Roundup: Kent recover after Yorkshire's Rauf runs through top order
On a suitably overcast Leeds day, Yorkshire stepped back on to the Headingley turf for the first time since the turbulent events of the winter. After the ECB-choreographed moment of reflection, the 2000-strong crowd burst into a fair rattle of applause as the players ran on to the field. Haris Rauf, who on his last appearance at Headingley was kerpowed over the top of the Howard Stand and into the rugby ground by Liam Livingstone, harried in from the same end and decimated Kent’s top order.
First the immovable Ben Compton, then the flighty Zak Crawley, yet to sing for his supper this season, and finally the former Yorkshire player Jack Leaning. But from the depths of 20 for three, Daniel Bell-Drummond and Jordan Cox built a foundation, judiciously sending the loose balls for four. Cox was lbw in Dom Bess’s first over, but Bell-Drummond eased to his second consecutive hundred, an innings full of handsome strokes.
In the north-east stand, groups of friends in thermal hiking trousers and warm coats sat together, happy to be back. One was Deirdre, a member, who voted through the reforms. “I’m optimistic for the future,” she said, “it is critical that people embrace the change.”
Surrey too recovered from a dreadful start, with their stacked middle order making glorious runs – an unbeaten 111 for Jamie Smith, 84 for Ollie Pope, and more boundary-laden runs for Sam Curran. Mohammad Amir’s Gloucestershire debut went wicketless, though a couple of catches were fumbled. At the Rose Bowl, Hassan Ali continued his scintillating form, skittling his way through Hampshire to take five for 45. Jimmy Anderson was at his erudite best, taking three for 24.
Somerset enjoyed a remarkably perky day at Taunton against the county champions, Warwickshire, inspired by a century from Matthew Renshaw, and half-centuries from Tom Abell and Tom Lammonby. While on a friendly Chelmsford pitch, Northamptonshire painstakingly picked a path towards respectability against Essex, thanks to sixties from Will Young and Luke Procter.
In Division Two, 17 wickets fell at Trent Bridge as Stuart Broad’s return was overshadowed by Dane Patterson who clattered through Worcestershire, with career-best figures of eight for 52. Haseeb Hameed top-scored for Nottinghamshire with 53.
Showman Shaheen Shah Afridi thrilled a large group of watching schoolchildren at Lord’s, reducing Leicestershire to 32 for three, fizzing out Hassan Azad and Colin Ackermann in successive balls. Tom Helm then led the rest of Middlesex’s attack to dismiss Leicestershire for 149. Mark Stoneman was 80 not out at stumps.
Shan Masood was cut off in his prime, for 60, his fifth consecutive half century (or more), but Derbyshire powered on against Glamorgan with a hundred from Brooke Guest. Sussex had Durham in an unexpected mess at 128 for seven, until Liam Trevaskis bashed 88 to take them to respectability. Tom Haines then shimmied to his third fifty of the season.
Round-up done, time to head home to some warmth. Dom Bess spoke very well at the end, about how he’s learning his craft and how Otis Gibson is talking to them as a bowling unit. Thanks for all the messages, sorry it was a bit haphazard today. Till tomorrow - good night!
They’re back on at Headingley, and Bell-Drummond has gone for 109, uncharacteristically holing out to mid-on.
Ben Stokes was hailed as being the epitome of what England need to reverse their Test fortunes after being confirmed as the new captain in Rob Key’s first public appearance as the director of men’s cricket.
— Guardian sport (@guardian_sport) April 28, 2022
By @Cricket_Ali https://t.co/dryIt5lMCt
James Fuller bats Tom Bailey’s first ball after tea for six, and that’s my cue to write up. Keep an eye on the Taunton run-fest for me.
The covers are coming on now- could that be it for the day? A couple of punters have now pulled up their hoods, and are trudging away.
Bad light stops play at Headingley. The stoicism and loyalty of county cricket followers should be bottled and used for some higher purpose . I haven’t seen a single soul pack up with their blue fingers and say, right, that’s enough for me. They are northern though. Kent 200-4.
As I go for a quick walk to raise my body temperature above mini-fridge levels, a hat tip to Tom Abell for fifty and Liam Trevaskis’ whoopie-do 87 off just 104 balls to rescue Durham from the ignominy of 75-6 to 210-7.
