Now hosing it down in Manchester and no play before lunch at New Road.
Weather watch
At Old Trafford the covers are coming off, at Lord’s they are staying on. The Met Office says: “A cloudy start with spells of rain pushing northwards. Becoming showery into the afternoon with some sunny spells in between. The showers however, turning heavy and thundery at times. Temperatures around average.”
Paul Edwards was at New Road yesterday:
"It would be easy for one to write that three sessions don't come much worse for county cricketers than this sunlit Saturday at New Road but that tells half the story" | @edwardscricket https://t.co/YA88nNEwPX
— The Cricketer (@TheCricketerMag) May 26, 2024
Jofra and Jos on the charge:
Ali has a thoughtful coffee with outgoing PCA chief Rob Lynch. I don’t want The Ashes to become like the Ryder Cup.
Saturday's round-up
While Jofra Archer flamed amazement at Edgbaston, Ben Stokes, in the second match of his own comeback, eased into full throttle at Chester-le-Street, coloured soles kicking behind him as he charged in for Durham – at fighting weight and at full pelt. Ten overs on the bounce in a match-winning spell of four for 23; eight for 77 in the match.
In the words of the century-maker David Bedingham (the first Durham player to ever make a hundred in four consecutive innings): “I think I’d almost hate to be captain as after six overs Scott [Borthwick] was wanting to take him off, but Stokesy was just like ‘no’.”
Durham’s innings victory, in less than five sessions, came after they had shimmied a first-innings lead of 94, thanks to a blousy last-wicket partnership of 66 between Ben Raine and Peter Siddle. This was particular frustrating for Somerset, who had reduced Durham to within touching distance at 199 for 9 (with five wickets for the concussion substitute Jake Ball). Downhearted, and hampered by sickness, they then disintegrated for 88.
At a sunny Old Trafford, while many eyes were cast Wembley-wards, the former Lancashire batter Alex Davies carried his bat for the first time in a Championship game, a disciplined 127 not out taking Warwickshire to a batting point on a tired pitch. Nathan Lyon toiled through 34 overs for his one wicket. Lancashire then lost three wickets in reply; though limpet-like Keaton Jennings, who took 32 balls to get off the mark, remains on 12.
Hampshire continued to grind Surrey into the dust at Southampton, building up a lead of 368 thanks to a maiden century from Toby Albert, in his sixth first-class match, and 103 for Nick Gubbins. Ben Brown was stranded on 99 at stumps. Ben Foakes, who had spent the last day and a half lying down on the physio’s table with a back spasm, will, reported the director of cricket, Alec Stewart, “bat if required.”
Jordan Cox had a happy return to Canterbury, thrashing 207 in 255 balls against Kent as Essex declared on 591 for seven. In reply, Zak Crawley, who’d danced a celestial 238 against Somerset, returned to earth, flicking Sam Cook to slip for 16.
At New Road, Worcestershire suffered a sobering day, bowled out for 80 after the groundstaff worked through the night to make the ground fit for play against Nottinghamshire. There were three wickets each for Luke Fletcher and Dillon Pennington, on his first return to his old home ground. Haseeb Hameed then celebrated Manchester United’s victory in the FA Cup with a century.
Matt Lamb hit a maiden first-class double century; and the Australian Beau Webster a best six-wicket haul at Bristol; John Simpson and Cheteshwa Pujara picked up centuries for Sussex at Lord’s, Peter Handscomb knocked up his second ton of the season for Leicestershire and Luke Procter his first in almost two years for Northamptonshire.
Scores on the doors
DIVISION ONE
Chester-le-Street: Durham 265 BEAT Somerset 171 and 88 BY AN INNINGS AND SIX RUNS
Southampton: Hampshire 495-4 v Surrey 127
Canterbury: Kent 118-4 v Essex 591-7dec
Old Trafford: Lancashire 66-3 v Warwickshire 284
New Road: Worcestershire 80 v Nottinghamshire 234-3
DIVISION TWO
Bristol: Gloucestershire 243-4 v Derbyshire 526
Grace Road: Leicestershire 280-5 v Glamorgan 387
Lord’s: Middlesex 62-1 v Sussex 554-9dec
County Ground: Northamptonshire 301 v Yorkshire 362 and 0-1
Roundup: Stokes skittles Somerset as Durham romp to victory
While Jofra Archer flamed amazement at Edgbaston, Ben Stokes, in the second match of his own comeback, eased into full throttle at Chester-le-Street, coloured soles kicking behind him as he charged in for Durham – at fighting weight and at full pelt. Ten overs on the bounce in a match-winning spell of four for 23; eight for 77 in the match.
