Match report day 1: Lancs v Sussex in Championship 2003 by Neil Adams

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Scorecard:

Lancashire v Sussex

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Summary for Day 1

 

Bowling Performance of the Day

Sussex's attacked appeared very ordinary as the day progressed. Initially, Taylor bowled an excellent line and length, and proved difficult to score against (13 runs from 8 overs). Chilton edged an away swinger to Ambrose in the 6th over. Martin-Jenkins also bowled a tight opening spell from the Brian Statham End (0 for 12 from 6 overs). Mushtaq Ahmed bowled 19 consecutive overs either side of the tea interval (0 for 51). Unfortunately, for the visitors Mushtaq was unable to extract much assistance from the pitch and failed to claim his 100th wicket of the season. Lewry conceded 50 runs from 12 overs, Davis 23 runs from 5 overs, and Taylor 34 runs from 9 overs in his second spell

 

Batting Performance of the Day

Mal Loye struck a commanding 110 not out by the close of play. Arriving at the crease in just the 6th over, and faced with a two paced wicket providing variable bounce, Loye built a patient innings. He scored only 4 boundaries in reaching his fifty from 113 balls. 52 deliveries later, Loye reached his century courtesy of sweetly timed strokes, neat footwork and a growing confidence. He coped admirably against Mushtaq Ahmed, while punishing any loose bowling from Lewry, Taylor and Martin- Jenkins. At the end of the first day Loye had despatched 11 x 4 & 1 x 6, while Stuart Law reached 65 not out and the 3rd wicket partnership had reaped 159

 

Fielding Performance of the Day

With Stuart Law on 49 and the partnership standing at 99, Mal Loye attempted a quick single. Law did not move from the batting crease while Loye found himself stranded in mid wicket. The throw to the bowlers end left Taylor with the simple task of collecting the ball and breaking the wicket. Incredibly, Taylor fumbled the ball and Loye jogged back into his crease - a very fortunate man and a truly shocking piece of fielding. Loye was on 66 at the time - a costly error

 

Highlights of the Day

• Lancashire won a crucial toss
• The unbroken partnership of 159 between Loye and Law

 

Lowlights of the Day

• Once again - the weather
• Iain Sutcliffe's dismissal - a tame wicket from a poor stroke
• When play came to a close at exactly 6pm, the sky was totally clear and the sun shining - cricket could easily have continued until 7pm to make up for the lost time at the beginning of the day. Without doubt, spectators are given a poor deal at times and cricket wonders why so few come to watch!

 

Contentious Discussion Points of the Day

• No Flintoff and no Anderson - very disappointing
• Play did not start until 1.25 pm due to a wet outfield. However, Sussex's players were happy to kick a football around for half an hour - please explain!

 

Key Notes of the Day

• Lancashire won the toss and elected to bat
• 36 overs lost due to overnight & early morning - Play starts at 1.25pm - 68 overs left
• Chilton caught Ambrose bowled Taylor 6 - 21 for 1 in the 6th over - Sutcliffe 15*
• 53 for 1 in the 20th over - Sutcliffe 30* Loye 17*
• Sutcliffe caught Davis bowled Lewry 38 - 66 for 2 in the 24th over - Loye 21*
• 100 for 2 in the 34th over - Loye 35* Law 15*
• Tea - 105 for 2 from 36 overs - Loye 37* Law 18*
• 50 partnership - 117 for 2 in the 42nd over - Loye 37* Law 30*
• 50 Loye from 113 balls (4 x 4) - 142 for 2 in the 47th over - Law 42*
• 150 for 2 in the 52nd over - Loye 52* Law 49*
• Loye 66 missed run out opportunity by Taylor - 165 for 2 in the 54th over - Law 49*
• 50 Law from 91 balls (9 x 4) + 100 partnership - 167 for 2 in the 54th over - Loye 51*
• 200 for 2 in the 61st over - Loye 94* Law 56*
• 100 Loye from 165 balls (10 x 4 & 1 x 6) - 212 for 2 in the 62nd over - Law 59*
• 150 partnership - 216 for 2 in the 63rd over - Loye 105* Law 61*
• Close of play - 225 for 2 from 68 overs - Loye 110* Law 65*
• Lancashire 1 point, Sussex 0 points

 

(Article: Copyright © 2004 Neil Adams http://www.cricketimages.co.uk/adams-report/intro.html)