Tea-time scores
DIVISION ONE
Chelmsford: Essex v Northants 160-4
Bristol: Gloucestershire v Surrey 167-3
The Rose Bowl: Hampshire 194-7 v Lancashire
Taunton: Somerset 249-2 v Warwickshire
Headingley: Yorkshire v Kent 199-4
DIVISION TWO
The County Ground: Derbyshire 210-2 v Glamorgan
Lord’s: Middlesex v Leicestershire 149 all out
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 65-0 v Worcestershire 159 all out
Hove: Sussex v Durham 210-7
Updated
Yorkshire’s fielders take their freeing hands out of their pockets to clap Daniel Bell Drummond off the field. That’s tea, scores to follow.
A second hundred in successive matches for Daniel Bell-Drummond! A nice innings, calm and classy. And he saw off Haris Rauf. Dropped on fifty, he’s doubled his score. Kent 197-4.
Headingley is going through a quiet stage. A post-lunch slumber of sorts - if only you’d thought to bring your thermal sleeping bag and bed socks. 189-4. DBD still in the process of contemplating 100. Elsewhere round the grounds, Procter and Keogh are rebuilding for Northants, 159-3 v Essex. Simon Hamer 14 wicketless overs.
Pope and Smith are building at Bristol, brick after brick, a fourth-wicket partnership of 121. Surrey 158-3. And Hampshire have been dealt another blow by Lancashire, this time Anderson on hand in the field to catch Keith Barker off Hassan. Hants 150-7.
Somerset still in dreamland, 222-1. Abell 32 not out; Renshaw 126 not out.
If you have a problem, if no one else can help, and if you can find them, maybe you can hire - Jimmy Anderson. He breaks through at the Rosebowl where Organ and Gubbins (57 not out) had put down roots in a partnership of 92. Hants 142-6.
Over t’other side of Pennines, Daniel Bell-Drummond, slowly, carefully approaches three figures.
A hundred for Matt Renshaw!
Sixteen fours, one six, nice and easy against the reigning County Champs. Somerset a pinch-me 180-1. Anyone there? What’s the pitch like?
Rob Key certainly has a lot of good will going into the job. The only feedback I’ve seen from his round-table at Lord’s has been positive.
Keysie is such a legend! Buzzing for him 😎🙌🏾💪🏾 https://t.co/jrlZczuh7D
— Ebony-Jewel Rainford-Brent MBE (@ejrainfordbrent) April 28, 2022
Worcestershire all out 159, after some bat throwing by Pennington brings things to an end. Leicestershire hard on their heels, 114-9 v Middlesex, three for Helm, three for Shaheen. And Durham, somehow, 140-7 against Sussex.
And here at Headingley, Jordan Cox is lbw for 68, in Dom Bess’s first over of the match. A nice little innings that - smart, tucking into the rogue roast potatoes.
You turn your head and Dane Paterson takes 8-47. Worcestershire collapsing like a splattered meringue. From 100-3 to 138-9.
Did I mention that Daniel Bell-Drummond was dropped in the first over after lunch on 50? He’s still there, on 57, if slightly becalmed; Jordan Cox has almost overtaken him on 55 - the partnership 106. Kent 130-3.
Well done Middlesex!
Amazing to see! Thank you everyone for your support 🙏#OneMiddlesex https://t.co/l90hQd8wAR
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) April 28, 2022
My purely anecdotal observation is that there have been more non-white faces at CC games this season (certainly at Old Trafford and Bristol,) presumably to watch all the amazing Pakistan players gracing the competition.
Fifty for Shan Masood
The man who bleeds runs. Five innings, five fifties, two double-centuries and a man of the season award already on the shelf . Derby 112-1.
Have we done best overseas signings ever? Jimmy Cook? Joel Garner? Viv? Clive Lloyd? Ping me your thoughts.
The Somerset party comes to an end as Tom Lammonby edges Hannon-Dalby behind for 56..Don’t do that thing where you throw all the guests out at once though. Please. Somerset 137-1
A quick wander down into the north-east stand to speak to Yorkshire fans in the lunch break. Firstly, respect, it is freezing out there. Secondly, thank you so much for your time.
Deirdre, a member, who voted through the reforms “We’ve got to recognise what we’ve done and work to put it right. I was very worried about the club, the role of external influences, other people speaking out in a way that was unhelpful to the club. I’m optimistic for the future, it is critical that people embrace the change. Yorkshire can be an example of good practice. The whistle-blowing hotline showed us that it is not just about Yorkshire.”
