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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Xaymaca Awoyungbo

County cricket: match at Bristol abandoned over pitch; Vaughan makes debut – as it happened

Somerset (Organization) Surrey (Organization) Durham Cricket Nottingham
Gloucestershire players leave the field after their hybrid pitch at Bristol was ruled unsafe by the match umpires.
Gloucestershire players leave the field after their hybrid pitch at Bristol was ruled unsafe by the match umpires. Photograph: Robbie Stephenson/Alamy

Match abandoned over Bristol pitch safety fears

The County Championship Second Division match between Gloucestershire and Northamptonshire was abandoned after concerns from the umpires over player safety on a hybrid pitch. They called a halt early in the final session after the Northamptonshire batsmen, Ricardo Vasconcelos and Rob Keogh, had both been struck on the hand by the Gloucestershire paceman Ajeet Singh Dale and forced to retire hurt.

Gloucestershire had been shot out for 125 in just 36.1 overs and the visitors were 116 for two in reply when play was abandoned. Vasconcelos had been taken to hospital with a suspected broken finger and when Keogh was struck during the final session, the umpires, concerned for the safety of the batters, made their intervention.

The umpires contacted the ECB pitch inspectors and issued the following statement.“The match has been abandoned because there was a foreseeable risk to the batters. In the opinion of the umpires, it would be unreasonable to continue.” Northants will collect 11 points for a draw, including three bowling bonus points, but Gloucestershire will receive none. It remains to be seen whether or not the county will face any further sanction.

Elsewhere, Rory Burns followed his double-hundred against Lancashire with 161 as Surrey, the champions-elect, ended the first day of their Division One match against Nottinghamshire on 339 for five. But by the close at Trent Bridge, the Surrey skipper found himself pushed out of the spotlight by the 16-year-old off-spinner Farhan Ahmed, who claimed the wicket of Burns and two more Test players, Ben Foakes and Will Jacks. The younger brother of the Leicestershire and England prodigy Rehan Ahmed, Farhan is the youngest first-class player in Nottinghamshire’s history. He finished a sensational first day in Championship cricket with figures of four for 69 from 28 overs.

Tom Abell made it back-to-back centuries at Taunton as Somerset ran up 395 for six on the opening day of the Division One game with Durham. Having hit a career-best unbeaten 152 in the previous home game against Warwickshire, Abell scored 124 off 181 balls, with 18 fours, sharing a stand of 185 with Tom Banton (73). James Rew was unbeaten on 89 at the close, while there were two wickets each for Daniel Hogg and Callum Parkinson. Somerset gave a first class debut to the all-rounder Archie Vaughan, the 18-year-old son of the former England captain Michael Vaughan, following his appearances in this season’s One-Day Cup. Vaughan was dismissed for 30 by Hogg.

Elsewhere, Kent’s lurch towards relegation continued as they were bowled out for 156 by Warwickshire on the opening day of their Division One contest at Edgbaston. Michael Booth, Olly Hannon-Dalby and Chris Rushworth all took three wickets while only Ben Compton (70) and Joey Evison (28) reached double figures. Warwickshire reached 207 for three at the close, Will Rhodes compiling a measured unbeaten 82 to build a perfect platform for a belated first Championship win of the season.

Jamie Porter blitzed a hole in Worcestershire’s upper order but Essex let slip their early advantage. Essex had Worcestershire 10 for four inside five overs – Porter and Sam Cook sharing the four wickets in a 13-ball spree – then 46 for five in 12 overs, before the tail wagged and the visitors reached a more respectable 266 all out. Essex knocked off 50 of the deficit for the loss of Dean Elgar in 19 evening overs.

The Australian Daniel Hughes made 144 as the Second Division leaders, Sussex, established a strong position after day one against Derbyshire at Hove. The openers, Hughes and Tom Haines, put on 196 in just 36 overs, with Haines making 72, and after Hughes departed Tom Alsop hit an unbeaten 69 as Sussex closed on 391 for four.

