Craig Overton dropped to the ground after an epic bowling performance ended in defeat for Somerset. Overton, who thundered to six for 30, taking a career best 13 for 87 in the match, almost conjured an impossible victory as Essex stumbled from boulder to boulder, chasing 84 to win. After 11 balls of the morning Essex were four for four, Cooks Sam and Alastair gone, followed by Dan Lawrence to an astounding swallow by Overton at third slip.
A mini-recovery followed until Overton dismissed Matthew Critchley and Tom Westley in the same over. Then came a game of cat and mouse while Overton took a rest after eight overs at full pelt.
He struck immediately on his return from the River End and, when Peter Siddle removed Simon Harmer for a duck, 24 were still needed with only two Essex wickets left. But Adam Rossington kept his nerve and, after the ninth wicket fell with the scores level, a scrambled leg bye brought victory. The nerve-jangler on a frisky pitch brought record viewing figures to the Somerset live stream. “It was an epic morning,” said Jason Kerr, Somerset’s head coach. “I’m still struggling to catch my breath.”
At Bristol James Bracey made his third hundred in three first-class matches, pushing the stuffing back into Gloucestershire as they attempted to avoid defeat by Yorkshire. Bracey punched the air as he reached three figures, a neat innings stretched over five hours. Haris Rauf thumped him on the helmet and, after running repairs and concussion checks, bounced him next ball, bowling rapidly and with fire. At the Ashley Down Road End Dom Bess wheeled through 20 overs and had Bracey dropped on 101. Yorkshire kept at it on the field, and it will come as a relief that Ottis Gibson, their new coach, mentioned in dispatches as a possible contender for the England coaching job, has privately indicated that he has no interest in the role.
Hampshire completed a shambolic three days at the office by losing to Surrey by an innings and 17 runs. Jamie Overton walked away with match figures of eight for 107, finishing off Hampshire’s first innings with three wickets in four balls, before tucking in to their second. Only Joe Weatherley and James Vince put up any real resistance.
Another beautiful century from the young Sussex captain, Tom Haines, caused Derbyshire a day of grinding frustration. Following on, Sussex finished on 272 for two, with Haines sleeping on a career-best 164, Cheteshwar Pujara on 57, in an unbroken third-wicket stand of 133 to leave Sussex trailing by only 53.
Matthew Potts rattled through Leicestershire on a tired pitch, taking a career best six for 58 in a superb display of old ball bowling. Durham then built a commanding lead, thanks to a maiden first-class hundred from Michael Jones.
Ben Compton was the spark in the murky darkness of Kent’s batting, as they tumbled towards an innings defeat by Lancashire. He carried his bat for 104 in the first innings, marooned on 99 for over half an hour, before finishing the day unbeaten on 20 in the second, while all around him chaos reigned. He has been on the pitch for every moment of all three days.
Things bubbled nicely for Glamorgan against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge, where Timm van der Gugten fizzed with bat and ball. Last man out for 62, he grabbed four wickets after tea including Ben Duckett, out just short of his second century of the match.
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On the train home, another intriguing day in the county championship. A thriller at Taunton thanks to heroic bowling from Craig Overton, eight wickets for brother Jamie as Surrey thrashed Hampshire, classy centuries from James Bracey and Tom Haines and a maiden first-class hundred for Michael Jones. Wickets galore for Matthew Potts, and more stoical runs from Ben Compton, the man who never rests. That’s it from me for this round, Jim Wallace will be alongside the Easter bunny to bring you news from the final day’s play. Thanks for playing along, till Thursday, good night!
In Division One: Hampshire are having a shocker, three wickets away from an innings defeat at The Oval. Jamie Overton just the eight wickets in the match. As for Kent, best to put this game quietly and neatly in the bin. Currently 48-4 following-on against Lancs. Compton, having carried his bat for 104, still there, 12 not out. A wicket apiece for Balderson, Lamb, Bailey and Parkinson.
And here at Bristol, Bracey calmly approaches his century, Gloucestershire lead by 47.
Time to write up,
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Before I write up, a last glance around the second-division grounds, where Sussex have burst into spring-like bloom. Tom Haines has made his second century of the season, 127 not out, following-on against Derbyshire. His companion at the crease is Cheteshwar Pujara, 36 not out. Sussex still 113 behind, but will at least fight into the final day.
Durham are batting again, rapid half centuries for the openers Jones and Dickson, the lead 274 over Leicestershire. And it is all bubbling up at Trent Bridge, Notts 163-5, a lead of 87. Duckett falls,in anguish, for 95, following his century in the first innings.
Teatime scores
DIVISION ONE
Bristol: Gloucestershire 227 and 162-5v Yorkshire 376 all out
Canterbury: Kent 260 and 28-2 v Lancashire 506 all out
Taunton: Somerset 109 and 154 v Essex 180 and 84-9. Essex win by one wicket.
