The spring block of Championship games came to a largely soggy end – seven rounds gone. no rampaging giant emerging from the early jostling for position.
Yorkshire duly thrashed Surrey by an innings to deliver their first defeat of the season. send them back to the Oval licking their wounds. The end was nigh when anchor Dom Sibley nibbled at Jhye Richardson 10 minutes in,. Harry Brook dived to his left. A bit of tailend biffing apart, that was that. Joe Root. Brook will rejoin England next week, where Brook’s three wickets on Sunday night may crop up in conversation. “We’re not going to hear the end of it are we?” said Root. “He’s even been talking about how he was using the crease. I was like, ‘It’s getting too much now.’”
There was a minute’s silence before play at Edgbaston. the Warwickshire flag was at half mast, in memory of MJK Smith, who died on Sunday, aged 92. Smith, who captained England. Warwickshire, is remembered not only for his 39,832 first-class runs but also his kindness and decency. Warwickshire’s players wore black armbands as their game with Glamorgan dribbled to a damp draw, though there was time for Colin Ingram to reach his century. Etham Bamber to pocket a five-fer.
Top of the table Nottinghamshire were unable to break the defences of Hampshire ’s Jake Lehmann, 102 not out,. Somerset were frustrated by the rain after making Sussex follow-on and getting them seven down.
Though Durham are clear at the top of Division Two. it’s tight in the following pack – with only 14 points separating the next six teams. Northamptonshire go second after a nervy two-wicket win over Gloucestershire, thanks to super-sub Louis Kimber’s 66. Derbyshire rise to fifth after defeating Middlesex, Ben Stokes got some batting practise in Durham’s draw with Kent,. there were handshakes at Southport.
The covers are on, Lord’s is empty, and we draw the curtains on this first seven-match block. Lots to chew over as we wait for the next game, Surrey v Hampshire on June 8. We’ll be at The Oval for that, so do join us.
Until then, thanks for you company throughout these spring weeks, and have a lovely evening.
Chelmsford: Essex 293 and 104-3 BEAT Leicestershire 333 and 60 by seven wickets
Southampton: Hampshire 214 and 207-6 DRAW with Nottinghamshire 229
Taunton: Somerset 526-8dec DRAW with Sussex 253 and 113-7
Edgbaston: Warwickshire 252 and 100-2 DRAW with Glamorgan 360 and 259
Headingley: Yorkshire 486 BEAT Surrey 204 and 155 by an innings and 127 runs
Bristol: Northamptonshire 127 and 251-8 BEAT Gloucestershire 154 and 221 by two wickets
Beckenham: Kent 523 and 1-1 DRAW with Durham 446
Southport: Lancashire 281-8dec DRAW with Worcestershire 270 and 211-5
Lord’s: Derbyshire 376 and 124-3 BEAT Middlesex 177 and 320 by seven wickets
1 Nottinghamshire P6 W2 L0 D4 91 points
2 Warwickshire P6 W2 L1 D3 86 points
3 Glamorgan P6 W2 L1 D3 83 points
4 Essex P6 W3 L2 D1 80 points
5 Sussex P6 W3 L1 D2 79 points
6 Somerset P6 W2 L2 D2 79 points
7 Surrey P6 W1 L1 D4 71 points
8 Yorkshire P6 W2 L2 D2 71 points
9 Leicestershire P6 W0 L4 D2 46 points
10 Hampshire P6 W1 L4 D1 40 points
1 Durham P6 W3 L0 D3 105 points
2 Northants P6 W 2 L1 D3 85 points
3 Kent P6 W2 L1 D3 77 points
4 Lancashire P6 W2 L2 D2 75 points
5 Derbyshire P6 W2 L3 D1 75 points
6 Worcestershire P6 W 2 L2 D2 71 points
7 Middlesex P6 W2 L2 D2 71 points
8 Gloucestershire P6 W1 L5 D0 32 points
Taunton: Somerset 526-8dec DRAW with Sussex 253 and 113-7
Somerset 15pts, Sussex 10pts
And then there was one. Am going to start writing up while we wait for a weather update/decision from Taunton.