In the words of the century-maker David Bedingham (the first Durham player to ever make a hundred in four consecutive innings): “I think I’d almost hate to be captain as after six overs Scott [Borthwick] was wanting to take him off, but Stokesy was just like ‘no’.”
Durham’s innings victory, in less than five sessions, came after they had shimmied a first-innings lead of 94, thanks to a blousy last-wicket partnership of 66 between Ben Raine and Peter Siddle. This was particular frustrating for Somerset, who had reduced Durham to within touching distance at 199 for 9 (with five wickets for the concussion substitute Jake Ball). Downhearted, and hampered by sickness, they then disintegrated for 88.
At a sunny Old Trafford, while many eyes were cast Wembley-wards, the former Lancashire batter Alex Davies carried his bat for the first time in a Championship game, a disciplined 127 not out taking Warwickshire to a batting point on a tired pitch. Nathan Lyon toiled through 34 overs for his one wicket. Lancashire then lost three wickets in reply; though limpet-like Keaton Jennings, who took 32 balls to get off the mark, remains on 12.
Hampshire continued to grind Surrey into the dust at Southampton, building up a lead of 368 thanks to a maiden century from Toby Albert, in his sixth first-class match, and 103 for Nick Gubbins. Ben Brown was stranded on 99 at stumps. Ben Foakes, who had spent the last day and a half lying down on the physio’s table with a back spasm, will, reported the director of cricket, Alec Stewart, “bat if required.”
Jordan Cox had a happy return to Canterbury, thrashing 207 in 255 balls against Kent as Essex declared on 591 for seven. In reply, Zak Crawley, who’d danced a celestial 238 against Somerset, returned to earth, flicking Sam Cook to slip for 16.
At New Road, Worcestershire suffered a sobering day, bowled out for 80 after the groundstaff worked through the night to make the ground fit for play against Nottinghamshire. There were three wickets each for Luke Fletcher and Dillon Pennington, on his first return to his old home ground. Haseeb Hameed then celebrated Manchester United’s victory in the FA Cup with a century.
Matt Lamb hit a maiden first-class double century; and the Australian Beau Webster a best six-wicket haul at Bristol; John Simpson and Cheteshwa Pujara picked up centuries for Sussex at Lord’s, Peter Handscomb knocked up his second ton of the season for Leicestershire and Luke Procter his first in almost two years for Northamptonshire.
I’m not saying the Lancs groundstaff are expecting rain tomorrow, but they’re currently hammering down ground sheets by the light year. A fun day round the counties (except for Worcs, Somerset and poor old Surrey), runs galore ahead of tomorrow’s forecast thunder and heavy showers. Have a lovely evening all, good night!
Updated
Close of play scores
DIVISION ONE
Chester-le-Street: Durham 265 BEAT Somerset 171 and 88 BY AN INNINGS AND SIX RUNS
Southampton: Hampshire 495-4 v Surrey 127
Canterbury: Kent 118-4 v Essex 591-7dec
Old Trafford: Lancashire 66-3 v Warwickshire 284
New Road: Worcestershire 80 v Nottinghamshire 234-3
DIVISION TWO
Bristol: Gloucestershire 243-4 v Derbyshire 526
Grace Road: Leicestershire 280-5 v Glamorgan 387
Lord’s: Middlesex 62-1 v Sussex 554-9dec
County Ground: Northamptonshire 301 v Yorkshire 362 and 0-1
As I stop to write up for the paper, Hampshire have passed 400 against Surrey, Ben Brown and Liam Dawson in the runs; Ben Compton has slowed the game down to potter with a cane pace, with 33 off 103, Kent 96-2; and HH is unbeaten on 59 in Notts 142-2, Notts already lead Worcs by 62.
