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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Mike Selvey at Scarborough, Will Macpherson at Trent Bridge and Vic Marks at Taunton

County cricket – as it happened

County cricket
Yorkshire take on Middlesex in day two of their match at picturesque Scarborough. Photograph: Daniel Smith/Getty Images

Night all!

So, that’s that. Thank you very much for your company, I’m sure I speak for all BTLers when I say we appreciate it greatly. Have a good evening - and see you at the same time tomorrow.

Here’s the scores:

In Div One:

  • Notts 303-5 v Lancashire 276
  • Warwickshire 449 & 5-0 beat Surrey 273 & 177 by 10 wickets
  • Durham 79-2 v Hampshire 472-9d
  • Middlesex 130-2 v Yorkshire 406

In Div Two:

  • Essex 480-6 v Kent 207
  • Worcs 193-7 v Leics 407
  • Glamorgan 335 & 30-1 v Sussex 552-5d
  • Derbyshire v Northants ... No play on day 1

In the tour game:

  • Pakistan 359-8d & 140-4 v Somerset 128

Night all!

That is stumps at Trent Bridge.

We’re off again, with Notts 303-5, and that should be that. Probably rightly this time.

Four runs.

Cracking final day in prospect at Hove.

New ball taken here, despite another conversation about the light. Tom Smith to bowl.

It’s a wrap at Guildford.

Essex doing their thang today. Two days to push for victory now.

Tricky chase, this.

12 overs remain at Trent Bridge... five until the new ball.

Sorry old Surrey today.

PLAY TO RESUME IMMINENTLY WAHOO! Guessing that there are 2-3 overs lost which means we have 12-13 left to bowl.

Umpires coming to have a look. It’s very light. We’ve been off for 35 minutes.

Now the covers are coming on here. It’s not raining, nor is it that dark. Maybe the umpires want to watch Wimbledon?!

This made laugh on the cricketers with real sentences for names riff.

It’s really rather light but there is no cricket happening. Umps just chatting to groundstaff, players in the sheds. Am I missing something?!

Sussex have declared with a lead of 217, while Essex are clubbing their way to a big lead against Kent. Declaration on its way there too, you’d think.

A suggestion on the cricketers with sentences for names theme:

How odd. We are going off for bad light. There was a long discussion between the umpires and the Lancashire brains trust - probably about Wagner’s leg theory - and now we are off. Really doesn’t look very dark to me .... Still 16 overs to bowl today and the crowd - which is healthy - are less than impressed.

Notts have the lead. The lights are on. Wagner is bowling short. The trap is set. Samit is taking him on. This is fun.

Tom fell c Eckersley b Raine 61

The other Morgan has a wicket at Hove to end that massive partnership. Interesting game from here....

At Worcester, Daryl Mitchell is run out, but Tom Fell is still there and is joined by another excellent youngster, Joe Clarke.

I think I’ve asked this before on the blog. But serious question: is Tom Fell the best current county cricket whose name is a complete sentence?

Answers on a postcard please.

Oh my god Robert Croft is fielding for Glamorgan

No good, that.

Another wicket fell here a short while ago, as Michael Lumb patted back tamely and oddly to Jordan Clark. Samit’s been joined by Wessels, who knocked his first ball through midwicket for four. Patel looks in sumptuous form, and Notts are 21 behind with the new ball 10 overs away. They need to make it count, mind.

I see Surrey have lost a load of wickets ... Steve Davies needs to knuckle down.

Wells and Brown plough on remorselessly at Hove.

... and best of all ... Tom Fell is unbeaten on 60!

Tea came at the right time for Middlesex, who having coasted along nicely at one time, suddenly found themselves under the hammer. Having reached 87 without undue alarm, Middlesex lost both Sam Robson for 40 and Nick Gubbins, 43, in the space of three overs. Until that point the Yorkshire bowling had been industrious without looking particularly threatening. But in the last quarter of an hour or so the ball began to move around, quite alarmingly at times, so that George Bailey , in his first championship innings for the county, was given a torrid reception and did well to survive.


