Roundup: Yorkshire begin new era in style
Yorkshire’s first day at the office after a winter of angry finger-pointing revolution proved remarkably smooth. After the Azeem Rafiq racism scandal, the subsequent sacking of 16 staff, and the installation of a new management team, a gentle workout attracting no headlines was all that was required.
But they did better than that, dismissing Gloucestershire for 227 despite a superb century from the Australian Marcus Harris. Matty Fisher grabbed four for 19 from 14.1 overs and, while Harris tucked into Haris Rauf with particular relish, Rauf precipitated Gloucestershire’s late-afternoon collapse with two wickets in two balls. The sun even came out for Adam Lyth and George Hill, with Lyth playing with particular panache.
Darren Gough was in pensive mood speaking to the BBC. “I was shellshocked myself when I took over,” said the county’s interim director of cricket. “I have never seen players as down. They had seen their friends sacked. Some of them had been at the club a long time. They were upset. I understand that. They still have questions that they want answered. All those questions – are they going to drop us, are they going to dock points from us – they just have to focus on what they can.”
There was another day to forget for Somerset, whose brittle batting disintegrated. Only Tom Lammonby passed 16, and he was dropped twice, the eventual total of 109 the second time they have been bowled out for less than 140 in successive innings. Simon Harmer, fresh from international duty with South Africa, took three of the last four wickets, including one in his first over. Sir Alastair Cook rubbed salt in the wound with an unbeaten half-century as Essex equalled Somerset’s total for the loss of only two wickets.
Ollie Pope continued his sweet early-season touch, with an unbeaten 113 at the Oval against Hampshire. Half-centuries from Ryan Patel and Hashim Amla also tucked useful runs into Surrey’s purse, though Rory Burns was caught at second slip driving extravagantly for 21. Lancashire finished the first day of their season in fine fettle as Dane Vilas and Steven Croft made centuries. Vilas provided the bombast, Croft the running stitch, in a fourth-wicket stand of 215 against Kent.
Derbyshire’s Shan Masood batted his socks off, finishing with a career-best 201 not out, as Sussex’s callow attack fell out of ideas at Derby. With two half-centuries in the opening match of the season, their head of cricket, Mickey Arthur, can be very pleased with his off-season browsing.
At the Riverside, David Bedingham and Sean Dickson dashed early Leicestershire hopes as they lifted Durham from the pits (34 for three) with a fourth-wicket partnership of 231.Dickson, who was playing only because Alex Lees was ruled out with a back injury, made 120 while Bedingham was unbeaten on 184 at stumps.
Ben Duckett’s 122 was the backbone of Nottinghamshire’s 302 against Glamorgan, a collapse of sorts from 258 for four. Duckett was dismayed to be caught and bowled off Marnus Labuschagne’s unusual brand of dibbly-dobblies.
Updated
Another busy day for the batters in the Championship - with centuries for Harris, Croft, Vilas, Pope, Masood (a double), Dickson, Bedingham and Duckett - with the Yorkies successfully navigating their first day of the season after the revolution. That’s it from me, thanks for the emails, see you tomorrow. Good night!
Masood passes 200!
Popping back briefly to post this
STUMPS: #DCCC end the day 327-2, with Masood (201*) and Madsen (88*) to resume on Day Two.
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) April 14, 2022
Here's the moment Shan Masood reached his double-hundred 🔥
Scorecard and clips ⤵️
In Division Two: Masood keeps on running, like a superbly oiled lawnmower – 183 not out, Derbys 300-2 v Sussex. Durham 285-4, the mega partnership of 221 between Dickson (120) and Bedingham (135 not out) broken when Dickson was lbw to Barnes. And a wicket for Marnus Labuschagne as Notts float on 264-7, Duckett 121 not out v Glamorgan.
Updated
Apologies for the delay in updates – events, etc. A last quick look round the grounds before I write up …
Alastair Cook has passed 25,000 first-class career runs as Essex approach Somerset’s total for the loss of just one wicket. Ollie Pope 84 not out in Surrey’s 268-3 v Hampshire; two tons for Lancashire, as Croft joins Vilas in three figures - 296-4; Gloucestershire’s mid-order collapse of 4-16, and the loss of Harris for 136 tips the day towards Yorkshire. Actually, make that 227 all out: England’s Fisher 4-19, Rauf a more profligate 3-81.
Updated
Hundreds for Sean Dickson and Ben Duckett, Dane Vilas and Marcus Harris
But before you say anything...
Who’d be a bowler in April?
— Tim Wigmore (@timwig) April 13, 2022
Why, contrary to the common perception, it’s the best month for batting in the County Championshiphttps://t.co/wxvncJAV3k pic.twitter.com/Yuv97gWP2Z
Not sure what Haris Rauf had for tea, but he pulls off a stinging over on the back of it: Higgins is dropped twice, before being caught, Lace lbw first ball to an inswinging yorker.
