Roundup: Durham could lose points over Maddinson's bat
Durham face a possible points deduction after their overseas player Nic Maddinson came to the crease carrying a bat that was too big. The umpire Hassan Adnan tried, and failed, to squeeze the bat through his measurement guage, and it was duly confiscated by the match referee. If the bat fails a second test after play, it will be packed off and sent to the ECB. It topped a disappointing day for Durham, who lost five wickets for 26 in the final session to give the promotion hopefuls Derbyshire a spring in their step.
In the Roses match, 20-year old Fin Bean, who lit up Yorkshire’s second XI in June with a record 441 against Nottinghamshire, made an assured 42 on first-class debut at Old Trafford. A studious player, he took 19 balls to get off the mark, but found his feet, driving smartly and quick-stepping between the wickets with George Hill. With 50 beckoning he was trapped like a toddling faun by a Tom Bailey yorker. It has been a second coming for Bean, who in 2020 turned down an academy contract to work as a mechanic.
Feroze Khushi’s maiden first-class century lit up a grizzly Canterbury and slotted Essex into a dominant position. Khushi kissed the ground after reaching his century and later lifted Denly over his head for six to tot up 500. Kent’s reply began with Ben Compton’s stumps spreadeagled by Jamie Porter, and did not get much better.
Hampshire dashed to maximum batting points as they eyed up the title, thanks to a swashbuckling 94 from Aneurin Donald and a frisky cameo from Kyle Abbott. Sensibly-shod Northamptonshire reached 77 for one at the close.
At the top of Division Two, Nottinghamshire set Leicestershire an implausible 499 to win, after knocking up 390, thanks to half centuries from Haseeb Hameed, Lyndon James and Joe Clarke.
A career-best 172 by Gareth Roderick put Worcestershire in a strong position on a soggy day at Sophia Gardens, while Imam-ul-Haq’s 90 on Championship debut helped Somerset avoid the follow-on against Gloucestershire.
As Manchester empties its skies over Old Trafford, that’s it for now. Congratulations to Feroze Khushi and Gareth Roderick, commiserations to Nic Maddinson and his enormous bat. Thanks to Ralf for his help, and for all the BTL chat – have a lovely evening. Good night!
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Bad light draws the curtains at Old Trafford – Yorks 130-4.
Right, I’d better concentrate on the round-up – and with the floodlights on over OT, do keep chatting BTL.
In Div one, Inzy’s nephew has been bowled for 90, a third wicket for Tom Price. Somerset 157-5, still 186 behind Gloucs.
Hampshire declared on 400-9 but Northants have skipped along to 59-0 in reply. And, to be honest, it hasn’t been the best day for Kent. After conceding 507, they’re now 66-3, with the top three all gone. Two wickets for the forgotten Jamie Porter.
So… Notts? The lead now 450-plus against Leicestershire. Glamorgan went off for rain at 68-1, after running up a huge debt against Worcestershire. Durham 167-4 v Durham, Jones finally bowled by Nick Potts for 87.
Tom Hartley gets his first Championship bowl of the year, from the Statham end – huge lbw appeal against Tattersall – no joy but a smashing over. Kohler Cadmore at the other end (who knocked Parkinson out of the attack) nods.
The sun is out at Old Trafford but literal and metaphorical clouds approaching for Yorkshire, who have lost two quick wickets. Fin Bean was squared up and done by a yorker for an excellent 42 on debut. He pulled his helmet and lifted his eyes to the cheap seats as he wandered off to a hearty round of applause. Then Will Fraine’s off stump was knocked back by a beauty from Williams. Yorks 113-4, 163 behind.
Bat-gate
Totally missed this story, apologies. Nic Maddinson’s bat has caused all sorts of problems at Durham. It wouldn’t fit through the umpires’s bat gauge so was taken away by the match referee and Durham are likely to have to take a points deduction. This is the latest from Martin Emmerson:
Bat will be measured again at the end of play and if it fails the size test then it will be sent to the ECB.
