Sibley's first century of year gives Surrey edge over Essex
Sabastian Sawe may have crossed the marathon finishing line in under two hours, but things were more sedate a couple of miles away at the Oval where Dom Sibley escorted Surrey towards parity and beyond. He spent nearly 20 minutes on 99 before reaching his first hundred of the year, though shortly afterwards was the unlucky recipient of a Sam Cook cracker. Dan Lawrence leapt to an entertaining 125. Surrey finished with a lead of 63 and Essex saw off the final nine overs of the day. Surrey had promised free entry to any marathon runners but there was no sign of medals.
Worcestershire duly bulldozed Kent, an innings-and-two-run flattening at New Road. Kent needed 231 to avoid an innings defeat and were soon in the soup at 38 for three, Tom Taylor (5 for 56) the destroyer. Zak Crawley dug in, but was eventually out, driving, for 31. Chris Benjamin (77) and Keith Dudgeon (41) could not quite force Worcestershire to bat again. Kent are yet to pick up a batting point, and have lost Ben Compton with a dislocated finger.
Joe Root purred into action at Headingley, in his first runout of the year. However, it was a surprise when he nibbled at Henry Crocombe and was out for 96. Sam Whiteman collected his maiden century for Yorkshire, who inched to a lead of nine. Sussex then lost two evening wickets.
Haseeb Hameed (115) and Ben Duckett (93) propped up Nottinghamshire as they followed-on against Warwickshire. Duckett’s dashing 93 was his second half-century of the game.
Matthew Potts reeled through Lancashire’s top order, leaving them 72 for six, but two Durham old boys, Michael Jones (72) and Paul Coughlin (100) manned the lifeboats. Durham need 336 to win.
Winless Gloucestershire can sleep on the chance of breaking their drought after forcing Derbyshire to follow-on at The Racecourse Ground.
On a featherbed at Cardiff, it was Leicestershire’s turn for batting practice, with only four wickets falling all day.
The Oval ground staff are busy watering with long yellow hoses so it must be time to finish writing and head home. Thanks for your company and huge congratulations to any marathoners. Bye!