And John, from near Pudsey: “I am upset that 20 percent of members voted against the reforms. I’m relieved to be here and watching some cricket again and that we will get a Test match.”
Respect:
Always got each other’s backs. Congratulations mate, I’ll be right with you every step of the way ❤️ pic.twitter.com/KqO3mZpd9X
— Joe Root (@root66) April 28, 2022
Lunchtime scores - 28 wickets in the session!
DIVISION ONE
Chelmsford: Essex v Northants 79-1
Bristol: Gloucestershire v Surrey 62-3
The Rose Bowl: Hampshire 69-3 v Lancashire
Taunton: Somerset 130-0 v Warwickshire
Headingley: Yorkshire v Kent 89-3
DIVISION TWO
The County Ground: Derbyshire 74-1 v Glamorgan
Lord’s: Middlesex v Leicestershire 63-6
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire v Worcestershire 114-5
Hove: Sussex v Durham 79-6
Jordan Thompson flaps his jumper in frustration as they go off for lunch. Lunchtime scores to follow.
And that’s an excellent fifty for fifty for Daniel Bell Drummond, who has hit 2022 with his foot down. Kent 89-2.
Leicestershire and Hampshire winning the contest to lose the most wickets before lunch. Hassan and Anderson chopping up Hampshire, 59-5; and sorry Leicester have just lost another, 55-6, Shaheen storming a breach, Helm, Bamber and TRJ sucking it to the middle-order.
Thank you Dave for this
@tjaldred Tanya, I know we don't really do ipple on CC Live, but I thought this was worth a shout https://t.co/sOylVVgbE1
— Dave Harris (@Daveip1966) April 28, 2022
I can’t work Surrey out. Are they going to light the touch paper this season, or trudge through the lowlands. Currently, 48-3 against Gloucestershire, Amla back in the pavilion. Pope 20 not out.
The temperature in the Headingley press box is one vest, one polo neck, a hoodie and a long puffa jacket. There’s a moral in there somewhere, but I’m not sure what.
In Division Two, the bowlers are hungry.
Shaheen Shah Afridi laughs a full-throated laugh and bowls Azad and Ackermann in successive balls, before coming back for Kimber a couple of overs later. Leicestershire 40-3. Stuart Broad has his first wicket of the season - Libby for 15 - while Paterson has picked up Azhar adn Pollock. Worcs 81-3
The returning Lees snaffled by Rizwan behind the stumps off Crocombe for 11. And now Petersen. Durham 64-2.
Derbyshire lost Godleman early, but panic not, Masood is still there.
Elsewhere in Division One, Northants have steadied after the early loss of Vasconcelos, 37-1; Burns and the in-form Patel are out early at Bristol, Surrey 27-2. And here at Headingley, Bell-Drummon and Cox have taken advantage of a scattering of loose balls and have rattled along to 53-3.
Somerset are 46-0 klaxon, Renshaw and Lammonby easy does it.
Updated
At the Rosebowl, Hassan Ali replaces Jimmy Anderson (6-4-6-2) and has Dawson caught almost straight away. Hampshire in a complete fix at 37.4.
Sorry distracted by talk that Samuel L Jackson is filming in St Helens because they needed somewhere that looked like Russia.
Jason Gillespie, a good man and a CC fan.
Thanks mate- County Cricket is fantastic. Absolutely love it. Really enjoy following the fortunes of all the teams and players I’ve had an association with over the years. I really am a cricket tragic! https://t.co/WAJI2Ng85Y
— Jason Gillespie 🌱 (@dizzy259) April 28, 2022
Right, let’s go round the grounds...
Haris Rauf: 4.1-1-8-3. No fun for old boy Jack Leaning, a second ball duck. Jordan Cox comes skipping out. Kent 20-3.
And another for Rauf! No runs of note for Crawley again. Kent 16-2.
Apparently Joe Root will be back for Yorkshire’s next game against Essex at Chelmsford.
Headingley bursts into applause, and Haris Rauf leaps skyward as Ben Compton’s inevitable march towards three figures ends 97 runs early. Hampshire 15-1.
In the opening ten minutes: Stuart Broad’s first over back has gone for eight - though he didn’t start with a wide like Jimmy; and Northants lose the first wicket of the day - Ricardo Vasconcelos, who has had a stinking-going-on-rotten start to the season.