Lancs have ground to a halt at Old Trafford, 12-2. Do keep chatting BTL.
And Lancs lose a second, OHD again, a screamer that Bohannon edges, as Yates at second slip does the business again,. Lancs 12-2. The sun smiles down.
With football dominating some minds this afternoon, how about this:
“Sorry lads, can’t make it to Aus - got to bowl 10 overs up the hill on Saturday”
— Sam Dalling (@SamJDalling) May 25, 2024
Brilliant stuff from Sean Longstaff, who is currently taking the new ball for Tynemouth. Love the fact he still plays club 🏏
Just dismissed Haydon Mustard, son of Phil, too… pic.twitter.com/YfVts5wgN6
In Division Two, Gloucestershire are struggling in the way people who’ve spent 125.4 overs watching their opponents merrilly gather 526 do. Glos 142-4, Bracey 47 not out. Two wickets for Chappell.
Excellent work by Hill (87) and Handscomb (60) again at Grace Road. Leics 199-3 against Glamorgan’s 387 all out.
Sussex decide they have enough on 554-9dec. A hundred for Pujara, 167 for Simpson. Middlesex’s Robson and Stoneman, a mountain to climb, 5-0.
And Luke Procter’s 66 not out holding Northants together: Northants 217-7, 144 behind Yorkshire.
And lo, Luke Wells is caught at second slip from the second ball of the innings, pushing at OHD. Lancs 0-1.
Warwickshire ‘s bowlers are out on the pitch, throwing medicine balls and going through their paces. We think this is the first time Hassan Ali has returned to Old Trafford since his fantastic few months here in 2022.
Davies carries his bat for 127!
Well played that man! Smashing effort in a painstaking 284 The first time he’s carried his bat in fc cricket. One batting point for Warwicks, three bowling points for Lancs. Be interesting to see what Lancashire make of this wicket – thunder storms forecast tomorrow to thrown into the mix.
Stokes - "we're really luck to have him"
David Bedingham on 8-wicket Ben Stokes:
“I think I’d almost hate to be captain as after six over Scott (Borthwick) was wanting to take him off, but Stokesy was just like ‘no’.
“I think the effort Ben gives to any team he’s played for is probably the reason why he’s a world class player, so we’re really lucky to have him.”
A 99th and 100th first-class wicket for Luke Wells! As Hassan Ali has a hoick and Rae is trapped lbw.Warwicks 275-9 – Davies 118 not out.
Teatime-ish scores
DIVISION ONE
Chester-le-Street: Durham 265 BEAT Somerset 171 and 88 BY AN INNINGS AND SIX RUNS
Southampton: Hampshire 307-3 v Surrey 127
Canterbury: Kent 48-2 v Essex 591-7dec
Old Trafford: Lancashire v Warwickshire 271-7
New Road: Worcestershire 80 v Nottinghamshire 89-2
DIVISION TWO
Bristol: Gloucestershire 104-3 v Derbyshire 526
Grace Road: Leicestershire 161-3 v Glamorgan 387
Lord’s: Middlesex v Sussex 507-7
County Ground: Northamptonshire 176-6 v Yorkshire 362
Away from the northern Div One grounds, Notts lead poor Worcestershire (80 all out) by two runs with nine wickets in hand.
At Southampton, Gubbins, like Albert, made 100 before falling swiftly afterwards. Vince nicely poised with a run-a-ball 41. Hants 307-3, a lead of 180 over the champs.
I’m afraid news is not brilliant for Kentish fans, DBD has followed Crawley back into the shed. Kent 48-2, trail by just the 543.
A change of pace here at OT, where Hassan Ali has just smacked Lyon for, consecutively, four and six into the concourse. Ball duly changed. One batting point in the bag, can they reach 300 in 8.4 overs?
Durham win by an innings and six runs!
Short and not at all sweet for Somerset. All over in a day and less than two sessions. Four for 23 for Stokes in this innings, eight in the match.
