Tanya’s county roundup
Luke Wells slammed a century off just 65 balls as Lancashire aimed for a declaration today at Old Trafford. Yorkshire looked all at sea as Wells took to his task with gusto, picking up and clattering two of six sixes into the empty party stand, on his way to the second-fastest authentic Roses hundred.
His opening partner Keaton Jennings was denied a fifth successive Roses century when captain Jonny Tattersall unexpectedly pulled off his wicket-keeping regalia and turned his arm over. Jennings tucked into his fifth ball in first-class cricket, only to be well caught by Ben Coad at backward point – whose trousers promptly fell down.
Second-placed Hampshire lit the blue touchpaper taking 12 wickets in a day at the Rose Bowl, as Northamptonshire were forced to follow on. Barring an unlikely rear-guard, they will leapfrog Surrey at the top of the table. Hampshire’s indefatigable opening duo did the damage, with Kyle Abbott and Keith Barker grabbing four wickets each.
At Canterbury, Sam Cook took six for 33, nine wickets in the match, to reduce Kent to 137 for eight following on; Gloucestershire plodded to a lead of 341 at Taunton, leaving Somerset an uneasy final day ahead.
In Division Two, Nottinghamshire duly beat Leicestershire, by 241 runs, despite a stoic 10th-wicket partnership of 83 between Callum Parkinson and Michael Finan – who made 58 on his first-class debut.
Shubman Gill cultured a glittering 92 on his Glamorgan debut on a soggy day at Sophia Gardens to set up an intriguing final day against Worcestershire; while three wickets for Durham’s Ben Raine thwarted Derbyshire.
Well done the Kentish rearguard, especially Jordan Cox, that might be that for the game with terrible weather forecast for Canterbury tomorrow – despite the best efforts of nine-for-the-match Sam Cook. Congratulations also to Michael Finan – who made 58 on his first-class debut in a losing cause for Leicestershire - Keith Barker and Kyle Abbot at the Rose Bowl and Luke Wells for the second fastest authentic Roses century in history!
Thanks to Ralf for all his help – best of luck for the A levels - and to you all BTL. Time to wade home through the puddles. Til tomorrow – good night!
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