— Martin Emmerson (@Martycricket) September 6, 2022
They will decide the punishment but there is a suggestion it could be equivalent to points gained for a win. So 2 points in T20 or the One Day Cup. 16 in CC.#bbccricket https://t.co/LCXNwzTmGQ
Why did the match referee decide to take a look? Must have seemed obviously large.
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Tea-time scores
Division One
Rose Bowl: Hampshire 400-9dec v Northants
Canterbury: Kent 5-1 v Essex 573
Old Trafford: Lancashire 276 v Yorkshire 76-2
Taunton: Somerset 135-4 v Gloucestershire 343
Division Two
Derby: Derbyshire 306 all out v Durham 137-3
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan 59-1 v Worcestershire 454-9 dec
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 201 and 296-5 v Leicestershire 93
And for the last time today, back to Ralf with the up-to-tea report: And that is tea here at Old Trafford, Yorkshire 76-2. Parkinson eventually finding the breakthrough with one of his magic balls (pitch middle and leg and leave off stump rocking back) to end the blossoming innings of George Hill for 32. Prior to that Parkinson had struggled a touch for line and length, perhaps not a surprise considering he’s spent the last month playing in the Hundred.
Fin Bean has batted really nicely and has kept things ticking over with Hill, he will have a maiden first-class 50 in his sights as he sips his hot beverage at tea, 31 not out. Lancashire have bowled tidily but looked most threatening early on through their three-pronged seam attack. Williams was especially threatening early on, and Bean will have been chuffed to see Williams take his jumper from the umpire and not return. Yorkshire’s afternoon, and Lancashire need a good session to get back on top of this game.
Fifty on Somerset debut for Imam-Ul-Haq – Somerset holding steady at 125-4, 128 behind. At Canterbury, Essex plough on, and on, into the foothills of 600 – actually all out just now for 573 – Khushi last out for 164.
Abbott and Abbass trying to pull Hants to 400 – 396-9.
In Div 2: Durham 120-3, trail Derbys by 186, Jones inching towards his hundred. Glamorgan, having conceded their best chance of promotion 450 to Worcester, are 53 for one. Lloyd caught in the fourth over. And Notts toying with Leics, 281-4, a lead of 389.
Lancs today unveiled a plaque to Peter Eckersley, the former Lancs captain, who played for over 11 seasons, leading Lancashire to two County Championships before becoming the Conservative MP for Manchester Exchange in 1935.
Eckersley was known as the ‘Flying Cricketer’, who once flew Lancs to an away match.
Eckersley volunteered for the Fleet Air Arm. He was killed in a flying accident at Worthy Down, Winchester, on August 13 1940, along with trainee gunner Sidney Snow whilst on active service. For pictures, see here.
.@lancscricket pay tribute to Lowton-born cricketer killed in World War Two https://t.co/VXqPmmZHKa
— Jamie Bowman (@JamieBowman77) September 6, 2022
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And back over to Ralf for events at OT: As we reach just under an hour to go in the extended session, this fresh-faced Yorkshire pair continue to defy Williams, Balderson and Bailey. Despite the bowlers’ best efforts there has only been one chance created since the fall of Lyth and that was Hill put down by Lavelle diving across Wells. A few big LBW shouts are keeping the bowlers interested but these two have applied themselves well.
Both have hit some exquisite shots, in particular Bean who has hit three sumptuous boundaries. Hill joined in with a textbook cover drive off Balderson. With both Lancashire spinners warming up - and here comes Parkinson -Yorkshire have done the hard yards and seen off the Lancashire pacers (for now at least anyway). Yorkshire reaching 51 for one after 20 overs.
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While Bean and Hill somehow survive WIlliams under cloud cover, what is occurring round the grounds?
The clouds have parted at the Rose Bowl, where Aneurin Donald has danced to a run-a-ball 74, Hants 305 for seven. Two each for Sanderson, Procter and White.