As play resumes after the interval, there are dark clouds threatening to come up against the strong breeze which is blowing directly down from the Trafalgar Square end. We may be in for an early finish.

Press box chatter informs me that Gus Fraser is here at Trent Bridge and he met with Mick Newell and James Whitaker to select a Lions squad for later this month. They’ll play against Sri Lanka A and Pakistan A, who are locking horns in Leicester as we speak.

Tea time. Here are your scores

In Div One:

  • Notts 212-4 v Lancashire 276
  • Surrey 273 & 105-1 v Warwickshire 345-6 v (day 3)
  • Durham 57-2 v Hampshire 472-9d
  • Middlesex 95-2 v Yorkshire 406

In Div Two:

  • Essex 340-4 v Kent 207
  • Worcs 107-1 v Leics 407
  • Sussex 445-4 v Glamorgan 335 (day 3)
  • Derbyshire v Northants ... No play on day 1

Updated

Tea, and Lancashire’s session, with three Notts wickets falling. You sense that the pattern today could be rather similar to yesterday, with the last few overs of the day being the vital ones. 20 overs left of this ball... Notts 212-4

Brendan Taylor is out, and in rather strange fashion. Jordan Clark has dug one in and, in the process of trying to get his bat out the way, it’s caught the splice (almost like the worst upper cut you’ve ever seen) and ballooned straight up the man at gullyish backward point. Odd. Very odd. Much-needed for Lancashire though, as Taylor had shared 74 with Lumb, who is joined by Samit with nine balls to bowl before tea. Notts still 66 behind, and the trap is set for the short ball.

Somewhat ignominiously Somerset have been bowled out for 128, 231 runs adrift of Pakistan’s total. Unsurprisingly the follow-on has not been enforced. All the bowlers prospered but the headlines will belong to Mohammad Amir, who finished with 3-36. He did look the best of a pretty damn good bunch. The England batsmen, catching the highlights, will have noted that Amir is still swinging the ball at speed.

Mind you, the Pakistan bowlers were scarcely tested by a callow Somerset line-up. Only James Hildreth could cope. He was unbeaten on 47 when the last wicket fell. Other than being dropped on 13 he demonstrated why he has been scoring so many runs over the last two years. He is more consistent now and a better judge of what to leave and what to play around his off-stump. As usual he gleaned runs aplenty to point. He deserves some sympathy. With more support he might have delivered an eye-catching score.

Good news.

Durham in a spot of bother; Ben Stokes in next, mind...

Surrey not giving up at Guildford.

Ambling along here at Trent Bridge. Over-rate since lunch have felt terribly slow (can almost hear Bumble yelling ‘get on with the gaaammmeee’ at the Lanky fielders), and Brendan Taylor - who has had most of the strike - and Lumb are crawling along against some amiable seam bowling from Smith and Clark. Would like to see Parkinson have another go. 178 for three.

Hampshire are on the move...

Ravi’s gone! He made 94 but Stevens got him with the new ball. Essex 298 for four.

Updated

Nothing happening very fast at Hove, but Luke Wells has a ton. Sussex building their lead.

Tom Fell is batting for Worcestershire. Brilliant, brilliant, brilliant.

A wicket, and a much-needed one for Kent. Westley - now averaging 59 in the Champo this year - goes for 88. Ravi ploughs on, though ... 280-3.

What do you guys think? Is it going to be a great day?

So, around the grounds. Brilliant couple of days for Hants so far:

At Chelmsford, Ravi and Westley are piling em on, while Worcester’s reply has started solidly against Leicester. Sussex are just about to go past Glamorgan four down. Surrey are looking to steady their ship against Warwickshire, although that may be no fun; Jeetan Patel is already eight overs into his work.

Some cracking games about, aren’t there?

