Harmer and Snater bowl Essex to big win
With the Championship season about to go into temporary bubble wrap, as the Blast takes over, and half the matches completed, Essex leapt to within two points of the Division One leaders Surrey after thrashing Kent by an innings and 96 runs.
After batting practically all day on Sunday, Kent were invited to follow on, but found the pitch more tricksy and the bowlers more sparky.
Simon Harmer, after a tepid start to the summer by his lofty standards, wheeled away for 23 overs for four for 32, and Shane Snater snaffled out three for 15. Joe Denly was Kent’s top scorer with 23, as they were bowled out for 109 and sank to the bottom of Division One.
The weather washed out play at Old Trafford until after tea, whereupon Warwickshire declared, leaving Lancashire to chase 231 in 44 overs. In the next 75 frantic minutes until the rain returned, Lancashire lost four wickets including Keaton Jennings reverse-swiping Jacob Bethell in soapy shoes, falling earthwards, and losing his leg stump. But Tom Bruce and Matty Hurst biffed 43 to keep things, briefly, alive.
There was late high drama at Wantage Road as Northamptonshire chased an unlikely 326 in just over two sessions, led by an unbeaten 129 full of gumption from Ricardo Vasconcelos. But a possible win turned to desperate defence as Yorkshire fought back, Adam Lyth taking a career-best four for 56. Gloucestershire’s Australian, Beau Webster, followed up his six wickets with a swashbuckling 76 in the draw with Derbyshire.
Spectators were treated to the unusual sight of Australian opener Marcus Harris bowling against Glamorgan in the rain-affected draw at Grace Road, Leicestershire the only team to have drawn all seven of their matches. Middlesex and Sussex shook hands on their high-scoring draw at Lord’s, where Nathan Fernandes made 91. Rain washed out any chance of play at New Road again, Worcestershire still winless after drawing against Nottinghamshire.
Goodbye!
And that’s it from me for a while, after eight rounds of wet but entertaining cricket – the Kookaburra ball, Ben Stokes and his iron knee, Dan Worrall, Lancs-ups and more. Thanks for all your messages as ever, enjoy the white-ball stuff. Bye!
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