Ben Stokes just bowled ten straight overs, taking figures of 4-23.
— Vitality County Championship (@CountyChamp) May 25, 2024
A match winning opening spell as Durham secure victory by an innings and six runs. pic.twitter.com/XJZ5Agi2qX
Chester-le-Street: Durham 265 v Somerset 171 and 88
Durham 20 points; Somerset 3.
Updated
Lyon makes the breakthrough, Lintott gloves behind for nine. His first wicket of the innings.
And oh my Somerset, four wickets for the Ben Stokes tally column, Somerset 81-8, still trail by 13.
A century for Alex Davies!
And that’s the century – off 256 balls, as he cuts Nathan Lyon to the rope. He takes off his helmet and kisses the red rose Warwickshire bear. Excellent perspiration and grind.
To Southampton! Toby Albert has picked up his first f-c century in just his fourth Championship game. Well played! Just out for 114 after a first-innings partnership of 201 with Nick Gubbins (95). James Vince enters, with a touch of dash. Hampshire 258-2, a lead of 132 over Surrey.
It was bad Crawley -caught at second slip off Sam Cook. Kent 24-1.
At Edgbaston, England and Pakistan are flexing towards the World Cup. Join Jim Wallace for Jofra and more:
Ah! Kent are batting after Essex finally put them out of their misery at 591-7. Will it be good Crawley or bad Crawley today?
Davies moves onto 95, if he makes three figures this would be his 10th first-class century, his fifth for Warwickshire, and five for Lancashire. Warwicks 214-6.
200 for Jordan Cox!
A second double-century at Canterbury for Cox, what a cracking innings! Essex 591-6.
𝗙𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗺𝘀 💪
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) May 25, 2024
Enjoying this innings, Essex fans? pic.twitter.com/8beC5O4Uu6
And a career-best for Shane Snater! 82 not out and counting, to who knows what.
Updated
Two more wickets for Ben Stokes...
…captain, my captain, a fan of the bowl yourself fit mantra. Somerset 51-4.
The new ball is handed to Tom Bailey, all honest Lancashire sinew . Here we go again. Warwicks 181-5.
At New Road, Worcestershire were all out for 80, three wickets each for Fletcher and Pennington, and Notts already ahead of the game at 2-0.
As Jack Morley, sleeves pushed up, reels in from the James Anderson end, this:
James Anderson's final Test will take place after the UK General Election. If that election results in a new Prime Minister, he will set a new England record as the first to play Tests during the tenures of eight PMs.
— Association of Cricket Statisticians & Historians (@ACScricket) May 24, 2024
A breakthrough! Bethell goes back to Morley, it keeps a bit low, and he’s sent on his way. Warwicks 167-5.
“Hi Tanya,: Romeo, hello!
”The Anarchy tour was supposed to start off in Norwich at UEA but that got cancelled (this was two days after the Bill Grundy thing) and the first gig was at what was then Leeds Polytechnic, now Leeds Beckett University. I remember it all well”
Romeo, are you below?
And Jamie Bowman of the ECB reporters network reveals that he played John Squire in 24 hour Party People, but it was all cut because the Stone Roses wouldn’t let the songs be used. He is still available for hire.
Lunchtime scores
DIVISION ONE
Chester-le-Street: Durham 265 v Somerset 171 and 19-2
Southampton: Hampshire 204-1 v Surrey 127
Canterbury: Kent v Essex 449-6
Old Trafford: Lancashire v Warwickshire 166-4
New Road: Worcestershire 72-9 v Nottinghamshire
DIVISION TWO
Bristol: Gloucestershire v Derbyshire 526
Grace Road: Leicestershire 57-2 v Glamorgan 387
Lord’s: Middlesex v Sussex 385-4
County Ground: Northamptonshire 84-1 v Yorkshire 362
A maiden f-c five-fer for Beau Webster , actually make that a six-fer, but he’s had to toil through 26 overs at the County Ground for it. Derbyshire 526-9.