Meanwhile ... Play this.

I spent the first half-hour after lunch enjoying Trent Bridge from the top deck, which was lovely.

In that time, though, Lancs have clawed their way back into the game, prizing out two set batsmen. First, Libby failed to add to his morning session 54, just prodding half-forward at Wagner, then Greg Smith was adjudged lbw - harshly I think but I need another look - a couple of balls after a beautiful pulled four off Wagner. He made 30, and Notts are now 137-3, with a couple of Zimbabweans, Jarvis and Brendan Taylor, sparring.

It took Middlesex until deep into extra time in the first session to finish off the Yorkshire innings, but which time the last two wickets had added 72 and the total had progressed to 406 before Toby Roland-Jones finished things with the wicket of Andy Hodd. The wicketkeeper had made an energetic 37, which followed on from Gary Balances 132, an innings that underpinned Yorkshire’s total. The Middlesex seamers lost a little discipline in pursuit of the final wickets and the tail, shepherded by Hodd, was able to frustrate, as sometimes they can. The days of the heavy roller chugging into life when number eleven makes his way to the crease are long gone. These days there would be a danger of running out of petrol.

For a brief while, as James Franklin dismissed Ballance- a checked shot and gentle return catch- and Rafiq in the same over, it looked as if Middlesex would emerge in good heart given the overnight situation. Instead Hodd played busily, and Steve Patterson swung the bat heartily at Steve Finn. Many years ago, Jon Agnew, when facing Wayne Daniel, took up batting station so far outside leg stump that the bowler became confused. “ Do I try and hit him, or hit the stumps?”.

A fair question that would have required considerable change in direction. Agnew’s justification to Raymond Illingworth, his captain, that it was his duty as a bowler not to get injured did not cut the mustard. Anyway back to Patterson, who adopted the Agnew technique and, finally, was bowled by Finn for his pains. Jack Brooks promptly hooked Finn into the pavilion, sending the patrons scattering, and he and Hodd added 35 for the last wicket before Hodd tickled a gentle catch to the solitary slip.

The meat of the day comes now though. There is enough in the pitch to encourage good bowling and Middlesex could have their work cut out if the Yorkshire seamers get it right.

So Notts are going well at lunch here. They lost Mullaney, ten runs later than they should have, and Parkinson - who dropped him - has had a wee bowl. Greg Smith looked more comfortable than when he first came in, while Jake Libby reached a decent half-century not long before the break. It’s 120 for one.

In other news, Michael Lumb just received his county cap, and Jimmy Anderson is having another bowl. Very short run, very gentle, but a bowl nonetheless.

A glance around the grounds reveals that Keith Barker - with bat nd ball - has Surrey on’t ropes at Guildford, while Hampshire plough on remorselessly against Durham.

In Div Two, Tom Westley is doing what Tom Westley does, while Ned Eckersley is back in the runs for Leicestershire, which is good to see. They are all out for 407 against Worcestershire. Sussex are inching towards parity and will look to build a lead on the third day against Glamorgan.

Updated

Lunch time: scores on the doors...

In Div One:

  • Notts 120-1 v Lancashire 276
  • Surrey 273 & 12-1 v Warwickshire 345-6 v (day 3)
  • Hampshire 424-8 v Durham
  • Yorkshire 406 all out v Middlesex

In Div Two:

  • Essex 231-2 v Kent 207
  • Leics 407 all out v Worcs
  • Sussex 310-4 v Glamorgan 335 (day 3)
  • Derbyshire v Northants ... No play on day 1

In the tour game:

  • Somerset 56-3 v Pakistan 359-8d

Updated

Mohammed Amir’s morning just got better. He was happier when bowling than batting. Out he came in his pads after Younis Khan had been dismissed for 104. His first ball he received thudded into the pads; it looked a very good shout for lbw but there was the outstretched arm of the umpire. Amir saved by a no-ball from Josh Davey. The next delivery was just outside off-stump; Amir wafted and was caught behind.

