Warwickshire’s Chris Benjamin and Danny Briggs batted stoutly to deny a Lancashire team on the charge at Old Trafford. The game seemed to be limping to a draw when five wickets toppled between lunch and tea as Matt Parkinson wheeled out three leg‑spinners: first Dom Sibley pushed forward and edged behind for 41; then Will Rhodes helped another into the hands of leg slip and Michael Burgess was bamboozled for a duck.
But despite marching out after tea with spicy vigour, Lancashire could not push on, and the session was enlivened when, with an enormous bang, one of the huge glass windows in the Old Trafford press box spontaneously shattered, the hover cover below swiftly wheeled away to safety.
Hampshire came out on top in the nip and tuck game at the Rose Bowl, pinching the last wicket in the final session. Gloucestershire had got within dreaming distance of a target of 368, after fifties from George Scott and Miles Hammond. But the new ball wriggled past defences, as it had all game, with Mohammad Abbas finishing with nine wickets in the match.
Glamorgan romped to a six-wicket victory over Leicestershire at Sophia Gardens, despite the best efforts of stand-in captain Callum Parkinson. He and Ben Mike (64) frustrated the Glamorgan bowlers with a partnership of 88, and Parkinson wangled another 20 runs out of the tail. Parkinson then took three wickets cheaply but Leicestershire didn’t have enough runs to play with, and another smartly-stamp-the-envelope-and-send-it-on its-way innings from Sam Northeast saw them home.
It may have been a tedious four days for the Chelmsford spectators, but it was a record-breaking one for Alastair Cook, who reached his hundred for Essex by swatting a long-hop from Joe Root.
It was the first time he had made centuries in both innings of a first-class match. Any last gasp chance of salvaging a result had disappeared with the rapidly setting sun, when Yorkshire’s last five batters swilled away for just 39, Simon Harmer picking up a couple of wickets.
A candy-popping double century partnership between Sam Robson and Peter Handscomb, followed by rapid runs from Martin Andersson and Max Holden, delivered a seven-wicket win in a thriller at Hove. A plucky Sussex declaration, with Cheteshwar Pujara 170 not out, left Middlesex to score 370 in 77 overs – they made it with 3.1 overs to spare.
Jack Haynes jumped high with happiness after hitting his first century for Worcestershire, on the way to nailing down a draw against Durham. Haynes and Azhar Ali put on 195, with Azhar seeing off some short stuff from Ben Stokes in the morning session.
Updated
Bravo Middlesex! Top of the Div two table and looking down. That’s it from me for this week, as the pigeons strut across the Old Trafford grass. Thanks for the company as always - see you next Thursday for the Roses match and more. Good evening!
🔢 | MIDDLESEX'S HIGHEST FOURTH INNINGS TOTALS IN FIRST-CLASS CRICKET
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) May 8, 2022
Today's incredible performance saw the Club record their eighth highest fourth innings total in first-class cricket!
Unbelievable performance from all involved today 💪#OneMiddlesex pic.twitter.com/r0Dlt1qcbu
Lancs draw with Warwicks
Old Trafford: Lancashire 361 v Warwickshire 315 and 184-6
Updated
Hants beat Gloucs by 87 runs
The Rose Bowl: Hampshire 342 and 204 v Gloucestershire 179 and 280
Essex draw with Yorks
Chelmsford: Essex 403 and 167-0dec v Yorkshire 465
Can Lancashire afford to wait for the new ball? Warwicks 174-6. At Chelmsford, Alastair Cook duly moves to his second century of the game, the first time he’s ever done it in his first-class career.. Glamorgan have won and Hampshire are nearly there - just the one Glocs wicket to go.
I’m going to write up now, but keep an eye on things for me.
In Division 2, Glamorgan are nearly there. Sam Robson has moved to a hundred at Hove as Middlesex wave off Sussex. Fifty to Peter Haandscomb. A match-saving partnership of 178.
And a hundred to Jack Haynes at New Road, which also looks as if it will drift to a draw. 243-3. For Azhar Ali, runs at last, 92 before becoming Chris Rushworth’s third.
An elongated appeal and crouch as Benjamin falls over trying to play a swinger from Hassan Ali. Not out.
With four men crowded round the bat, Parky toils. Warwickshire seem safe for now. Still eight down at the Rosebowl, 254-8, Mohammad Amir could work miracles, he’s already hit a six and a four in his 17 not out. 114 needed to win. Alastair Cook 18 short of a second century in the match as the match drifts to a close at Chelmsford
They’re back on at OT, and Benjamin squirts a couple of runs between his legs and - blimey - with a substantial bang one of the huge press box windows shatters - but stays in place.
Updated
Teatime scores
DIVISION ONE
Chelmsford: Essex 403 and 119-0 v Yorkshire 465
The Rose Bowl: Hampshire 342 and 204 v Gloucestershire 179 and 248-8 Gloucs need 120 to win.