Timm van der Gugten and Dan Douthwaite took four wickets each as Glamorgan took charge of their match with Leicestershire. Van der Gugten took the first four Leicestershire wickets to fall as the visitors were skittled for 251 on day one in Cardiff. Glamorgan overcame a shaky start to reach 114 for two in response. Leicestershire’s Chris Wright made his first-class return from nine-month ban for a failed drugs test to help his side secure a single batting bonus point, combining with debutant Sam Wood and Tom Scriven as the last two wickets added 75 runs. PA Media

Updated

Close of play scores

Division One

Taunton: Somerset 395-6 v Durham

Edgbaston: Warwickshire 207-3 v Kent 156 all out

Chelmsford: Essex 50-1 v Worcestershire 266 all out

Old Trafford: Lancashire v Hampshire 330-9

Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire v Surrey 339-5

Division Two

Cardiff: Glamorgan 114-2 v Leicestershire 251 all out

Headingley: Yorkshire 372-5 v Middlesex

Hove: Sussex 391-4 v Derbyshire

Bristol: Gloucestershire v Northants – match abandoned

That’s all from me today. Thank you for engaging with this live blog.

Gloucestershire v Northants abandoned due to dangerous pitch

Gloucestershire v Northants already seemed like the standout game in Division Two after Northants impressively bowled the home side out for 125 runs. But just as Northants were closing in on Gloucestershire’s total, reaching 116-2, the umpires decided to suspend the game after Rob Keogh was struck on the glove as the ball bounced off the turf. Northants miss out on the chance to win their first county game while Gloucestershire will face scrutiny and a potential points deduction.

Meanwhile, in Division One, Surrey and Somerset progressed steadily, closing the day on 339-5 and 395-6 respectively. While all eyes were on Archie Vaughan, it was fellow debutant, Farhan Ahmed, who impressed most with four wickets for Nottinghamshire.

Elsewhere, Worcestershire recovered from a score of 10-4 to reach a score of 266 all out against Essex. Kent looked abysmal again as they were bowled out for 156. And Sussex and Yorkshire are going strong on 391-4 and 372-5 respectively.

Close of play scores

DIVISION ONE

Trent Bridge: Surrey 339-5 v Nottinghamshire

Taunton: Somerset 395-6 v Durham

The Cloud County Ground: Worcestershire 266 v Essex 50-1

Old Trafford: Hampshire 330-9 v Lancashire

Edgbaston: Kent 156 v Warwickshire 207-3

DIVISION TWO

Headingley Carnegie: Yorkshire 372-5 v Middlesex

1st Central County Ground: Sussex 391-4 v Derbyshire

Sophie Gardens: Leicestershire 251 v Glamorgan 114-2

Seat Unique Stadium: Match drawn

Match drawn: Gloucestershire v Northants

Gloucestershire v Northants has been abandoned due to a dangerous pitch. What a shame for Northants who looked almost nailed on to win their first game. Instead, they will earn 11 points from today’s game while Gloucestershire won’t take any. An investigation will surely follow.

Johnny Bairstow has reached a century, his first in first-class cricket for Yorkshire since 2016.

Surrey are still going strong against Nottinghamshire on 319-5. The 16-year-old debutant, Farhan Ahmed, is leading the Nottinghamshire fight though. He’s taken four wickets for 62 runs.

Meanwhile, Will Rhodes has scored 50 for Warwickshire against Kent. Warwickshire have already surpassed Kent’s meagre 156 total with 163-2.

Tom Alsop has reached 50 for Sussex against Derbyshire. Sussex are 376-4.

Gloucestershire v Northants suspended

Play has stopped in Bristol at the Seat Unique Stadium as the umpires have decided that the pitch is too dangerous to play on. A couple of players, including Rob Keogh, have been hurt as the ball bounced up off the surface. I’ll keep you updated as things progress.

