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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
James Wallace

Gloucestershire v Lancashire and Surrey and Kent drawn: county cricket – as it happened

Kent (Organization) Surrey (Organization) Lancashire Cricket Gloucestershire Simon Harmer Bristol Essex (Organization)
Phil Salt behind the stumps for Lancashire at Bristol.
Phil Salt behind the stumps for Lancashire at Bristol. Photograph: Michael Steele/Getty Images

There are runs and there are runs. Sometimes it is about the way you get
them. Casting an eye around the drawn fixtures in the latest round of County Championship matches you could be forgiven for thinking that Ben Stokes’s chest thumping rallying cry to county cricketers after sealing the 3-0 series win against New Zealand at Headingley had fallen on deaf ears. On a soporific final day only a few matches held out hope of a result as the afternoon drew on but if Stokes and McCullum delve a little deeper then they will see some performances that might please them.

The most obvious being Glamorgan chasing down a target of 332 in the
final innings against Worcestershire, Billy Root scoring an impish 99 not out to get his side over the line at New Road. The Welsh side completing a truly Stokesian turnaround after being bowled out for 139 in their first innings and conceding a lead of 132. They are still on the prowl for promotion into Division One.

There were further signs of the “Bazball” phenomenon on the south coast as Derbyshire declared on 127 for seven in Hove to set Sussex a challenging 342 to win, a target the home side hauled down in 76 overs to win by five wickets.

Stokes may have inferred that stats might not be top of the agenda but Kent’s Daniel Bell-Drummond impressed at the Oval, scoring twin hundreds in a first-class match for the first time in his career to defy Surrey. Rory Burns bowling an over of erratic medium pace with an eyebrow tilting three short covers at the last before the players shook hands on the draw in the spindly shadows of the gasometer.

Elsewhere, Luke Procter hit 144 not out to secure a draw for Northamptonshire against Warwickshire, partaking in a club record third-wicket stand of 226 in 51 overs with Ryan Rickelton. The South African, making his debut in County Cricket took to English conditions immediately, batting fluently for 103 runs that will please his Test captain Dean Elgar ahead of the Proteas visit later in the summer. Dom Sibley had scored a limpet-like century earlier in the game, soaking up 273 balls and 344 minutes in compiling his 102, the former England opener not getting the McCullum memo exactly.

Two other discarded England Test openers showcased their batting
chops in another Trent Bridge run-fest. Middlesex’s Mark Stoneman and Sam Robson compiling second innings centuries to ensure a draw against
Nottinghamshire. Gloucestershire and Lancashire played hokey-cokey with the weather on a frustrating final day in Bristol that was eventually called a draw in the mizzle.

Updated

That’s all from me. Thanks for your company throughout the day, good fun that. I’d like to say thank you on behalf of the group (Tanya) and myself and I hope I passed the audition.

You’ll be glad to hear Tanya will be back on the tools for the next CCLive, in the meantime go and buy her new book!

Until next time, goodbye!

Round Up! Round Up!

There are runs and there are runs. Sometimes it is about the way you get ‘em. Casting an eye around the drawn fixtures in the latest round of County Championship matches you could be forgiven for thinking that Ben Stokes’chest thumping rallying cry to county cricketers after sealing the 3-0 series win against New Zealand at Headingley had fallen on deaf ears. On a soporific final day only a few matches held out hope of a result as the afternoon drew on but if Stokes and McCullum delve a little deeper then they will see some performances that might please them.

The most obvious being Glamorgan chasing down a target of 332 in the final innings against Worcestershire, Billy Root scoring an impish 99* to get his side over the line at New Road. The Welsh side completing a truly Stokesian turnaround after being bowled out for 139 in their first innings and conceding a lead of 132. They are still on the prowl for promotion into Division One.

There were further signs of the ‘Bazball’ phenomenon on the south coast as Derbyshire declared on 127 for seven in Hove to set Sussex 342 to win, a target the home side hauled down in 76 overs to win by five wickets. Ali Orr channelling his inner Bairstow to bash a career-best 141 including fifteen fours and six sixes.

