit & 30-1
Exciting developments at Bristol have left an intriguing final day's play ahead. Gloucestershire were finally dismissed, after Williamson had reached 111 and Saxelby and Carter had put on an unbeaten 53 for the last wicket. Bresnan picked up five wickets, while Patterson, who took two in two balls as part of a collapse that saw Gloucestershire slip from 290-4 to 299-9, finished with four.
The captains then came together and made an arrangement, that Yorkshire would conceed their first innings (and any bonus points), Gloucestershire would bat again and set a target, leaving the visitors just over a day to reach it. Yorkshire didn't give any easy runs and the home side struggled to 48 off 27 overs, setting a total of 400. This has to be in Gloucestershire favour and they looked even more likely for the win when Sayers was caught behind with the score on 14.
Who knows what the last day will bring? Almost certainly a victory, but which way?
Essex v Kent
Ken - 225
Ess - 94-2
Kent's batting was almost as astonishing today as it was on Wednesday. Then they were 17-5 but Stevens (119) and Jones (88) changed the look of the innings completely, putting on 194 for the sixth wicket. Essex's bowlers, so effective on the first day, looked poor and went unsuccessful for 52 overs. However things changed suddenly again, as the innings was then wrapped up in less than nine overs. The final five wickets fell almost as quickly as the first five (for just 22 runs) giving the scorecard a bizarre look, with only two batsmen making it past 6. Willoughby finished with 5 for 70.
Essex then began equally as badly, finding themselves on 3-2, but Godleman (27*) and Pettini (61*) have batted them out of trouble. This game is one of several that looks to be heading for a draw, unless a deal can be reached.
Leicestershire v Northamptonshire
Nor - 352-7d
Lei - 38-2
Coetzer (120) and Wakely (63) took Northamptonshire into a good position with a stand of 120 for the fourth wicket, however with only one day left of play a draw seems the most likely outcome at the moment. Knowing they could get no more batting bonus points the visitors declared and then knocked over Smith and Ali to give them a glimmer of hope. Leicestershire though, made it through to the close without further trouble. Northamptonshire will attempt to bowl the home side out for fewer than 202 and enforce the follow-on, while Leicestershire will hope to pick up as many batting points as they can.
Hampshire v Derbyshire
Derbyshire won the toss and decided to field.
Ham - 352-8
Play finally got underway today, but Derbyshire may be regretting choosing to field. After Dawson fell for 6, Adams (122) and Shafayat (93) dominated the bowling to put on 164 for the second wicket. This game has become all about bonus points, with no chance of a result (unless Hampshire could take 20 wickets tomorrow). With fourteen overs left in the first innings to collect points, Hampshire will try to get to 400 and Derbyshire should pick up at least one more wicket.
Durham v Somerset
Dur - 125
Som - 220-8
No play due to rain
Sussex v Lancashire
No play due to a waterlogged outfield.
Day 3
Worcestershire v Surrey
Wor - 285
Sur - 113 & 216-4 (f/o)
Surrey were skittled in their first innings. For once Richardson was the bowler to miss out, picking up only 2 wickets, while his fellow seamers Lucas and Jones, collected 4 each. Rudolph was the only batsman to hold the side together as he was last man out for 68. Worcestershire, though, took a 172 run lead to put them in a strong position. It should have been much higher, after they had the visitors 43-8, but then let them put on 60 for the ninth wicket.
Unsurprisingly they enforced the follow-on but Surrey applied themselves much better second time around. Ironically Rudolph fell first this time for just 7, but Kevin Pietersen (who scored 11 in the first innings) made 69, while Hamilton-Brown (50*) and Maynard (63*) have batted the visitors into a lead. Jones has had a good day with the ball, picking up another four (all of the wickets to fall so far in the second innings).
It is unclear where this match will go. Surrey have a 44 run lead but will struggle to turn that into a big enough target to put Worcestershire under pressure. The home side will hope to take more quick wickets and knock off the runs, but if they can't the game may peter out to a draw.
Nottinghamshire v Middlesex
Not - 423 & 22-3
Mid - 300-9d
Night-watchman Rayner had a day to remember as he hit a personal best 143 not out to made up for the rest of his team. He then took two late wickets to possibly turn this game for Middlesex. He and Malan (46) put on 119 for the fifth wicket, but Rayner went on to take the visitors to a third batting point. They declared with a deficit of 123, which Nottinghamshire will try to build on before a final scrap for the victory on the last day. The innings hasn't started well, however, with Hales, Edwards and Night-watchman Swann (who couldn't follow in Rayner's shoes) all departing early.