The Oval: Surrey 467 all out v Hampshire 223 and 186-5
DIVISION TWO
Derby: Derbyshire 505-8dec (Masood 239) v Sussex 174 and 190-2
Chester-le-Street: Durham 428 all out (Bedingham 191) and 82-0 v Leicestershire 273 all out
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 302 and 158-4 v Glamorgan 379
Sitting side on, you are suddenly hit by the full speed of Haris Rauf. He bangs Bracey on the helmet and, after a long wait to do some running repairs and ask the right concussion questions, bounces him next ball. At the other end, Dom Bess runs through his idiosyncratic two-speed run-up. Tea here, and around the grounds, Gloucestershire have a 39 run lead, five wickets in hand. As Bracey walks off for tea, he stops, bends and signs autographs for some kids.
I’m going to grab a coffee to help my afternoon eye droop and sit outside for 15 mins to watch properly, back shortly.
In the meantime:
Apologies if this is wide of the mark, but this very clear piece by Mark Nicholas for @ESPNcricinfo reads an awful lot like his own pitch to be chair of the ECB!
— James Coyne (@coynejames) April 16, 2022
(They could do worse, and they haven't done much at all yet, but I guess he's too crickety)https://t.co/woPXKWLbNv
Ben Compton carries his bat for 104
Balderson grabs a third wicket, and Compton makes a hundred for the second match in a row. County Cricket - piece of cake.
Leicestershire 273 all out at The Riverside, Matthew Potts 6-58. The deficit 155.
Ben Duckett is holding Notts together again, 52 not out after a hundred in the first innings. Notts 86-3, Joe Clarke caught off Neser for 30. Notts lead by a nervous nine.
Did I mention Hampshire were following on? Holland and Gubbins fell cheaply, but Weatherley (83) and Vince (33) have put on 96. The other following-oners, Sussex are still battling: 136-1, still nearly 200 behind Derbyshire. Tom Haines 89 not out.
A brave quote from Somerset head coach Jason Kerr: “We were anticipating a truer surface. The ball did more than we expected and that made batting a challenge. That doesn’t take away from the fact that we are under-performing with the bat and there is work to be done.”
What are Kent up to? Kent are are in a fix: 254-9, still 252 behind the Lancashire’s big boys monster total. Two for Balderson, two for Hassan; while Parky has picked up another to add to last night’s tally. (4-60). But hang on - Compton is close to carrying his bat , not out 99...
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Gloucestershire slip-sliding as Miles Hammond gently gives Adam Lyth some catching practise. Gloucestershire three down, still trail Yorkshire by 65. James Bracey on a sensible 37 not out.
A good-natured stag do in cricket whites, and a duck costume, settle down in a Nevil Road stand. Haris Rauf takes a breather.
A delighted Haris Rauf takes off, as if at a puppeteer’s whim, throws his legs around and punches the air after plucking out Graeme van Buuren’s leg stump. Someone points out that Rauf holds the ball like Wasim Akram in his run-up, and now its all I can see. Gloucestershire 76-3.
Hope you’ve displace that tension with a nice lunch. Gorgeous vegetarian Thai at Bristol.
A lovely piece to calm you down by David Hopps on Harry Brook. Includes some honest self-reflection by Brook - he was too distracted by thoughts of the Big Bash to take full advantage of his England Lions opportunity in the winter. Also, that he regards Test cricket as the pinnacle.
Harry Brook, the young pretender, cheers Yorkshire as Root concedes it’s time to gohttps://t.co/XJkqvFIS3x look
— David Hopps (@DavidKHopps) April 15, 2022
Lunchtime scores
DIVISION ONE
Bristol: Gloucestershire 227 and 56-2 v Yorkshire 376 all out
Canterbury: Kent 204-6 v Lancashire 506 all out
Taunton: Somerset 109 and 154 v Essex 180 and 84-9. Essex win by one wicket.
The Oval: Surrey 467 all out v Hampshire 223 and 46-2
DIVISION TWO
Derby: Derbyshire 505-8dec (Masood 239) v Sussex 174 and 90-0
Chester-le-Street: Durham 428 all out (Bedingham 191) v Leicestershire 232-7
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 302 and 45-2 v Glamorgan 379
Essex win by one wicket!
’Tis over. With five leg byes. Overton falls to his knees.
Handshakes all round. Overton 6-30, 13-87 in the match.
Taunton: Somerset 109 and 154 v Essex 180 and 84-9
Essex 19 points, Somerset 3
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Essex lose their ninth, scores level!
Oh my days. No. 11 Steketee to face Craig Overton.
Scores level, a Siddle maiden, Rossington wafts dangerously. Can Overton walk on water
Overton pitches up and Snater slams him straight for four. Essex need two to win.
Nine needed. I suggest Rossington doesn’t take a quick single.
Gloucestershire, incidentally, have suffered a major blow, losing first-innings centurion Marcus Harris to Steve Patterson, pouched by Harry Brook. 48-2 as a substantial deficit weighs down their shoulders.
