Day one round-up
On the day their chairman, Rod Bransgrove, announced he was stepping back from the role after more than 23 years at the helm, Hampshire fell to 120 all out against Essex at the Ageas Bowl. James Vince’s bowlers pegged back Tom Westley’s side in the afternoon to leave the visitors on 145 for six.
England fans would have no doubt rolled their eyes at the sunny scene on display at Old Trafford yesterday morning where Lancashire chased leather during a partnership of 207 runs for Northamptonshire’s Emilio Gay and Luke Procter. Gay eventually fell for 144 as Northants secured only their second and third batting points of the season by scoring 302 for five.
The Overton twins duking it out at Taunton provided the box-office moment of the day in the shires. In this fixture last year Craig was forced to retire hurt after being clocked on the helmet by a bouncer from his younger sibling. That thought was surely not far from the senior Overton’s mind as he strode out with Somerset struggling on 140 for seven in bright sunshine. Four balls later he was back in the hutch after Jamie had sent down a searing delivery that kissed his glove and ended up in Ben Foakes’s mitts behind the stumps. Surrey closed on 138 for four in response to Somerset’s total of 170.
On a bonkers day in Birmingham 22 wickets fell in total on green Edgbaston pitch. Both sides found batting difficult but Middlesex were well on top by the close – a battling 53 from Ryan Higgins saw them reply to Warwickshire’s 60 all out with 199. Ethan Bamber added another wicket to his five for 20 in the first innings as the home side closed on 53 for two, 86 runs adrift.
Nottinghamshire cruised to 275 for five against Kent, Ben Slater falling for exactly 100 at the top of the order and Glamorgan rattled along to 408 for six against beleaguered Derbyshire. Afternoon rain and hailstones meant a truncated day in Scarborough, Durham’s Matt Potts striking with two late lbw dismissals to leave Yorkshire 148 for two at stumps after just 38 overs of possible play.
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Swooping back in after filing my copy, how are we doing? Decent day’s graft that eh? And the cricket wasn’t bad either (BuddumTish).
Round up of the day incoming…
Thanks to Fewer Owls for the below Statsanomoly sent into my inbox:
“Afternoon Mr Wallace, all 4 Warwickshire bowlers concede 49 runs…” and with that he he flies off, a knowing hoot disappearing into the ether.
After wrestling an over-tired toddler into bed I’m now well and truly done for the day. Thanks for your company and see you same time, same place on the morrow. Goodnight.
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