Lunch round the grounds except at New Road, where Worcestershire are (just about) waving not drowning at 61-8, and OT where WArwicks are 160-4.
In a surprise revelation, Ken Grime reveals that he went to see the first gig of the Anarchy in the UK tour for a quid at Leeds University in 1976.
Around the Division One grounds:
Warwicks continuing to grind their way at Old Trafford: Davies has just hit his first four of the day – 143-3. Davies 67 not out; Bethell 29 not out.
At CLS, Somerset had Durham 199 for 9 (Ball 5-62) but Raine and Siddle added 66 in what must have been a deeply annoying last-wicket partnership. Durham finish with a first innings lead of 94.
Albert and Gubbins continue to shimmy on at Southampton, Hants 179-1, the lead over Surrey 52.
A hundred for Jordan Cox against his old county at Canterbury, Essex 404-6, two wickets each for Parkinson M, Bhuiyan and Evison.
And, alas, Worcestershire 56-6 at New Road.
Morley on, bowling for Lancs for the first time since the last game of 2023 against Kent.
A double century for Matthew Lamb, a single century for Chesteshwar Pujara
A first hundred for Derbyshire becomes a first double hundred for Derbyshire, Matt Lamb out at last for 207; Derby 487-6.
"The Joy of Cricket"
— David Griffin Photography (@dgriffinpix) May 24, 2024
Anyone who works in a team and supports their colleagues knows what this is about - the @DerbyshireCCC team welcome Matt Lamb back to the dressing room at the close of play after Lamb had scored his first hundred for the county... pic.twitter.com/Eul7fCkODM
Pujara’s 65th first-class century, his second of the summer. Sussex steaming ahead at Lord’s. The partnership with Simpson (89) 167.
At Old Trafford, Nathan Lyon bends down to ties Bethell’s shoelaces and whispers sweet nothings in his ear.
A yes-no mix-up at Old Trafford, but a wild throw gives Alex Davies, who would have been run out, another life. Bethell at the other end offers a sheepish apology.
And a third down at New Road, a second for Luke Fletcher.
In the rub your eyes match at Southampton, Hampshire have a 15-run lead over Surrey, but are still only one down. Fifty for Toby Albert, while Nick Gubbins on 48.
He polishes, he crouches, he inspects the pitch. In bright sunshine, Nathan Lyon starts his spell from the James Anderson End.
Updated
Dillon Pennington knows New Road like the back of his hand, and is in the wickets in his third over, Ed Pollock bowled for one. As Jake Libby is also back in the pavilion, this leaves Worcs in the soup at 3-2, now slightly improved to 15-2.
“Buenos dias Tanya!” Hello there, Tim Maitland.
”If it weren’t for the band of heavy rain sliding westward off the North Sea and across East Anglia, I’d tell you to expect a volatile day at the County Ground today.
”The surprise on the first day was that Yorkshire managed to cobble together such a strong start on a green-tinged pitch and an outfield so lush you half expected to find dairy cows grazing on it. At one point the centurion Adam Lyth was nearly scythed in half by one that cut back into the left hander, while a sizeable portion of the runs were being scored between the slips and gully. Catches weren’t put down, as such, but they fell agonisingly close on a few occasions.
”The loss of six wickets for 79 runs was inevitable and not just because the Yorkshire middle order is a lot less meaty with Joe Root and Harry Brook resting their hams.
”My suspicion is Northants will be batting relatively quickly, weather permitting, but chasing a score that’ll prove to already be over par. It’ll be interesting to see how the Sri Lankan left-handed quick Vishwa Fernando adjusts in the first of his short three-game stint.”
Yorkshire currently eight down but Jordan Thompson having lots of fun with the bat, 53 not out. Yorks 362-8.
Alex “carthorse” Davies goes to his fifty in three hours one minute – the third slowest first-class fifty of his career. The Warwickshire hundred winds slowly up.
Updated
And a wicket at Old Trafford! George Balderson joins the Tom Bailey wickets club, as Mousley is caught for two.
A maiden five-fer for Scott Currie! Sam Northeast caught behind off the first ball of the day. And only one more in the runs chart for David Bedingham at Chester le Street– a fourth wicket for concussion substitute Jake Ball.