Ben Stokes named as the new England captain
“I am honoured to be given the chance to lead the England Test team. This is a real privilege, and I’m excited about getting started this summer.
“I want to thank Joe (Root) for everything he has done for English Cricket and for always being a great ambassador for the sport all across the world. He has been a massive part of my development as a leader in the dressing room, and he will continue to be a key ally for me in this role.”
Stokes becomes the 81st England men’s team captain. Good luck son.
Updated
Just in time to see the moment of reflection on a cold and overcast Leeds morning. Yorkshire won the toss and will bowl. The players get an encouraging round of applause from the members gathered in anoraks and woolly hats in the north-east stand as they jog onto the field. I wouldn’t want to be standing at slip - that ball will sting.
Wishing best of luck to everyone doing a language speaking exam this week. Please send particular good vibes to a Manchester comprehensive at 11.45 am in the dear hope that theme three doesn’t come up.
Injury news: the curse of the England paceman continues with Yorkshire’s Matt Fisher out for four weeks with a stress reaction (not fracture). Gloucestershire’s Ben Charlesworth won’t play again till mid-summer because of a stress fracture of the foot. Surrey’s Kemar Roach has gone home after injuring his hamstring against Hampshire last week, and has been replaced by New Zealander Colin de Grandehomme for the next three games.
DIVISION TWO TABLE
Notts (3) 52
Derbyshire (3) 51
Glamorgan (3) 37
Worcestershire (2) 37
Middlesex (2) 36
Durham (3) 32
Leicestershire (3) 26
Sussex (3) 16
Updated
DIVISION ONE TABLE
Surrey (3) 56
Hampshire (3) 49
Lancashire (2) 46
Yorkshire (2) 35
Warwickshire (2) 35
Essex (3) 33
Northants (2) 25
Kent (3) 19
Gloucestershire (3) 18
Somerset (3) 10
DIVISION ONE
Chelmsford: Essex v Northants
Bristol: Gloucestershire v Surrey
The Rose Bowl: Hampshire v Lancashire
Taunton: Somerset v Warwickshire
Headingley: Yorkshire v Kent
DIVISION TWO
The County Ground: Derbyshire v Glamorgan
Lord’s: Middlesex v Leicestershire
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire v Worcestershire
Hove: Sussex v Durham
Preamble
Good morning! These games they keep a-coming - today, round four, and all before the end of April.
Lots of cracking matches on the cards. I’m on the way to Headingley, if the trans-pennine express plays fair, where Yorkshire play their first game since the winter of discontent. Yorkshire failed to squeeze Northants into submission last week, but should find third-from-bottom Kent easier prey. Still no Joe Root, on the day that Ben Stokes is expected to be named Test captain.
Top of the table Surrey travel to Bristol, with Jamie Overton, who last week measured at 90mph in a new ECB speed-gun trialling exercise, an intimidating prospect. Gloucestershire, who have displayed bundles of fight so far this spring but haven’t got the points to prove it, sit second from bottom.
There’s a battle of the mid-table at Chelmsford - a terrible come-down for recent Champions Essex. Steely Northants, who have drawn every game so far, were bowled out for 81 and 45 by Essex in the final game of last season, losing in blink of an eye. Essex will be without Adam Rossington, who isn’t allowed to play Northants in the terms of his loan arrangement.
The Warwickshire bus has arrived at Taunton, where I fear a three-day finish. Lewis Gregory is fit for Somerset. The big boys play at the Rose Bowl, where Lancashire have never lost a championship game. Roll up, roll up, for Mohammad Abbas v Hassan Ali.
In Division Two: mighty Derbyshire (just one point behind leaders Notts), the Shan Masood machine, entertain Glamorgan. Leicestershire travel to Lord’s to face bright and shiny Shaheen Shah Afridi-inspired, and suddenly looking like promotion candidates, Middlesex.
Stuart Broad returns at Trent Bridge, for his first outing since being dropped for the winter tour of West Indies. Not great news for Worcestershire, who could do with runs from Azhar Ali as well as inspirational new captain D’Oliveira.
And at Hove, bedraggled Sussex have signed Hampshire leg-spinner Mason Crane and Essex allrounder Aaron Beard for a month in an attempt to patch up their squad of crocks and bairns.All depends on whether Durham can quickly get rid of Pujara and Tom Haines. Time for Mohammad Rizwan to shine?