Stokes may have inferred that stats might not be top of the agenda but Daniel Bell-Drummond impressed at the Oval, scoring twin hundreds in a first-class match for the first time in his career to defy Surrey. Rory Burns bowling an over of erratic medium pace with an eyebrow tilting three short covers at the last before the players shook hands on the draw in the spindly shadows of the gasometer.

Elsewhere, Luke Procter hit 144* to secure a draw for Northants against Warwickshire, partaking in a club record third-wicket stand of 226 in 51 overs with Ryan Rickelton. The South African, making his debut in County Cricket, took to English conditions immediately, batting fluently for 103 runs that will please his Test captain Dean Elgar ahead of the Proteas visit later in the summer. Dom Sibley had scored a limpet-like century earlier in the game, soaking up 273 balls and 344 minutes in compiling his 102, the former England opener not getting the McCullum memo exactly.

Two other former yet discarded England Test openers showcased their batting chops in another Trent Bridge run-fest. Middlesex’s Mark Stoneman and Sam Robson compiling second innings centuries to ensure a draw against Nottinghamshire. Gloucestershire and Lancashire played hokey-cokey with the weather on a frustrating final day in Bristol that was eventually called a draw in the mizzle.

Updated

And win they did.

Sussex need 3 runs to win...

It’s a draw at the Oval. One over of Rory Burns’ erratic medium pace was enough to bring on the handshakes.

I’m off to write up for the paper. All eyes on the south. Keep a look out for me, yes? Things hotting up at Hove, Rizwan has just gone to FIFTY. 61 runs needed to win.

Ali Orr is out! Sussex still need 68 runs. Exciting.

Twin hundreds for DBD! He’s been a thorn in Surrey’s side all game. He hits the ball in eccentric places sometimes which must be very hard to set fields to, all the while he has some strokes that are very easy on the eye.

In the two games still alive and kicking - at the Oval Daniel Bell-Drummond is seven runs away from a hundred in each innings for Kent. Top effort. The sun is beating down in South London now and with six wickets still needed this one might be out of Surrey’s reach.

The real excitement is by the sea as Sussex need 73 more to beat Derbyshire. Ali Orr weighing in with 139 (and counting) crucial runs (15 fours and SIX sixes) and the steady hands of Mohammad Rizwan at the crease on 46*.

The DRAWS are raining down now...

Fun and games. I spy ELEVEN bowlers in the innings at Trent Bridge.

Well batted Mark ‘Rocky’ Stoneman!

Rocky eh, with things drifting into a bit of a soporific stupor maybe it is time for a bit of this:

Sussex need another 142 runs to beat Derbyshire, again outside sniff of a victory but the draw looming largest. As it is across the shires, hard to see much in the way of clear cut results unless something truly ridiculous happens.

Updated

Gus Atkinson has removed Jordan Cox to keep Surrey in the hunt! They need six more wickets...

Teatime-ish scores

At the Oval - Kent are defying Surrey, they are now 258-3 trailing by 84 runs. Daniel Bell-Drummond still there and he’s recently been joined by Jordan Cox. Surrey will want a flurry after tea, don’t count against it.

Northants are going strong - They lead Warks by 290 runs and Luke Procter is still there, biffing away on 126*

Centurion Sam Robson has been picked up by Ben Duckett (you heard right) in a leg side snare at Trent Bridge but Mark Stoneman is holding the fort for Middlesex against Notts. The opener isn on 86*.

Sussex will have to put pedal to metal after tea if they are to give themselves a chance of a win against Derbyshire - they need 169 runs and Ali Orr is 94*.

Sam Curran has made a thing happen at the Oval... he uproots Jack Leaning’s off stump and takes off like a whirling dervish around the outfield.

Updated

100 for Ryan Rickelton! We could be seeing a lot more of the South African this summer in the Test series.

Handshakes in Bristol - Lancs and Glos DRAW.

Luke Procter goes to a hundred! With some heavy biffing too.