Updated

Archie Vaughan’s part in this session is over. Fellow youngster, Daniel Hogg, takes the wicket with a new ball.

Johnny Bairstow has scored 50 for Yorkshire.

Essex have finally made the breakthrough, bowling Worcestershire out for 266. Jamie Porter will be proud of his five wicket haul while Worcestershire can credit themselves for putting up a fight after a dreadful start.

Fletcha Middleton hits a century off of 173 balls for Hampshire. It’s only his second county cricket ton. Hampshire are 246-3.

Outside of county cricket, Joe Root has reached 100 against Sri Lanka. He’s looked assured, bar a nervy moment when he almost hit the ball onto the stumps, and he joins Alistair Cook on 33 Test hundreds, the most of any Englishman.

It’s tea time at Chelmsford and Worcestershire have steadied the ship after being 10-4. Worcestershire are now 265-9 as Essex struggle to take the last wicket.

I’m watching a father and son play cricket on the Somerset v Durham. Instead of watching the Michael Vaughan’s son play, I’m watching a family play cricket in the car park. The son looks like a player to be fair.

Kent have have a brief break from a miserable day so far. Warwickshire are only 41 runs behind Kent after bowling them out for 156.

Archie Vaughan is batting for Somerset. Best of luck to him on his debut.

Tea-time-ish scores

DIVISION ONE

Trent Bridge: Surrey 203-2 v Nottinghamshire

Taunton: Somerset 260-5 v Durham

The Cloud County Ground: Worcestershire 225-9 v Essex

Old Trafford: Hampshire 192-3 v Lancashire

Edgbaston: Kent 156 v Warwickshire 82-1

DIVISION TWO

Headingley Carnegie: Yorkshire 234-4 v Middlesex

1st Central County Ground: Sussex 290-3 v Derbyshire

Sophie Gardens: Leicestershire 199-8 v Glamorgan

Seat Unique Stadium: Gloucestershire 125 v Northamptonshire 72-2

Updated

It seems David Brown has already given up:


“It pains me to say it as a Kent supporter but I truly think they should be relegated to the Minor Counties league and bypass Div 2.”

A couple of breakthroughs!

Just as I started to think Patel would join Burns and score a hundred for himself, Farhan Ahmed, on his debut, tempts the batter to edge a shot straight into slip. Nottinghamshire needed that.

There’s a similar story at Taunton. Callum Parkinson encourages Abell to edge a ball straight to slip. That’s a big wicket.

Surrey have reached 200 runs while Somerset have reached 250 runs.

Burns has scored another century as Surrey remain in control.

Burns and Patel have racked up an 150 run partnership.

There’s some news from the England camp. Jordan Cox has left the England Men’s Test squad to join up with Essex in their Vitality County Championship Division One match against Worcestershire at Chelmsford. Josh Hull remains with the Test squad at Lord’s.

Tom Abell has reached a century for Somerset. He’s done so off of 148 balls as Somerset are 215-3 against Durham.

Could someone let me know why we’re using Kookaburra balls?

Poor Kent are all out for 156 as they edge closer to Division Two. Ben Compton scored 7o runs but his performance was meaningless as Joey Evison was the only other batter to reach double figures.

Fletcha Middleton has made it to 50 runs for Hampshire against Lancashire.

Surrey look rather comfortable against Nottinghamshire. They’re 135-1 after almost 48 overs. Burns has hit a couple of fours in quick succession.

Gloucestershire are all out. Yes, already. Broad was the standout performer for Northants, taking seven wickets for 33 runs, as Gloucestershire managed a measly 125.

And there it is. Tom Haines won’t join Hughes on 100 runs as Zak Chappell’s ball has seen Haines get caught out.

Daniel Hughes has hit a century for Sussex as his partnership with Tom Haines continues. Derbyshire desperately need a breakthrough…

Justin Broad has also taken five wickets for Northamptonshire. It’s his very first fifer.

Gloucestershire are 122-9 against Northamptonshire. Yes, nine wickets.