A lovely email comes in with the tea-break. Hello Oliver and Luca Pearce:
“Dear Tanya, Long-time reader, first-time emailer. More pertinently, today was my seven-year-old Luca’s first outing to a live match: Kent against Lancashire. His best bit was Wells hitting Milnes for nine runs in an over. Perhaps not quite up there with Tendaulker’s mesmeric 140* against Kenya in 1999 – thanks for reminding me of my only visit thus far to cricket in Bristol.”
Updated
Tea-time scores
DIVISION ONE
Bristol: Gloucestershire 155-4 v Yorkshire
Canterbury: Kent v Lancashire 229-3
Taunton: Somerset 109 all out v Essex 40-0
The Oval: Surrey 212-2 v Hampshire
DIVISION TWO
Derby: Derbyshire 237-2 (Masood 146 not out) v Sussex
Chester-le-Street: Durham 227-3 (Bedingham 107) v Leicestershire
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 217-4 v Glamorgan
Fifty for Ollie Pope, who has started the season in sweet touch. A half century too for Hashim Amla: Surrey 212-2.
On the evidence of Lord's last week and The Oval today (and plenty of other matches), the question is not whether counties can afford to play a spinner, it's whether they can afford not to @tjaldred.
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) April 14, 2022
Such a lot of fertiliser talked about April pitches.
I’m looking forward to watching Parky turn his arm over after another winter of drinks carrying. This is worth a read.
And the other Stamford School centurion? Joey Evison.
Tom v d Gucht, apologies, I missed your email sent this morning:
“Having watched the manner in which the ECB has ghosted both its core-fanbase during the first rounds of the CC (as criticsed by Jack Russell) alongside its best two bowlers during the winter, it reminds me of the tories’ approach towards public services such as education and the NHS.
“It’s almost like they’re following the Conservative’s blueprint of running things into the ground until they’re no longer sustainable before flogging them off. What’s next? Hiring Nadine Dorries to do a Channel 4 on us and inform everyone that the cricket-loving public and general cricketing community don’t actually like cricket and would prefer to replace the CC and, T20 blast and one-day league with something new and slightly random … Oh, cheers Colin Graves …”
On the second point I completely agree. But the ECB’s lack of coverage on Twitter is weird, because actually they offer a really good service online via the website.
Updated
Down at Taunton:
Peter Siddle bowling to Alastair Cook at Taunton. It's like the 2013-14 Ashes never ended.
— Lawrence Booth (@the_topspin) April 14, 2022
In the depths of Division Two:
Shan Masood closes in on 150-Derbys 221-2 v Sussex ; Durham 184-3 without the injured Alex Lees, Dickson and Bedingham both in the 80s; Ben Duckett 75 not out, the backbone of Notts 183-4 v Glamorgan.
Updated
Darren Gough talking to the BBC at lunchtime: “I love the club. I care about the club. It was in a situation that needed someone the players knew and could relate to. And would trust very quickly.
“For the members it was important it was someone they knew and it was difficult for me because I Knew all the people who lost their jobs. I have huge empathy for them because some of them were close friends, still are. But I’ve come in and not had a chance to think about anything other than trying to recruit the right people who would fit in to the environment we’ve got at Yorkshire and the players would feel comfortable around.
“Now we’ve employed, what, 14 people so I’ve been busy doing things I had no experience in. I’ve been doing job descriptions, I’ve been doing interviews, I’ve been sifting through the process and making sure there’s transparency throughout. I’ve also been helping out on the commercial side, I was in India last week when we signed up with Clean Slate which is a fantastic commercial partner for us. So I’ve done lots of things in three months and I spoke to a director of cricket at another club and he said I’ve done more in three months than he’s done in seven years. And he’s probably right.”
Updated
BTL: a challenge
“Tanya.” Hello Harry Chapman!
“I am British, trying to follow the CCLB while having to teach a three-hour high school drama class in Massachusetts. Now I work in a very small therapeutic school and due to us having a week off next week I only have two students. I am looking for advice as to how to turn my monologue lesson (please see opening number from Tangled as an example of musical monologue) into one about cricket (I want to put on the Somerset vs Essex live stream - due to being an Essex fan) Any advice? It is hugely appreciated!
Also a note on Anya Shrubsole – as someone there that final in Lord’s she gave me one of my favourite cricketing memories!” [so true!]
Updated
Round the Div one grounds: double fifties for Lancashire as Steven Croft and Dane Vilas waft their bats. 174-3.
Harris and Hammond rebuild after losing two quick wickets before lunch and van Buuren this afternoon, Haris Rauf getting a bit of a hiding 0-49. Gloucestershire 125-3.
Somerset 109 all out. Tom Lammonby 48 (dropped twice). Three for Sam Cook, three for Steketee, three for Harmer. Essex 6-0 in reply.