However Amir’s fortunes changed when he had the ball in his hand. When he was announced by the PA man there was warm applause from a sparse crowd but what else would you expect at Taunton? His first ball was legal and Trescothick blocked it; then there were two boundaries to third man. But in his third over Amir propelled a beauty to Trescothick, which swung and caught the edge of the bat. Out went the arms in celebration. Later, when bowling around the wicket he sent the off-stump of Adam Hose cartwheeling towards the River Tone.

This was an impressive opening spell, 2-16 from 6 overs. Amir looks no different to six years ago except that he has disposed of the mop of black hair. His action is fluid; his pace is high and the ball is swinging. He offers a threat beyond anything posed by the Sri Lankan pacemen. After Pakistan’s compulsory declaration at 359-8, Somerset are 56-3 at lunch, which represents a bit of a recovery. The county needs their experienced men to hang on. The belligerent skipper, Peter Trego, has 23, James Hildreth 9.

Here’s what Lord Selve saw yesterday:

Gary Naylor’s back with him little look around the shires. Lovely stuff, as ever.

The absolute state of this delivery. Welcome back, Mo Amir.

Oh dear.

A wicket, and relief for Lancashire, as Parkinson’s drop of Mullaney has not proved too costly. Jarvis has got him, playing on for 43. Greg Smith in at three. 86 for one.

Rory Burns leaping like a salmon. Interestingly, he’s one of just three wicketkeepers Surrey are playing in this match. Sanga off on his travels and Wilson out the side.

Mark Footitt is doing a job on the Warks tail at Guildford. He ends with four, but the visitors have a massive lead of 173. Surrey up against it, especially with Hants and Notts going well.

Oh my word, that’s a terrible drop. Parkinson at deep square (one of two men back) has shelled one that’s gone straight down his throat. The shot, from Mullaney on 33, was every bit as bad to be fair, hooking Jarvis when there was just no need to do so...

Insult, meet injury: Libby edged the next ball between second slip and gully for four, and then did the same later in the over...

Updated

The living is pretty easy for Notts’ openers right now. Tom Smith came on and looked to be tightening things up but Mullaney has just pumped him through midwicket (beating the man in the deep) then down the ground for a pair of fours. Jarvis, expensive earlier, is swapping ends. It’s 70 without loss.

Amir is back!

Good to see from Hove.

Notts have been flying along here and have just brought the 50 up in the 11th over. Mullaney and Libby both looking good.

Btw, if you want to watch what I’m watching - a rollicking start by Notts’ openers - then you can do so here!

That’s Trent Bridge’s live stream, which is directly linked up to Dave Bracegirdle, Scott Hunt and Isabelle Duncan’s excellent BBC comms. Brilliant service.

So much to like about Scurran.

Here are yesterday’s reports by the way. Click, comment etc - you know what to do...

First, Lord Selve in Scarborough...

Victor Marks in Taunton...

And me, Will Macpherson, at Trent Bridge...

Plenty going on here...

Wagner, after being hit on the noggin yesterday (in the process of getting out), is bowling. There was some concern about his wellbeing last night, but he’s obviously ok. Mullaney - out there with Libby - hits him for four through midwicket first ball.

I see young Scurran already has his third wicket at Guildford, that of another prodigal Surrey all-rounder: Rikki - not Richard - Clarke.

Belting morning at Trent Bridge, where Harry Gurney has just bowled a maiden at Kyle Jarvis to start the day. He played and missed at a couple but didn’t look overly perturbed. Immy Tahir, who was good fun yesterday, from the other end, so no Broad, who was tight early on yesterday, and brilliant with the second new ball.

England selector James Whittaker is here to watch, but you sense Jimmy Anderson is what he’s after, given the injured Lanky seamer was having another gentle bowl before play began.