From my perch I can see Daniel Bell-Drummond and Jack Leaning rebutting Surrey. It’s all very sedate.

Sam Robson is one hit away from three figures at Trent Bridge. Middlesex have crept into a nine run lead.

Rickelton and Procter - who sound like a couple of no-nonsense cops or perhaps a suburban law firm? Forget it. Anyway, both batters are approaching three figures for Northants in Northants.

All quiet on the Champo front? I’ve just missed the steady accumulation of runs by the looks of it?

I’m off to grab a sandwich, ‘the skin o’ me belly is flappin’ me back’ as my old man is wont to say when he’s hungry. Back soon, keep an eye on things for me won’t you?

The rain is being a pain in Bristol. Hokey-cokey time for Glos and Lancs.

Here at the Oval, Kent are currently thwarting Surrey. They are on 163-2 and Bell-Drummond is caressing the ball across the carpet-like south-London turf.

Heading for handshakes at Trent Bridge. Mark Stoneman and Sam Robson going strong, the Norf Lahndaners are 137-0.

Still raining in Bristol but there’s hope of a re-start at in about ten mins. Gloucs have a 111 run lead over Lancs in that one and seven wickets to call upon if necessary.

Northants have seemingly snuffed out the Warwickshire threat after that early wobble. They lead by 149 with eight wickets left. The fantastically named Ryan Rickelton and Luke Procter are both approaching half centuries.

At Hove - Sussex need 285 runs to vanquish Derbyshire. They’ve got nine wickets in the hutch in which to do so. Ali Orr currently going nicely* on 27*.

*NOT A JINX

You knew this had happened already, right?

Glamorgan squeak the points and win by 3 wickets. Well batted Billy Root. 99* just looks so nice written down doesn’t it?

The cat (book) is out of the bag!

Now, Tanya is obviously far too modest and classy to do any self promotion so I will gladly do it for her!

She has written a children’s book with Moeen Ali - The Legend of Sparkhill - and it is fantastic. I’ve had the pleasure of reading it but don’t just take my word for it, plenty of people who know more than me are incredibly excited about this book. She’s currently in Sparkhill, the area in Birmingham where Moeen grew up for as launch event with Chance to Shine.

Find out more here (and pre-order a copy!) and round of applause for the wonderful Tanya... and Mo of course!

Now, I can feel her blushing through my screen so let’s get back to those lunchtime scores.

Updated

The clock ticks around to 1pm and that is lunch. Back soon with the scores on the doors and maybe even a reveal on the mysterious Tanya...

A few hits away now for Glamorgan*.

*Fact. That is not, repeat not a jinx.

Early lunch in Brizzle as there is mizzle.

Get your eyes on Glamorgan v Worcester:

It is going down to the wire! Come back to us though. Promise?

Surrey on the charge - Dan Worrall has prised out Joe Denly lbw for 69. The fielding side have a pep in their step, beware Kent.

Updated

PLAY in Hove! Oh, and Derbyshire have declared.

I particularly like the hollow bluff attempt by Emilio Gay to make his ground here. Not fooling anyone.

Northants teetering - Emilio Gay is nicked off and the home side are on a precarious 32-2. Leading Warks by 78 runs.

They do get on at the Oval - and there is a wicket! Sam Curran pins Ben Compton LBW for 48.

At the Oval - The rain has abated and the players amble out ready to begin only for the spittle to start once everyone is in position! A cursory piece of tarp is rolled over the wicket, I don’t think it will be long before we have actual play.

Edgy stuff at Worcester...

Billy Root is still there on 69* but Glam are now SIX down. Worcs need 4 more wickets and the Welsh side require 65... GULP.

Well well well... Vasoncelos has gone early doors. I’m saying nothing.

Lively ‘Below The Line’ as per - lots of lawnmower chat and speculation regards Tanya’s whereabouts...

This made me chuckle courtesy of ‘Mesnilman’:

“Morning James, morning everyone...

‘Jim here standing in for Tanya as she is on a mysterious mission.’