Harmer. Gone. Siddle. 19 needed. Eight down.
And as I press enter, Overton is wheeling around Taunton, Wheater lbw for 17. Essex 57-7, 27 needed....
Up with the Lindor eggs in Division One, Essex are creeping closer, with less than 30 needed. The bleached haired Siddle running in against his old team, three slips with expectant hands. But Rossington and Wheater have done this before.
Hassan Ali has his first wicket for Lancashire, Tom Bailey another, as they continue Parky’s work from last night. Kent 192-5. Ben Compton, whose having a fantastic 2022, 84 not out.
Let’s take an Easter wander through the mini-eggs:
Tim Van der Gugten’s 62 put Glamorgan in the driving seat, and then Has (I’m afraid so) punted the ball to gully for a duck, closely followed by Slater. Two for Hogan. Notts 10-2. At Chester-le-Street; Ackermann falls for 81, Leicestershire 217-6, trail by 211. And more runs for the admirable Tom Haines, 50 not out, in Sussex’s 74-0.
Angled in, through the gate, stumps akimbo. Charlesworth plods off. Gloucestershire not off to a dream start. At least it wasn’t Harris. Fisher grabs his first.
Now Tom Westley can’t resist the Overton behemoth. Essex 28-6.
Overton!!! Essex 28-5; Critchley bowled for 15. Overton 10 wickets in the match, but he’s bowled (nearly) eight overs; he’ll need a rest soon. How soon?
And here at Bristol, the roller is out, Yorkshire all out 376, a lead of 149. Ajeet Singh Dale 4-72. Gloucestershire need to bat out today and most of tomorrow.
If you need help setting up friendly cricket, this is your go-to place.
A fantastic project ⬇️ https://t.co/sylK4IxyzY
— tanya aldred (@tjaldred) April 16, 2022
At Taunton, Craig Overton has taken the 12.2-over old ball to the umpire - no luck old son. It feels like the panic is subsiding, Essex 23-4, 61 needed.
This looks like progress, though I don’t fancy that sky much...
Pleased for Nasa Hussain and the team at Bradford Park Avenue after they hosted their first four-day county 2s match as Yorkshire welcomed Northants recently. 👍 pic.twitter.com/MQWAiXw0TC
— Cricket Yorkshire (@cricketyorks) April 15, 2022
Games moving on swiftly: Glamorgan all out 379, a led of 62. Matthew Potts takes his third wicket in his third over, Leicestershire have lost three for 12 this morning in a north-east wobble.
If you’re in Taunton this morning, admission is free - Essex have crept up to 17-4, 67 needed.
The Sussex start is comparatively luxurious: 12-0. Hampshire too holding on in the first 20 mins: Barker and Fuller employing doughty defence 176-7. But Azad has gone at Chester-le-Street, closely followed by Kimber for 4. Both to Potts. Leicestershire 174-4.
Top trolling by the Gloucestershire scoreboard operator: who puts the Essex score up on the scoreboard.
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Make that 4-4: Scorecard reads 1, 3, 0, 0 not out, o, o not out.
Essex 4-3! Both Cooks gone, one to Siddle, one to Overton. Game suddenly very much on.
Blunt early Saturday words from Graeme Fowler:
As a functioning governing body. The Ecb doesn’t function nor has any foresight for the English game and its place in world cricket. I for one have no confidence in their ability to further the game. #shambles.#oustthelot
— Graemefowler (@GFoxyFowler) April 15, 2022
In case anyone missed this:
Matt Parkinson bamboozling Zak Crawley 🌪️#CountyCricket2022 pic.twitter.com/2kkr47CHNd
— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 15, 2022
Scores on the doors
DIVISION ONE
Bristol: Gloucestershire 227 all out v Yorkshire 334-8
Canterbury: Kent 133-3 v Lancashire 506 all out
Taunton: Somerset 109 and 154 v Essex 180 and 3-1
The Oval: Surrey 467 all out v Hampshire 152-7
DIVISION TWO
Derby: Derbyshire 505-8dec (Masood 239) v Sussex 174
Chester-le-Street: Durham 428 all out (Bedingham 191) v Leicestershire 159-2
Trent Bridge: Nottinghamshire 302 v Glamorgan 354-9
Preamble
Past the bust of WG Grace, and up into the press box for day three of this fascinating game between Gloucestershire and Yorkshire. Yesterday’s innings by Harry Brook firmly stacked Yorkshire on top, and tipped his hat in the ring for a Test place in new look England part XCVICIVCIX.
Around the grounds, the end is almost nigh for Somerset, unless Coverton can repeat his first innings magic; some late afternoon Parky magic has got Kent wobbling; and Hampshire are also in a surprisingly large hole. In Division Two, Sussex will be following on; Hassan Azad doing his thing at Leicestershire and Glamorgan are holding off Notts.