Old Trafford: Lancashire 361v Warwickshire 315 and 144-6
The Oval: Surrey 401 all out v Northants 194 and 202. Surrey win by an innings and five runs.
DIVISION TWO
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan 437 and 125-3 v Leicestershire 320 and 266 GLamorgan need 25 to win
Hove: Sussex 392 and 335-4dec v Middlesex 358 and 139-1. Middx need 231 to win
New Road: Worcestershire 309 and 234-3 v Durham 580-6dec (STOKES 161, 88 balls, 8 fours, 17 sixes) and 170-1dec. Worcs need 208 to win.
Sweat sticks Parky’s fringe to his forehead as he wheels though. But Warwicks survive till tea, their lead 98, 144-6. A minimum of 35 overs left
Updated
One more over of Parky before tea, sun out, OT quiet in anticipation.
Ten minutes till tea, Gloucester, Worcester....Warwickshire all hanging on. Glamorgan need 42.
A very bubbly round of applause for Matt Parkinson, after his third wicket of the day. Dallying in from the Statham end, he tempts an uncertain Burgess, who pushes his pad forward and is bowled for a fat duck.
Oh what have we here?
Parky M punches the air and roars - Rhodes gone! pouched at leg slip by Keaton Jennings. The Warwicks lead 90., five wickets in hand.
“Good afternoon Tanya, Good afternoon everyone.”
Hello Em Jackson! Lovely to hear from you.
“Well after an agreeable Sunday lunch I’m pleased that both my South-West side and my North-east side are still both in the chase.
As for Chris Gayle - “my fans still want me” that’s all well and good, but surely there’s no one player bigger than the team?”
There’s no I in Chris Gayle. Oh, hang on a minute...
Parky C outdoing Parky M: a third wicket at Sophia Gardens, but Glamorgan are almost home and dry. (57 needed). It had slipped my mind that Parky C was the Leics captain, aged 25. I reckon only Tom Haines (23) is younger in the CC,
Things are afoot at The Rosebowl. Mohammad Abbas to be precise. Two quick wickets to follow lynchpin Hammond being pinned by Barker. 219 for seven, an unlikely 149 to win.
Ooof and that’s out! Yates flummoxed by one that swung in and kept low. Warwicks 132-4, the lead 86.
And the sun comes out.
A first fifty of the season for Yates - who was being spoken of last season as a left-field Ashes pick.
Impressive solidity by Middlesex since mid morning: 77-1.
At Chelmsford, Joe Root is turning his arm over. Alastair Cook is at the other end. And minds turn to next week, when there is a Roses match at Headingley and Essex have a few days off.
So Hain followed Sibley, lbw for six. The lead is 57, with seven wickets in hand. If Parky were to find a few more, or Hassan Ali whistle out a handful...?
Things drifting from dozy toward sleepy in Manchester, but there are still irons in the fire.
At the Rosebowl, the Gloucester win is ON - 167 needed, six wickets in hand, Hammond still there, 67 not out.
Lloyd and Laubschagne cantering towards victory in Cardiff - actually bin that, Labuschagne has been gotcha’d by Parkinson (C) - his second of the innings. Just 13. Glammy 59-2, need another 91.
Robson and Handscomb holding on at Hove, Middx 56-1.
And an intriguing one at New Road where Worcs need to keep Durham out for another two sessions/put together 256, with eight wickets still in hand. Stokes 0-31.
Absolutely brilliant Chris Gayle interview, by Andy Bull:
Updated
A delicious OT veggie chilli for lunch, when lots of people are pottering onto the pitch.
Sibley goes! Doesn’t get to the pitch of a Parky legspinner and marches off, post haste, for 41. Nicely taken by Salt behind the stumps. Warwicks 92-2.
Jimmy Anderson is out in the middle, in blue tracksuite, having a bowl.
Lunchtime scores
DIVISION ONE
Chelmsford: Essex 403 and 19-0 v Yorkshire 465
The Rose Bowl: Hampshire 342 and 204 v Gloucestershire 179 and 181-3 Gloucs need 187 to win.
Old Trafford: Lancashire 361v Warwickshire 315 and 85-1
The Oval: Surrey 401 all out v Northants 194 and 202. Surrey win by an innings and five runs.
DIVISION TWO
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan 437 v Leicestershire 320 and 266 GLamorgan need 149 to win
Hove: Sussex 392 and 335-4dec v Middlesex 358 and 22-1. Middx need 348 to win
New Road: Worcestershire 309 and 161-2 v Durham 580-6dec (STOKES 161, 88 balls, 8 fours, 17 sixes) and 170-1dec. Worcs need 281 to win.
Lunch, with handy unbeaten thirties for Sibley and Yates, on an anorak and socks May morning. Scores to follow.