1000 runs before the end of May
David Bedingham needs another 206 runs this match to join the elusive 1000 runs before the end of May club….
And action at New Road at last, where HH has won the toss and inserted Worcestershire. There will be a minute’s applause in memory of the talented and, by all accounts ,lovely young man, Josh Baker.
Updated
Friday's round-up
After bowling 38 overs at Blackpool last week, Ben Stokes stormed in for 15.1 more at Chester-le-Street, grabbing four for 54 as Somerset were whistled out for 171. He was then lbw for a duck in Durham’s up and down 177 for six, one of three wickets for Jake Ball - who only switched into the team as a concussion substitute for Migael Pretorius, hit on the head during his innings of 53. David Bedingham’s unbeaten hundred crowned him the first Durham batter to score hundreds in four consecutive innings.
Surrey suffered a rare malfunction after being skittled for 127 at Southampton. The first five batters inched into double figures, but only Rory Burns (33) got out of the teens. Liam Dawson, bowling first change, pocketed the top three; Kyle Abbott (five for 25) rattled through most of the rest. In reply, Hampshire had reached 102 for one at stumps.
Clouds hung over Old Trafford but Warwickshire chose to bat first faced with the threat of Nathan Lyon on a fourth-day turner. Progress was lethargic – just 40 scoring shots in a truncated day – with three wickets for Lancashire’s previously off-kilter Tom Bailey. Alex Davies was stranded on 47 when bad light stopped play.
Kent chipped away at Essex on a sunny day at Canterbury, despite losing Wes Agar to a shoulder injury. Dean Elgar top scored with 77, while Jordan Cox got an unbeaten half-century against his old club.
In Division Two, Derbyshire raced towards maximum batting points against Gloucestershire with a first century for Matt Lamb since his move to Derby. Glamorgan survived Marnus Labuschagne being bowled for eight, thanks to half centuries for Eddie Byrom, Kiran Carlson and Sam Northeast against Leicestershire.
Sussex’s Cheteshwar Pujar collected an unbeaten 91 against Middlesex at Lord’s, while Adam Lyth’s third hundred of the season propped up Yorkshire against Northamptonshire. There was no play possible at New Road, as Worcestershire returned to the ground for the first time since eight floods ran amok during the winter.
Updated
"I’ve not seen a pitch like that."
Loved this from Alex Davies yesterday evening:
“It was tough graft out there - I played a few years at this club and I’ve not seen a pitch like that. It’s got grass on it so it’s nipping around but it’s also really bare at the ends so it was a tricky decision with the toss but we took the aggressive option and batted so we’ll try and get as many as we can first innings and back ourselves to bowl Lancashire out twice.
“I can’t blame Lancashire for the pitch - they have a world class spinner in Nathan Lyon and they have some good seamers so leave some grass on. Both teams need a result so it’s looking like, weather dependant, it will head that way.
“I’ve been looking forward to facing Lyon. He’s a world class bowler and as he reminded us out there he has played international cricket for 14 years and he’s not shy of letting you know. It’s a really good battle and you want to play against the best players and see how you fare and I did OK today.”
All hail captain Cummins:
Scores on the doors
DIVISION ONE
Chester-le-Street: Durham 177-6 v Somerset 171
Southampton: Hampshire 102-1 v Surrey 127
Canterbury: Kent v Essex 287-4
Old Trafford: Lancashire v Warwickshire 89-3
New Road: Worcestershire v Nottinghamshire no play today
DIVISION TWO
Bristol: Gloucestershire v Derbyshire 434-5
Grace Road: Leicestershire v Glamorgan 352-8
Lord’s: Middlesex v Sussex 295-4
County Ground: Northamptonshire v Yorkshire 312-7
Preamble
Good morning from a sun-dappled Old Trafford, the swifts swerving and the newspapers rustling . This might be the only full day Lancs and Warwickshire get, so much haste to get things going after yesterday’s slow, protracted progress.
It’s Saturday, get that second pot of coffee on. Play starts at 11am.