Southampton: Hampshire 214 and 207-6 DRAW with Nottinghamshire 229
Southport: Lancashire 281-8dec DRAW with Worcestershire 270 and 211-5
The weather wiped out any chance of a result in this one, but Ben Stokes shook off any remaining rustiness with 19 overs. 45.
Lancashire 12pts Worcestershire 11pts
Time for one last act, Ben Dawkins caught bit-time keeper Ben Raine, bowled bit-time bowler Graham Clark, 0. Then handshakes all round.
Beckenham: Kent 523 and 1-1 DRAW with Durham 446
Rain again at Taunton. while Josh Bohanon is the latest batsmen to twinkle in his bowling boots, just finishing his first over at Southport. Worcs 203-5, not out forties for D’Oliveira and Waite.
All off at Edgbaston I’m afraid, there was the suggestion of 28 overs from 4.40pm. some extra mizzle put paid to that. Gah.
Edgbaston: Warwickshire 252 and 100-2 DRAW with Glamorgan 360 and 259
Latterly against the curated offerings of Crawley. Dawkins, but a century all the same – 33 wickets at 15.63 this season and now the third f-c hundred of his career. Well played! Saved Durham from an awkward session too.
News on Shoaib Bashir’s finger – all is good. he jammed his hand down on the ground while taking that catch, rather than hit by the ball.
While Crawley tries his luck as a Harry Brook impersonator. they’re back on at Taunton, where Somerset need three wickets in 33 overs.
Zak Crawley is bowling
Chelmsford: Essex 293 and 104-3 BEAT Leicestershire 333 and 60 by seven wickets
Southampton: Hampshire 214 and 179-6 v Nottinghamshire 229 rain
Taunton: Somerset 526-8dec v Sussex 253 and 111-7 rain
Edgbaston: Warwickshire 252 and 100-2 v Glamorgan 360 and 259 Warwicks need 268 to win, rain
Headingley: Yorkshire 486 BEAT Surrey 204 and 155 by an innings and 127 runs
Bristol: Northamptonshire 127 and 251-8 BEAT Gloucestershire 154 and 221 by two wickets
Beckenham: Kent 523 v Durham 419-9
Southport: Lancashire 281-8dec v Worcestershire 270 and 170-5
Lord’s: Derbyshire 376 and 124-3 BEAT Middlesex 177 and 320 by seven wickets
Five games left, but rain is circling. the only one with any real chance of a result is at Taunton, where Somerset need four more Sussex wickets. Simpsn and Hudson-Prentice the men at the crease.
It feels like the weather might have the final say here at Edgbaston - the skies are beginning to bruise -. Glamorgan are trying desperately to beat it to the punch. Ryan Hadley has just teased an inside edge off Dan Mousley to leave Warwickshire 100 for two.
Gah, tea called early and covers coming on with rain now falling over Birmingham.
The skies are darkening, but Derbyshire get there just in time, thanks to Wayne Madsen and Harry Came. A great way for Derbyshire to draw a full-stop after three defeats in a row, and Ben Aitchison’s first century.
Lord’s: Derbyshire 376 and 124-3 BEAT Middlesex 177 and 320 by seven wickets
A plug for this fab launch event at 7pm this evening at Spencer CC, in partnership with The Centre for Sustainable Design. Surrey CCC. If you’re in the area you can either or just turn up or register with mcharter@uca.ac.uk in advance. Speakers include non-exec PCA chair James Cameron, Desert Vipers sustainability lead Ben Hardy-Jones and researcher Shubman Jain.
🏏♻️ Cricket gear doesn’t have to end up in cupboards, garages… or landfill.
Launching today the Circular Cricket Gear (CCG) Hub will help extend the life of quality cricket equipment. clothing by connecting donors with players, schools and communities who need affordable access to the game in Wandsworth, South London & North Surrey
Whether you want to donate pre-loved kit. request gear, or support a more circular approach to cricket, the hub is making it easier to keep equipment in play for longer. A great example of sustainability, inclusion and sport coming together.
Just looked up. noticed the re-done Allen stand, next to the pavilion, which is a way from completion but which will be open for the Blast. Two weeks ago it had no seats, now they are gleaming like perfect teeth.