Amla and Pope looking solid at The Oval – 168-2. Rylan Patel continuing to start the season well, out for a pretty 58.
Updated
A hundred for Shan Masood!
What an early season! Easy does it, 113 not out. Derbyshire 180-2. Sussex’s young bowlers on a learning curve. Pujara watching and waiting.
An email drifts by from Tim Thompson, “Shan Masood’s century makes that two for Stamford school already this season. Do you know who bagged the first?”
Oooh.. who of last week’s 20 centurions went to Stamford school?
The county champions elect motoring along. Expecting Bohannon to have a tricky one after last year’s breakthrough season; Vilas due a better summer with the bat. Currently 151-3 (Croft 43, Vilas 39).
Updated
Injury news: Alex Lees is missing today’s Durham game with a back injury.
“Give me an over and I’ll give you a man.” Simon Harmer 1-1-0-1. Somerset 86-7.
Fifty for Marcus Harris!
It’s easy this county cricket lark.
Somerset. What to say: 75-6. Steven Davies wafts at Snater. Lammonby has survived two chances.
Unfortunately, I’m unable to attend this summons! But please could you send the sun this way.
Abbas and Abbott bowling to Amla at The Oval - we need you to complete the Grade A quartet @tjaldred.
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) April 14, 2022
A lovely walk round the ground. Happy spectators, an ice cream van, grass and daisies left to grow wild, a golden Labrador, electric car charging points, vegan food as well as bacon rolls. Community gardens, six and four cards printed on wild flower embedded paper to plant at home. And Gloucestershire 75-2.
Lovely to see this queen on the wall at @Gloscricket. Happy retirement! pic.twitter.com/GHJotWar9N
— tanya aldred (@tjaldred) April 14, 2022
Bracey falls just before lunch, and I’m going to take a stroll round Bristol. I don’t think I’ve been since watching Tendulkar make 140 in a 1999 World Cup game just after returning from his father’s funeral.
Lunchtime scores
DIVISION ONE
Bristol: Gloucestershire 58-2 v Yorkshire
Canterbury: Kent v Lancashire 89-3
Taunton: Somerset 70-5 v Essex
The Oval: Surrey 83-1 v Hampshire
DIVISION TWO
Derby: Derbyshire 108-2 v Sussex
Chester-le-Street: Durham 65-3 v Leicestershire
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 108-2 v Glamorgan
Dom Bess just before lunch.
Not an extra in 24 overs for the Yorkies, the tightwads. Marcus Harris starting to look sublime and, ah, Charlesworth nibbles to Fisher and is well caught by Duke for 15. Gloucestershire 50-1.
How do Somerset escape this rip in their batting universe? It is going to be a long, long season.. Head slumps into neck, neck slumps into shoulders: 49-5. Three for Sam Cook, two for Mark Steketee.
Shan Masood makes his third successive fifty!
Have Derbyshire (80-1) made the signing of the season? Yes they have.
Oh Has. Alas. (34)
Gary O'Weighell strikes again 😲
— Glamorgan Cricket 🏏 (@GlamCricket) April 14, 2022
Extraordinary scenes as Weighell runs out Hameed at the non-strikers end after skilfully deflecting the ball onto the stumps with his foot@TrentBridge 69/2
𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗰𝗵 𝗹𝗶𝘃𝗲: https://t.co/9237igNxle#NOTTSvGLAM | #GoGlam pic.twitter.com/MlD0PvuQnw
Notts 74-2.
“Tanya,” John Burton, Hello! “Why are 4 teams having byes during this round of games, I had assumed that the point of splitting the divisions into even numbers was that all could be playing.Am I missing some meaningful reason for byes?”
There is no reason apart from each team is playing six games in the first seven weeks - so we think everyone gets one week off.
The first seven rounds run Thursday-Sunday in successive weeks. A further five rounds follow in June and July before the finale in September.
Each county plays 14 Championship matches, with seven home matches and seven away matches. So in Div Two, all play all, but in Div one .. they don’t.
Happy Birthday Durham! Thirty years a first-class county today. Last week’s unbeaten centurion Alex Lees not playing today, whispers of an injury.
Ah, thanks to Romeo for pointing this out.
🔴 @jimmy9 and @SaqMahmood25 are both absent from the squad after they were made unavailable for selection by the ECB. A further update on their availability will be released by the ECB ahead of next week's matches. pic.twitter.com/o5zkzUI2zc
— Lancashire Cricket (@lancscricket) April 13, 2022
Curtains for Burns:
Dutchy gets the breakthrough 💥
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) April 14, 2022
Rory Burns drives at a ball going away from him and safe hands @daws128 takes the catch 🤲
SUR: 39-1 (12.4)
Watch LIVE 👇https://t.co/6qMMRQBG0n pic.twitter.com/qUMCdkXFZE
Writes Gary Naylor:
Hi @tjaldred.