Gloucestershire v Yorkshire
Glo - 351-9d & 48-0d
Yor - Forfeit & 30-1
Exciting developments at Bristol have left an intriguing final day's play ahead. Gloucestershire were finally dismissed, after Williamson had reached 111 and Saxelby and Carter had put on an unbeaten 53 for the last wicket. Bresnan picked up five wickets, while Patterson, who took two in two balls as part of a collapse that saw Gloucestershire slip from 290-4 to 299-9, finished with four.
The captains then came together and made an arrangement, that Yorkshire would conceed their first innings (and any bonus points), Gloucestershire would bat again and set a target, leaving the visitors just over a day to reach it. Yorkshire didn't give any easy runs and the home side struggled to 48 off 27 overs, setting a total of 400. This has to be in Gloucestershire favour and they looked even more likely for the win when Sayers was caught behind with the score on 14.
Who knows what the last day will bring? Almost certainly a victory, but which way?
Essex v Kent
Ken - 225
Ess - 94-2
Kent's batting was almost as astonishing today as it was on Wednesday. Then they were 17-5 but Stevens (119) and Jones (88) changed the look of the innings completely, putting on 194 for the sixth wicket. Essex's bowlers, so effective on the first day, looked poor and went unsuccessful for 52 overs. However things changed suddenly again, as the innings was then wrapped up in less than nine overs. The final five wickets fell almost as quickly as the first five (for just 22 runs) giving the scorecard a bizarre look, with only two batsmen making it past 6. Willoughby finished with 5 for 70.
Essex then began equally as badly, finding themselves on 3-2, but Godleman (27*) and Pettini (61*) have batted them out of trouble. This game is one of several that looks to be heading for a draw, unless a deal can be reached.
Leicestershire v Northamptonshire
Nor - 352-7d
Lei - 38-2
Coetzer (120) and Wakely (63) took Northamptonshire into a good position with a stand of 120 for the fourth wicket, however with only one day left of play a draw seems the most likely outcome at the moment. Knowing they could get no more batting bonus points the visitors declared and then knocked over Smith and Ali to give them a glimmer of hope. Leicestershire though, made it through to the close without further trouble. Northamptonshire will attempt to bowl the home side out for fewer than 202 and enforce the follow-on, while Leicestershire will hope to pick up as many batting points as they can.
Hampshire v Derbyshire
Derbyshire won the toss and decided to field.
Ham - 352-8
Play finally got underway today, but Derbyshire may be regretting choosing to field. After Dawson fell for 6, Adams (122) and Shafayat (93) dominated the bowling to put on 164 for the second wicket. This game has become all about bonus points, with no chance of a result (unless Hampshire could take 20 wickets tomorrow). With fourteen overs left in the first innings to collect points, Hampshire will try to get to 400 and Derbyshire should pick up at least one more wicket.
Durham v Somerset
Dur - 125
Som - 220-8
No play due to rain
Sussex v Lancashire
No play due to a waterlogged outfield.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
County Championship Round 6 - Day 2
On a day when the Lions have played so well against the West Indies, certain England International players should be looking to improve their own games, so far this week though there has been precious little to show for their efforts. Nottinghamshire have lost two players to the Lions, but so far have dominated Middlesex, and England Captain, Andrew Strauss.
Day 2
Nottinghamshire v Middlesex
Not - 423
Mid - 51-3
Middlesex made a breakthrough in the seventh over of the day having Hales (79) caught at slip by Strauss, ending a second wicket partnership of 150. That was also the end of Stauss' catching ability for some time as he went on to spill three other chances during the day. Nottinghamshire didn't stall though, but pressed on with Wessels returning to the side. Lumb was dropped on 86 by Murtagh, and again on 95 by Strauss. Then, next ball, he edged past Strauss again for his 100.
Wessels was run out just before lunch for 41, but Mullaney carried on where he left off. The third wicket partnership put on 83 and the fourth had made 95, when Lumb was finally caught, trying to up the scoring rate. He had scored an excellent 162 and was given a standing ovation by the Trent Bridge faithful.