Gloucestershire head coach Mark Alleyne is cautiously optimistic after losing – just – to Northants:
“There is a certain level of optimism in the camp, because we have been so competitive in recent games. The manner of this defeat is a far cry from those innings defeats we suffered at the start of the season. shows we have made progress.
We’ve competed really well from day one to day four here and that’s a tick in the box. But there comes a point when we just need to get over the line. we have now lost five out of six games, which I think is probably unprecedented for us in Championship cricket.
It’s not a proud moment to be a part of that, but I can see some green shoots of recovery. Losing Gabe Bell to a sore back today made it feel as though things were conspiring against us a little bit after we had done so much hard work. Our bowling cartel has been small from the outset. it will be good for some of those guys to have a rest now. There has been a lot of talk about the pitch, but I think it’s exciting. what people want to see. There’s nothing wrong with games going down to the fourth innings and both teams being able to win the match.”
In a statement paying tribute to Smith, the ECB remembered particularly his character:
“A large part of that enduring career at the top level of the game was down to Smith’s spirit. He led from the front and without hesitation. Fielding at forward short leg, he once broke his wrist while trying to save his face. He was also easy to like, easy to deal with and showed consistently astute decision making.
‘He was a calm, authoritative and powerful presence in England’s line-up. He recorded centuries against India and West Indies and was halted in the 90s on four further occasions.
“Smith retired from competitive cricket in 1975. later served as chairman of Warwickshire County Cricket Club (1991-2003) and as an ICC match referee (1991-96). He was awarded an OBE for services to cricket in 1976.
ECB chair, Richard Thompson, said: “Mike was part of a group of former players who did so much both on. off the field. Having a player of Mike’s talent to chair a county as well as play for it was a huge benefit. Mike performed both roles with great distinction. His contribution to the game will not be forgotten.”
“We are all at the ECB saddened by Mike’s passing. Our thoughts are with his friends and family.”
Madsen isn’t hanging about here, charges into TRJ and reduces to chase to below 20.
Alex Davies shrugged off that blow t o the box with one almighty six over the longest boundary. has now finally fallen, lbw to Zain ul Hassan. Keeper up, a full delivery that moved in and kept a bit low was enough to get past his defence. Warks 72-1.
Trouble at Taunton too, Sussex are five down following-on. Clark (static), Leaning (surprised)and Coles (flinching) all Overtoned. And an in your face celebration almost in James Coles’ lap by Big Craig.
A huge lbw appeal from Higgins, Madsen looks like a stranded oil tanker, but survives. Middx 76-3.
Not many here at Lord’s, a few heads poking over the benches on the bottom tier of the pavilion,. a scattering in the bottom of the Mound stand. Three slips for Higgins, oh and while I’m saying hello to Nick Hoult, two wickets fall – that man Sharma. I’ve seen this before….51 needed, seven wickets left.
No breakthroughs for Glamorgan so far, which is not to say they haven’t necessarily broken something. Poor Alex Davies has just been floored by Tim van der Gugten. a ball that smacked him flush in the box. Davies spent a good while down, eyes no doubt watering, but has popped back up. driven TvdG for three down the ground. Warks 52-0 from 15.3 overs.
Anthony McGrath knows how to butter up his players. “When he came off last night, I did say to Harry that it was a bit like watching Wasim Akram. To get the wickets he did. particularly Jamie Smith, who’s a good mate of his, I think it’s a big feather in his cap.”
Joe Root wasn’t running with that comparison: “We’re not going to hear the end of it are we?! He’s even been talking about how he was using the crease. I was like, ‘It’s getting too much now’.
“Look, it’s good. If there are different ways you can affect the game, that’s what you pride yourself on as a player. You want to look at different ways you can help your captain and the guys out.
“It was actually a really nice ball which got Smith out, wasn’t it. I’m not sure about the other two, but he bowled nicely as a whole on that surface.”
What a fabulous life told in this lovely obit. “A classless accent, an egalitarian outlook. a relaxed attitude to convention.” Love that there was a statue of him at Madame Tussauds too.
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