Updated

Jamie Porter has taken a five wicket haul (already) for Essex. Worcestershire are 118-6 after they chose to bat. That decision isn’t paying off so far.

We are back. Rory Burns has scored 50 runs off of 104 balls for Surrey.

Updated

Have a great lunch everybody!

Lunchtime scores

DIVISION ONE

Trent Bridge: Surrey 88-1 v Nottinghamshire

Taunton: Somerset 120-3 v Durham

The Cloud County Ground: Worcestershire 100-5 v Essex

Old Trafford: Hampshire 80-1 v Lancashire

Edgbaston: Kent 123-7 v Warwickshire

DIVISION TWO

Headingley Carnegie: Yorkshire 121-2 v Middlesex

1st Central County Ground: Sussex 161-0 v Derbyshire

Sophie Gardens: Leicestershire 96-3 v Glamorgan

Seat Unique Stadium: Gloucestershire 113-6 v Northamptonshire

The bowlers seem to be having a field day around the grounds. Warwickshire have just taken their seventh wicket against Kent. At 110-7, Kent are cementing their place at the bottom of the table.

Another partnership is building, this time at Trent Bridge. Rory Burns, fresh from his double century, and Ryan Patel are going steady. Burns is close to hitting the 50 mark himself. Surrey are 87-1.

Updated

Daniel Hughes and Tom Haines have both scored 50s for Sussex against Derbyshire. They’re currently 134-0 and building a great partnership.

Meanwhile, in the England v Sri Lanka test, Ollie Pope was dismissed after a mistimed pull shot. Questions are being asked of the England captain and Surrey cricketer.

In Division Two, Northamptonshire are giving Gloucestershire a tough time.

Thank you for the warm welcome everyone. Tanya told me that there was a great county cricket community BTL but I didn’t expect this level of engagement. It’s amazing! I’m looking forward to reading your comments throughout. I’m sure I’ll learn a great deal.

PS: My name is pronounced Zy-ma-ka.

Mentioning good starts, Essex are flying against Worcestershire.

Durham are off to a good start at Taunton. After Ben Raine got a wicket off of his first ball to Andy Umeed, Daniel Hogg continued his superb start to county cricket with another wicket, this time at the expense of Tom Lammonby.

A recent article on the Lancashire CCC website might enlighten you slightly. It says: “Phil Salt is managing a back injury with Saqib Mahmood and Luke Wood managing their workloads ahead of next week’s Vitality Blast quarter-final at Sussex.”

Updated

We’ve got a question from Gary:

“The following players are listed on the Lancashire County Cricket Club website, but are not in the XI for a critical match today: James Anderson; Jos Buttler; Saqib Mahmood; Liam Livingstone; Steven Croft; Luke Wood; Phil Salt; Will Williams. Can anyone enlighten me as to why? They’re not all at an Ariana Grande gig are they?”

I recall Saqib Mahmood saying he was ready to play for county again after his heroics in The Hundred. Not sure why he and the rest of the players aren’t playing.

Updated

And we’re off! Play all around the grounds on the first day of this round.

Updated

Another one! If 16-year-old Rocky Flintoff wasn’t enough, we’ve got another son following in the footsteps of their father today. Archie Vaughan will make his first-class debut against Durham today.

Elsewhere, Sri Lanka have won the toss and will bowl first against England in the second test of the series. England will be looking to build on their first test victory as Ali Martin writes about below:

Preamble

Hello and welcome to this county cricket live blog. My first county cricket live blog, may I add, so go easy on me. The sun’s out here in London and there are similar conditions across the country, making for a great day of cricket.

All 18 teams are in action but my eyes will be glued to Nottinghamshire v Surrey and Somerset v Durham. Surrey look like they’re running away with it again but Somerset will be keen to keep the pressure on.

I’ll also provide you with updates on the big moments from the other grounds. Feel free to email me your thoughts on your team’s prospects and where you’re watching the game from today.

Updated

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