The home side did start to up the rate, Mullaney pulling one ball over the New Stand and literally out of the ground, but wickets also started to tumble as they chased a fifth batting point. The 400 came up in the 110th over but Middlesex were denied a third bowling point when a catch in the deep was controversially not given. Steven Finn finished with 4 for 117 despite struggling for most of the innings.
Strauss didn't last long, as he was caught behind off the inexperienced Gurney for 2. Then Adams came on and did what he does, removing Robson and Rogers in a seven over spell, to take his tally of wickets for the season to 30.
Worcestershire v Surrey
Wor - 285
This game remains even-stevens after two days. Solanki (42) and Ali (61) out on 102 for the third wicket, but regular wickets kept Surrey in the game. A rain break slowed the game again, but in the final session the visitors wrapped up the innings, Linley finishing with 4 for 78. Kevin Pietersen bowled one over on his return from the IPL, and tomorrow he will be looking for runs ahead of the England Test Series.
Gloucestershire v Yorkshire
Yorkshire won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 163-2
Play finally began a Bristol and after an early wicket Dent (62) and Williamson (89*) put on 146 to move the home side into a good position. Yorkshire's experienced bowling line up struggled to make inroads, but for the most part kept scoring tight.
Gloucestershire will look to put a big score on the board and then hope to put the visitors under pressure. They will want quick wickets due to the lack of time left in the game.
Essex v Kent
Ken - 24-5
Even less play was managed on day two, but this time Kent survived without losing a wicket.
Durham v Somerset
Dur - 125
Som - 220-8
No play due to rain.
Leicestershire v Northamptonshire
Nor - 99-3
No play due to rain.
Hampshire v Derbyshire
No play due to rain.
Sussex v Lancashire
No play due to a waterlogged outfield.
Day 2
Nottinghamshire v Middlesex
Not - 423
Mid - 51-3
Middlesex made a breakthrough in the seventh over of the day having Hales (79) caught at slip by Strauss, ending a second wicket partnership of 150. That was also the end of Stauss' catching ability for some time as he went on to spill three other chances during the day. Nottinghamshire didn't stall though, but pressed on with Wessels returning to the side. Lumb was dropped on 86 by Murtagh, and again on 95 by Strauss. Then, next ball, he edged past Strauss again for his 100.
Wessels was run out just before lunch for 41, but Mullaney carried on where he left off. The third wicket partnership put on 83 and the fourth had made 95, when Lumb was finally caught, trying to up the scoring rate. He had scored an excellent 162 and was given a standing ovation by the Trent Bridge faithful.
The home side did start to up the rate, Mullaney pulling one ball over the New Stand and literally out of the ground, but wickets also started to tumble as they chased a fifth batting point. The 400 came up in the 110th over but Middlesex were denied a third bowling point when a catch in the deep was controversially not given. Steven Finn finished with 4 for 117 despite struggling for most of the innings.
Strauss didn't last long, as he was caught behind off the inexperienced Gurney for 2. Then Adams came on and did what he does, removing Robson and Rogers in a seven over spell, to take his tally of wickets for the season to 30.
Worcestershire v Surrey
Wor - 285
This game remains even-stevens after two days. Solanki (42) and Ali (61) out on 102 for the third wicket, but regular wickets kept Surrey in the game. A rain break slowed the game again, but in the final session the visitors wrapped up the innings, Linley finishing with 4 for 78. Kevin Pietersen bowled one over on his return from the IPL, and tomorrow he will be looking for runs ahead of the England Test Series.
Gloucestershire v Yorkshire
Yorkshire won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 163-2
Play finally began a Bristol and after an early wicket Dent (62) and Williamson (89*) put on 146 to move the home side into a good position. Yorkshire's experienced bowling line up struggled to make inroads, but for the most part kept scoring tight.
Gloucestershire will look to put a big score on the board and then hope to put the visitors under pressure. They will want quick wickets due to the lack of time left in the game.
Essex v Kent
Ken - 24-5
Even less play was managed on day two, but this time Kent survived without losing a wicket.
Durham v Somerset
Dur - 125
Som - 220-8
No play due to rain.
Leicestershire v Northamptonshire
Nor - 99-3
No play due to rain.
Hampshire v Derbyshire
No play due to rain.
Sussex v Lancashire
No play due to a waterlogged outfield.
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