Tanya Aldred's roundup
The Northamptonshire batting van arrived at the crease only to be met with banana skins, buttered bats and a desire to get back to the pavilion. A final total of 56 all out was distinguished by a single double-figure score, Saif Zaib’s 29.
Keith Barker, who had been stranded on 38 after Hampshire were dismissed for 367, pocketed four for 12. There were two wickets apiece for Mohammad Abbas and Ian Holland, plus a comedy run-out to start proceedings when Hassan Azad was out without facing a ball.
It was the lowest score at the Rose Bowl. Rain wiped out much of the afternoon, but Northants were able to start their follow-on, whereupon Hassan Azad completed a pair.
Steve Smith made 89 in what will probably be his final innings for Sussex, a third lbw decision in as many innings as he shuffled to off stump. But the plaudits went to the 19-year-old James Coles, who glided to his maiden first-class century as Sussex built a 358-run lead over Glamorgan, bolstered by Ollie Robinson biffing three successive fours off Michael Neser before being caught.
The Kent debutant Arafat Bhuiyan grabbed four Surrey wickets as the 2022 Champions pinched a first-innings lead of 84 – thanks to some tail-end hitting by Sean Abbot and Gus Atkinson. Zak Crawley, 31 not out at stumps, then had to watch as Kent lost three wickets in the day’s final minutes.
Worcestershire’s second innings started almost as catastrophically as their first, 2 for 2 after 11 balls, but they were saved any further blushes when rain stopped play just after six o’clock. Leicestershire had earlier been dismissed for 180 – five wickets for Joe Leach and four for Matthew Waite, who hurried the tail along nicely with a three-wicket over. Worcestershire need another 245 on a capricious pitch.
Matt Montgomery cartwheeled to an unbeaten 130 at Trent Bridge, for Nottinghamshire against Essex, while at Bristol, Ajaz Patel took five wickets, and Matthew Potts two, to give Durham the upper hand. Somerset were on top at Lord’s after Matt Henry took 5 for 45. Middlesex were bundled out for 175 before following on.
A day to remember for James Coles and Matthew Montgomery, one to forget for Northamptonshire. That’s all from me, enjoy your Friday night!