Jim, has Tanya left behind a strange looking implement whilst she is away on this “mysterious mission”? Does it have an iridescent sheen, and glows when you pick it up by the handle?

It is the jinxing knife. Use it wisely, for it affords you great power. Many have held this twixt thumb and forefinger, and felt a force coursing through their veins.

Use it wisely, great things may occur.

Wield it without thought, and may the Cricketing Gods have mercy upon you.”

A declaration of intent?

There is lots of cricket at the minute eh? I’ll excuse you for occasionally nipping over to join m’colleague Dan Gallan who is on the OBO tools as England Women take on South Africa at Taunton:

Rain Rain Go AWAY - A couple of delayed starts - at the Oval and Hove as a belligerent bit of rain hangs round the south. We have play everywhere else though.

Division Two:

Notts racked up the runs at Trent Bridge - Middlesex are scrapping to stay in the fight, following on in response to a meaty 551/8d laid down by their hosts they are 63-0 and 112 runs adrift.

Eyes on Hove - as landlubbers Derbyshire could turn up the heat on the south coasters on the final day, leading Sussex as they do by 341 runs.

Fingernails beware at Worcester as Glamorgan need 99 more runs to win and Worcs need to snare five more wickets. Billy Root is at the crease on 46*.

Division One :

At the Oval - Kent are up against a South London brick wall as they follow on, they trail by 221 runs but have ten wickets in hand and a day to bat to cling on for a draw. Openers Compton and Denly are making a better fist of it second time around - on 47* and 63* respectively.

Slow going in Northampton - Dom Sibley got his limpet on to eke out 102 from 273 balls and Warwickshire have sedately moved to 396-8 in response to the home side’s 451. Hard to see anything other than a gaping draw in this one.

Things are livelier in Bristol - Gloucs are 99-3 in their second dig and have a slimline tonic lead of just 34 over Lancs. The Red Rose will be sniffing for early wickets in order to force a result.

Here’s Tanya’s round-up from yesterday:

Essex pipped Hampshire in a thriller on a firebrand pitch at Chelmsford, thanks to Simon Harmer. He walked off patting a top pocket stuffed with wickets, seven for 161 in the second innings, and career-best match figures of 15 for 207.

Hampshire were chasing 299 and, at various points, victory seemed possible. But once the big-hitting Felix Organ fell, the top order wobbled and six wickets fell for 65. The tail wagged but Harmer had the last laugh when, with 12 needed, Keith Barker tried to tonk him only to fall short of the rope and into the hands of Paul Walter.

James Vince, the Essex captain, was not happy. He said: “Due to the conditions we had to play village cricket really and attack the short side and hope you got lucky.”

The openers Ben Compton and Joe Denly gave Kent hope of pulling off a draw against Surrey after an unbeaten partnership of 121 following-on. Kent’s first innings had been cracked open by the 19‑year‑old Tom Lawes who took three for 10 in 18 balls on his Championship debut.

Fifties from Luke Wood and Steven Croft gave Lancashire a first-innings lead against Gloucestershire at Bristol; and a hundred from Colin Ingram kept Glamorgan interested in an unlikely run-chase against Worcestershire at New Road – though the second new ball waits in the morning.

Dom Sibley’s second hundred of the Championship season, a mellow affair, pretty much ensured a draw between Northamptonshire and Warwickshire at Northampton; while Derbyshire did not enforce the follow-on, and are wobbling at 127 for seven, with Jack Brooks taking five for 46. Mohammad Rizwan had earlier made his first century for Sussex.

Middlesex are following on against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.

Preamble

Hello everyone and welcome to day four of the CC Blog Live!

Jim here standing in for Tanya as she is on a mysterious mission. More on that later. I’ll be helming the blog for the day, Lady Aldred has promised you’ll be kind...

I’m currently sat at The Oval and it is raining. From my perch I can see damp groundstaff scrabbling with tarpaulin in the mizzle. The good news is it is supposed to pass relatively shortly.

Time for a quick coffee and then let’s take a trip around the grounds to see the state of play. Do get in touch below the line, on email or the Twitters.

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