— Gary Naylor (@garynaylor999) April 14, 2022
Here at the sun-kissed Oval, a decent crowd is applauding every thick outside edge that goes for four, as they did at Lord's last week.
Is this now the accepted etiquette?
Oooh, I reckon in the sun, with a bank holiday ahead, people are happy to clap most things! As to whether people are getting less discerning - I don’t know. Does it matter do you think?
Marcus Harris pats Haris Rauf square for four - gorgeous shot - and oooh dropped by Harry Duke next ball. Gloucs 29-0.
Ok, time for a coffee and a sniff round the Division One grounds:
Here at Gloucestershire, it’s been slow stuff: Fisher and Thompson keeping it tight, four slips, a good scattering in the cheap seats. And here comes Haris Rauf.
Lancashire have lost their first wicket of the day, nay the season. Balderson gone for 7, while Wells has smashed six fours in his 30 - a three Weetabix morning.
Somerset’s top order proves as fragile as ever: 25-2, Green and Renshaw gone; while Surrey ease into second gear, Burns and Patel swapping the roles they took at Edgbaston: Burns all bombast and Patel steady.
“How on earth can it be fair for England to drop Anderson for West Indies tests then block Lancashire from using him but without guaranteeing him a place in the next test?” asks Stephen Herzenberg. “They are stopping Anderson from showing up the ECB by decimating Kent.”
Hi Stephen, to the best of my knowledge, Anderson and Broad fix their own schedules in conjunction with physios etc with the aim - as in other years - of getting themselves in the best shape for the first Test. Whether they play or not is another matter...
A man for all seasons (but not April)
Player watch
Still no Jimmy Anderson, no Stuart Broad.
Zak Crawley is back, as are Jack Leach, Craig Overton and Parky.
Simon Harmer returns for Essex, Matt Renshaw for Somerset, Marnus Labuschagne for Glamorgan, Marcus Harris for Gloucestershire, Mohammad Rizwan and Cheteshwar Pujara at Hove
Updated
If anyone missed this yesterday: reports of up to 12 ex Yorkshire players to be charged by the ECB on breaching the anti-discrimination code/bringing the game into disrepute, including Gary Ballance, Matthew Hoggard, Andrew Gale and Tim Bresnan.
Toss news
DIVISION ONE
Yorkshire win and will bowl
Lancashire win and will bat
Essex win and will bowl
Hampshire win and will bowl
DIVISION ONE
Derbyshire win and will bat
Leicestershire win and will bowl
Glamorgan win and will bowl
Happy days for the babes in the wood
Debut day for these two. 🤩 pic.twitter.com/mT6rerYMRu
— Sussex Cricket (@SussexCCC) April 14, 2022
Round two
DIVISION ONE
Bristol: Gloucestershire v Yorkshire
Canterbury: Kent v Lancashire
Taunton: Somerset v Essex
The Oval: Surrey v Hampshire
DIVISION TWO
Derby: Derbyshire v Sussex
Chester-le-Street: Durham v Leicestershire
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire v Glamorgan
Warwickshire, Northants (Div one) and Middlesex and Notts (Div two) get a bye this round
Anya Shrubsole retires
A legend lays down her cap:
Shrubsole, who won two World Cups with England - the iconic player of the match on that fantastic late evening at Lord’s in 2017, taking 6-46 -spanned the amateur and professional game.
She started her domestic career for Somerset before going on to play 173 England games across all formats, winning the Ashes twice, and claiming 227 wickets. She finishes fourth on the list of England’s ODI wicket-takers, and bows out as England’s current top IT20 wicket-taker.
She became the first woman to appear on the front of Wisden, in 2018, and retained her golden arm right to the end, taking two key wickets in the recent World Cup semi-final against South Africa. She will continue to play domestic cricket.
“I feel immensely privileged to have been able to represent my country for the past 14 years,” said Shrubsole. “To have been involved in women’s cricket at a time of such growth has been an honour but it has become clear to me that it is moving forward faster than I can keep up with, so it is time for me to step away.
“Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be lucky enough to play for England for so long, I’d have been happy with one game. There have been many ups and downs along the way but it was all worth it to be able to lift the ICC Women’s World Cup at Lord’s in 2017.
“There have been so many people who have supported me along the way and I want to thank them all for everything they have done, but most of all I couldn’t have done it without the unwavering support of my family. They have been with me every step of the way and I simply couldn’t have done it without them.”
Updated
Gloucester news: Marcus Harris will make his Gloucestershire debut today - said to be excited about playing Division One cricket after a spell with Leicestershire. Naseem Shah doesn’t play, out with a shoulder injury.
Good morning!
From round two, and a misty Bristol, where Yorkshire, the story of the winter, prepare for their first match of the season.
Updated