Essex laughing as they stamp up 500 – Khushi 130 not out. Kent bearing up.
A double strike from Tom Price has spoiled Somerset’s progress, 90-4, Imam still there on 35.
Two in quick succession for Aitchison at Derby too, Durham 99-2. Jones unbeaten on 63.
Worcestershire bat on and on, Roderick now 168 not out, 449-8, while Notts have fashioned their lead to 311 – Clarke and Montgomery well set. Leicestershire just waiting for the inevitable.
Maiden first-class century for Feroze Khushi!
Congratulations! In only his seventh first-class game too. Essex 473 for seven.
💯 for Khushi 🔥
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) September 6, 2022
First-Class century no. 1⃣ for the young batter 👏
It came from 160 balls, has included 14 fours and 1 six and has propelled Essex to a big first-innings total.
The first of many 🙌
🏏 @DB_Scaffolding pic.twitter.com/Nbid5ikGJK
Back over to Ralf for a glance at Yorkshire’s progress: Yorkshire have just lost their first wicket here actually, Adam Lyth the man to go, who had looked in good touch but he has to trudge off after making 13, caught neatly by Josh Bohannon at short leg. A good bit of bowling from Will Williams, who has been on the money in his first three overs - going for only two runs.
Lyth’s opening partner, Fin Bean, has just scored his maiden first-class run (off his 19th ball) and he has looked like a man on first-class debut -rather twitchy in the face of some good bowling from the Lancashire opening pair. The new man in is George Hill, fresh from career best figures of six for 26 with the ball. Sun now shining over Old Trafford, a stark contrast to what we saw 3 hours ago, Yorkshire 14 for one from eight overs.
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Rain still at Hampshire; Jones and Dickson have darned and dashed to 79 at Derby in a day haunted by rain; and Has has gone at Trent Bridge, for 60. Notts 130-2.
Imam and Bartlett inching Somerset forward – 53-2.
Nice that Glamorgan can celebrate Labuschagne’s new contract, as it is doom and gloom on the field down at the Gardens. Worcestershire now 396 for 7, the eighth-wicket stand an unbroken 140 – Leach 75, Roderick 140.
Haseeb Hameed in the runs at Trent Bridge, 57 off 99 balls, though he has lost his opening partner Ben Slater for 39. Notts just slowly pulling the wings off the butterfly, the lead over Leicestershire 232.
Lancs all out 276
Over to Ralf: Yorkshire wrap things up pretty swiftly here with one wicket each for Ben Coad and Jordan Thompson. Parkinson the last to go for three to an LBW decision he didn’t appear to be overly pleased at (looked a tad high to me). With the rain here the outfield has really slowed up so 276 is not a bad score overall but from 180-0 yesterday Lancashire would have had their sights set on something much more in the region of 400-plus. Batting will be tough against Tom Bailey and Will Williams under grey skies here at OT but Yorkshire will hope to get off to a good start with about 70 minutes until tea.
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This was Yorkshire’s champion wicket-taker George Hill yesterday – those in the know think he is the best of Yorkshire’s current young crop.
“I haven’t bowled for a while, so when Tatts chucked me the ball I was happy to be back bowling and just enjoyed it.
“When the second ball came along, it was a lot harder.
“My role usually is to try and make it as dry as possible and hit one area as consistently as I can. It was just that the odd one nibbled enough. The key for me was to run in - I felt in good rhythm - and hit the same area.
“I said to Tatts after my second or third wicket, ‘Get me off and put the strike bowlers on’. But, thankfully, he kept me on.
“Looking at that wicket, we knew it would be quite flat on day one - a little bit tired and slow.
“Our main concern was keeping that run-rate below three an over and controlling the rate.
“We’re very happy with the way it’s happened tonight. If we can bowl them out for 320, we’ll be well in the game.