I’m in a mighty fine mood because I started my day by doing something I never do in London: going to the driving range. I hit 60 balls, some very good, some very bad, but made one fatal error. I left my glove in the car, and could not be bothered to go back and get it once I’d realised. Thumping blister developing on my left index finger. Your correspondent, it’s fair to say, is an idiot.

And that’s the end of the innings; Tahir’s top-spinner doing for Parkinson (lbw), and Lancashire are all out for 276. Now the real test for Nottinghamshire’s beleaguered batsmen...

Belting morning in Scarborough, just perfect for a walk along Marine Drive, round the headland, to the ground. Will do the whelks tomorrow (whelks are my sea snail of choice) but sadly not the donkey ride which stresses no adults. At £2.50 a go it is the price of a flat white anyway, or a nice cuppa as they call it here. It has been a real retro trip so far, and my room, in the hotel we would stay at when playing here, has lovingly kept the same decor in the rooms. A fellow playing Creedence Clearwater cover songs in the hotel lounge to an audience of pensioners completed the picture( although they of course would remember Proud Mary first time around, so not so daft).

Thanks to Gary Ballance and Tim Bresnan, Yorkshire dug themselves out of a hole against Middlesex and they will resume today on 291 for five, in reasonable shape. Im not sure Middlesex bowled that well to Ballance, feeding his shots off his legs and latterly his cut. Round the wicket, and shaping away, especially Tim Murtagh, to a fullish length is not a bad ploy.

Updated

Grey but dry at Taunton. Younis Khan, 99 not out overnight, expressed the view last night that he would like to bat for another half a day. But he can’t. The regulations of tour matches of three days duration insist that the first innings of each side cannot exceed 100 overs. So Younis has eight overs to reach his century.

Better news for the snappers is that Mohammed Amir will soon be in action with the sort of cloud cover that pace bowlers crave. Pakistan have been out and about early training hard. I’m reminded what a multinational set-up there is among the backroom boys. Alongside new head coach, Mickey Arthur, is Steve Rixon, the old Aussie keeper, who was once in charge of New Zealand, and Grant Flower, Andy’s younger brother. Mushtaq Ahmed, with his wealth of English experience, is on board as well. They have all been in the country for over a fortnight with their training camp based at the Ageas Bowl. Could this be the best-prepared Pakistan team ever?

Somerset have three players, who may play their first first-class innings for the county today: Adam Hose, who has featured in one-day cricket; Tim Rouse, who has come through the system (though he was born in Yorkshire) and Dom Bess. They might like to see a bit of sunshine.

Morning all it's the morning call!

Hello, happy Monday etc etc.

So, Vic, Mike and I have all stationed ourselves in our particularly lovely spots again to tell you about all of the particularly lovely cricket that will be happening across the land today. Today’s paper, as it happens, is jam-packed with yesterday’s particularly lovely cricket - two county reports, one tour match report, and a report on England women continuing their rollicking form, too. Go on, buy it. You know you want to.

Here’s where we’re at heading into the second day of action...

In Div One:

  • Lancashire 273-9 v Notts
  • Warwickshire 345-6 v Surrey 273 (day 2)
  • Hampshire 319-6 v Durham
  • Yorkshire 291-5 v Middlesex

In Div Two:

  • Essex 107-2 v Kent 207
  • Leics 299-7 v Worcs
  • Sussex 227-3 v Glamorgan 335

In the tour game:

  • Pakistan 324-5 v Somerset

We have one new Div Two game too, but I see the squidgy Chesterfield outfield is going to prevent play before lunch, sadly ... At some stage, Derbyshire will play Northamptonshire. Doesn’t look to be rain or delays elsewhere.

Anyway - enjoy the cricket and fill the comments section (you can’t actually fill it but I dare you to try.)

ps - hopefully today is the day that sees Worcestershire’s Tom Fell return to the middle with a bat in his hand, having told testicular cancer exactly where to shove it, which is just the best. Go well, sir.

Updated

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