Monday roundup: Anderson inspires Lancashire to win thriller
Jimmy Anderson peeled back the years with every neat and tidy stride from the James Anderson End, poetically butterflying Derbyshire at Old Trafford.
It was a day of high drama from start to finish, with Ben Aitchison grabbing two wickets in the first over of the day, much to the surprise of the Lancashire No 10, Mitchell Stanley, who was still doing himself up and dropping gloves on his way to the middle.
Derbyshire were finally set 138 to win, which felt possible, though Caleb Jewell, who has a blind spot against Lancashire, was out in the second over. From then on, it was nip and tuck, until Anderson started his second spell. Just 4.5 overs later he had four for seven, and had knocked off the bails to ensure Zak Chappell was run out going for a shambolic single. The 29-run victory was celebrated with gusto by the Lancashire dressing room.
Meanwhile, Stanley showed just why England are so interested. Tall and strong, relaxed run up, urgent arms, he hit 90mph and proved a genuine threat. Paul Coughlin, on Lancashire debut, celebrated with six wickets, 64 runs and a catch.
The defending champions, Nottinghamshire, pocketed their first win of the season, but they had to work for it. Asa Tribe was out for 85 in the third over of the day but the Glamorgan lower order prodded and poked with great alacrity, especially Mason Crane, who dug in for a two and a half hours while making 39.
Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott closed the door on Yorkshire with a bang, with 10 wickets in the match; while Jack Leaning (120) and Tom Price (70) guided Sussex to victory against Warwickshire at Hove, two wins in two for the side that started the season on minus 12 points.
Rob Key watched Jamie Smith and Ollie Pope get half centuries for Surrey against Leicestershire on the flat Oval pitch; Ben Compton (114) and the rain helped Kent to safety against Northamptonshire.
Good night!
Thanks for your company for this entertaining round of games. From Ben McKinney to Ben Compton, Harry Conway to Jimmy Anderson, its been fun. We’ll be back on Friday for round three. Have a lovely evening.