“In all cricket these are my best figures, which is quite cool.”
Marnus watch
Glamorgan have just announced that Marnus Labuschagne has signed a new two-year deal to keep him at the club till 2024.
As Ralf points out, Feroze Khushi lunching just 14 short of his maiden first-class hundred. Essex 408-7.
Somerset’s armoury turned out to be a bit shoddy after all, lunching at 34 for 2 with Lammonby and Abell back darning their socks.
An astute comment from Glastonian BTL
“Tom Lammonby is the perfect example of how the schedule can really sc*ew a talented young player up. He spent the first part of the season trying to make himself in to the red ball opener Somerset so desperately need. Then bingo it’s Blast time and it’s all ramps and reverse sweeps which set him up perfectly to sit in the Manchester dugout for the first six games. Finally he got his chance to show what he can do and to be fair he made a good fist of it. Now it’s forget all that and get back to FC cricket, it may not be impossible but it is asking a lot of him.”
Play due to start at OT at 12.55, the covers have gone and Lancs are drilling their way through the last few minutes. I’d just like to give a shout out to Ralf Syrett who is here on work experience for the next two days. He’s a huge cricket fan, a huge Lancs fan, and I’ll let him loose on the blog in a bit.
Lunch-time ish scores
Division One
Rose Bowl: Hampshire 273-6 v Northants
Canterbury: Kent v Essex 402-7
Old Trafford: Lancashire 272-8 v Yorkshire no play yet today, start 12.55
Taunton: Somerset 24-3 v Gloucestershire 343
Division Two
Derby: Derbyshire 306 all out v Durham 69-0
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan v Worcestershire 366-7
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 201 and 100-1 v Leicestershire 93
A hundred for Gareth Roderick!
Excellent sticking power, and an unbroken eighth wicket partnership of 73 with Joe Leach. Worcs, annoying the socks off promotion-searching Glamorgan, 329-7.
Inspection at OT at 12.15 but much more exciting things happening away from the mops.
Kent are gradually chipping through the Essex line-up, Snater caught off Podmore, Essex 383-7, Critchely didn’t make it to three figures (90) but Khushi still there on 71.
Gloucestershire all out 343. Now Somerset, what’s in your armoury today?
Raining now at Derby, where Durham’s openers have put on 45 this morning.
Notts ploughing onward, grinding those Leicestershire dreams – 74-0.
An inspection at OT by umpires in fleeces, some of the covers coming off, the super sopper on standby.
Good news the rain has stopped and the ground staff are starting to take the covers off 🤞
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) September 6, 2022
🌹#RedRoseTogether pic.twitter.com/PrIy3kfoOo
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Should your favourite CC-Live county be under water, Australia are having a spot of bother against New Zealand.
Thank you so much for this absolute gem.
Brief clip that includes England captain Betty Archdale discussing that tour.https://t.co/ANzKXdAIgF
— hypocaust (@_hypocaust) September 6, 2022
Quick round-up round the grounds:
Only one Div one game in action, but the weather smiles on Division Two.
Critchley and Khushi continuing where they left off yesterday, the partnership now worth 130. Critchley 88, Khushi 59. Essex 352-4 v Kent.
At Derby, the two Durham batters are at the crease, Michael Jones has got the scoreboard moving with a boundary. Durham 4-0, trail Derbys by 302
Gareth Roderick approaching his hundred at Sophia Gardens, Worcs 309-7, while Trent Bridge is suddenly a featherbed. Notts 48-0 after 20 wickets fell yesterday. The Notts lead already 156 over Leicestershire.
Soggy ground sheets, loyal cagoules and umbrellas in the stands. Rain.
Your winter reading list sorted. https://t.co/Abi5SD9fhQ
— tanya aldred (@tjaldred) September 6, 2022
Not all of this message is endorsed by CC-Live!
Just three games chugging away, at Canterbury, Trent Bridge and The Rose Bowl where Liam Dawson has been out to the fourth ball of the day. Hants 233-6.