Ok, ignore that last entry, just realised it was an old tweet. Up to date Div One run-scorers:
Brook 635
Compton 560
Malan 482
Gubbins 407
A thousand runs more likely in Division Two:
Dickson 729
Pujara 717
Masood 713
Madsen 498
Haines 464
With thanks, for doing the sums:
Top 5 Division 1 Run Scorers
— The Leading Edge Cricket Podcast (@LeadingEdgePod) May 7, 2022
1 - Harry Brook | 622 Runs | 207.33 Avg
2 - Ben Compton | 560 Runs | 93.33 Avg
3 - Dawid Malan | 482 Runs | 68.85 Avg
4 - Nick Gubbins | 407 Runs | 58.14 Avg
5 - Michael Burgess | 390 Runs | 78 Avg#CountyChampionship2022
Even Brook would do well to make 1000 with two games left.
In Division Two, things are hotting up:
Sussex have declared and Middlesex have already lost a limb, 8-1, Stoneman lbw to Beard for one. Wishing Handscomb good fortune.
A noble effort by Leicestershire at Sophia Gardens, who have only lost a wicket his morning, Mike for a plucky 64. Now 248-8, still a mountain behind.
And Worcestershire too! Fifties for the down-on-his-luck Azhar Ali and Jack Haynes. 157-2, they need another 285 to win/ two and a smidge sessions to survive.
Gloucestershire have only lost one wicket this morning on their survival mission, Scott, batting out of position, with a hard-working 77. 138-3, need a theoretical 230 more to beat Hampshire.
While the Yorkies have had a morning wobble - losing four wickets for less than 40, including Harry Brook for an 123 of absolute class. A couple of belated wickets for Simon Harmer (2-146).
A leisurely stroll round the grounds, as Dom Sibley is poll-axed by one that hits him in the box, Warwicks 39-1.
Hmmm, I don’t know where the rest of my entry below went. Will reprise.
Luke Wood - or is it Tintin - at one end, Parky at the other. Yates needs a century to be up with the other young guns; another fifty would do Sibley no harm at all. Warwicks 36-1.
Hello Andrew Benton!
“Sunday afternoons are the true lazy time!! Confirmed not only by the Small Faces, but also...
“Holding out for an unlikely Glos victory, tho’ the RRR is creeping up inexorably....”
Gloucester 132-2, Scott and Hammond still there, have added twenty-odd this morning.
A horrid injury to poor Robbie White at Hove, getting in the way of Pujara’s off drive. He’s been stretchered off, in severe pain from an injury to his left arm. Get well soon.
Pujara, 147 not out, and Tom Clark, 47 not out, bat on: Sussex 280-3.
Just to remind you of Harry Brook’s scores this season: ⏤ 101, 56*, 84, 77*, 194, and now 114 not out.
Updated
Just giving Raf, of these pages, a plug. I haven’t listened to it yet, but I’m really interested to know her opinion on the FairBreak competition - which has had lots of publicity on social media.
On the new CRICKETher Weekly
— CRICKETher 🏏 (@crickether) May 8, 2022
* FairBreak so far - Full Member batters v Associate bowlers
* Grace Scrivens stars for Kent
* What's the future of county cricket?
* Richard Bedbrook & the ECB's approach to the U19 World Cuphttps://t.co/61ccAfQSuj
Not a happy return to OT for Al Davies, smartly caught in the slips by Keaton Jennings by a lifter from Tom Bailey, for 10. The trudge off is slow. Warwicks 14-1.
And thanks to Mes for this!
We need to Franchise Mother's Day. Fewer days, big sponsors, attracting the best mothers. pic.twitter.com/tD5QkYIFbz
— Mark Puttick (@GryllidaeC) May 8, 2022
Fresh from his sprightly 70 yesterday, more good news for Joe Root - Ben Stokes is going to return him to his preferred place at No. 4 in the order.
Start of play scoreboard
DIVISION ONE
Chelmsford: Essex 403 v Yorkshire 425-5
The Rose Bowl: Hampshire 342 and 204 v Gloucestershire 179 and 111-2 Gloucs need 333 to win.
Old Trafford: Lancashire 361v Warwickshire 315 and 4-0
The Oval: Surrey 401 all out v Northants 194 and 202. Surrey win by an innings and five runs.
DIVISION TWO
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan 437 v Leicestershire 320 and 158-7
Hove: Sussex 392 and 236-3 v Middlesex 358
New Road: Worcestershire 309 and 85-2 v Durham 580-6dec (STOKES 161, 88 balls, 8 fours, 17 sixes) and 170-1dec
Preamble
Good morning from an overcast Old Trafford. I suspect we’lll meander to a draw here, and at Chelmsford, but elsewhere there is more to put a fizz in your lazy Sunday morning. Leicester are in big trouble, but Sussex, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire can arm up for 11’clock with possibility in their back pocket.
