Ollie Pope's fielding helps Surrey close on Hampshire win
Heavy rain stalked the country but, despite not getting onto the field until 4.30pm, Surrey marched inevitably towards their second win of the season.
Hampshire, starting 177 runs behind and two wickets down, lost most of their middle-order ballast during the evening session: Ollie Pope taking two dramatic catches at slip to dismiss Nick Gubbins and Tom Prest, and James Vince, cracked on the shoulder by a Gus Atkinson bouncer, then lbw to a Kemar Roach in swinger after a 95-ball vigil of 26. Hampshire still trail Surrey by 92, with five wickets remaining, and Monday’s forecast in London offers them little chance of succour.
Ed Barnard’s determined 69 helped hold off the Notts dogs at Edgbaston on a day when only 35 overs were possible. He was also helped by thirties from Dan Mousley and Jacob Bethell. Warwickshire need another 76 runs to avoid the follow on.
A century from Gareth Roderick gave Worcestershire the upper hand at Kidderminster, four batting points and a first-innings lead of 142 before Jason Holder removed Sean Dickson for a duck in Somerset’s three over batting test in the evening light. Shoaib Bashir bowled with aplomb, settling into a good rhythm and keeping his head despite being dispatched for sixes over the railway line, removing both Jake Libby, for a sterling 97, and the boundary-happy Kashif Ali.
Max Holden and Ryan Higgins both made classy unbeaten hundreds to set up what could be a thrilling final day at Bristol. From the dregs of 9-2, Holden and Higgins, with help from Leus du Plooy, helped Middlesex build a second innings lead of 143 – with seven wickets still in hand. Earlier, Henry Brookes had finished off the Gloucestershire innings with three wickets in an over. At Grace Road, Chester-le-Street and Headingley, no play was possible.
Thanks for hanging around on a rain-soaked day – results looking possible at Bristol and The Oval and ,with a fair wind, maybe elsewhere too. Excellent work particularly by Middlesex’s Holden and Higgins who both finish with unbeaten hundreds. We’ll be back tomorrow at 10am. Good night!