Monday's round-up
The county championship unfolded itself from the linen basket and sprung back into service, the start of a full-on, four-week September run, which will decide the winner and sieve out the promotion and relegation candidates (should that process happen, all still being, in classic English cricket style, up in the air).
To Old Trafford for the Roses match, where Lancashire’s Keaton Jennings became the first player in the long history of the rivalry to make four centuries in successive innings, pulling away from three-in-a-row Herbert Sutcliffe and Geoff Pullar. Jennings’ astonishing run – 114, 132 and 238 – was topped off by 119 against a Yorkshire attack that looked washed out on a flat pitch.
But from 231 for one, Lancashire lost seven wickets in the evening session, collapsing to 272 for eight, as 21-year-old George Hill took five for five in 41 balls (six for 26 in total) – his first five-fer for Yorkshire in his first bowl since breaking his toe in July. Ben Coad grabbed two wickets in two balls in the penultimate over and suddenly the relegation candidates were eyeing up the title chasers.
Hampshire, the only team other than Lancashire capable of catching Surrey, were thwarted by rain that reduced the day to 62 overs. Felix Organ top-scored with 71, as Liam Dawson and Aneurin Donald added a pretty, unbeaten 62. At Canterbury Kent chose to bowl under grizzly skies but Alastair Cook plugged away for 78 and after a wobble, Matthew Critchley and Feroze Khushi carried Essex through to the close.
In the relegation battle at Taunton, Marcus Harris tormented Somerset with a 159 that lasted from the first to the penultimate over when he edged Jack Brooks to slip. There were also fifties for Gloucestershire’s Ben Charlesworth and Ollie Price.
In Division Two, 20 wickets fell at a capricious Trent Bridge as Nottinghamshire were dismissed for 201 by Leicestershire, only for the visitors to crash and burn for 93. Luke Fletcher grabbed four for 23 and Sam Evans carried his bat for 50, the only Leicestershire man to make double figures.
Derbyshire were dismissed for 306 by Durham, while at Sophia Gardens, Gareth Roderick and Ed Barnard gave Worcestershire’s batting some welcome solidity with a partnership of 127 against Glamorgan.
The covers are very much on at Old Trafford – don’t think there is much chance of play before lunch here.
Round the grounds there are also delays at Taunton (inspection 1045), and Sophia Gardens,.
Scores on the doors
Division One
Rose Bowl: Hampshire 229-5 v Northants
Canterbury: Kent v Essex 327-4
Old Trafford: Lancashire 272-8 v Yorkshire
Taunton: Somerset v Gloucestershire 320-6
Division Two
Derby: Derbyshire 306 all out v Durham
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan v Worcestershire 285-7
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 201 and 15-0 v Leicestershire 93
Preamble
Good morning from a damp Manchester, where the honeysuckle berries sag and autumn is touchable. It’s day two of the first September round of the County Championship, with seven games in play, weather permitting. The outlook is “unsettled”.
Two things to mull over with your cornflakes, one is the leaked Andrew Strauss HPR plan in today’s Telegraph, the other is today’s Guardian editorial on the Hundred.
Strauss’s plan in brief:
A six-team Premier Division of the Championship with two feeder leagues of six underneath.
Teams to play each other home and away, with a possible playoff to decide the winner and a playoff between the winner of the two feeder leagues to decide which is promoted. It will be one up, one down.
All counties to play at least 10 four-day games
50-over competition in April, Blast in May, Hundred in August, Championship in June, July and September.
Three slots of four-day games (not the Championship) in August – akin to festivals – so counties can still play 14 red ball games, if they make a playoff. This would run alongside the Hundred giving Test players and the rest some red-ball cricket. Potential to invite overseas teams to take part, eg Zimbabwe, Afghanistan ad Scotland.
Right, that’s it for now, hopping on my bike – back shortly!
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