Match report day 4: Northants v Lancs in Championship 2004 by Neil Adams

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Scorecard:

Northamptonshire v Lancashire

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Summary for Day 4

There was a genuine belief at the end of last season that Lancashire were denied the County Championship due to early season bad weather. On at least 3, or 4 occasions, Lancashire were on course for a certain victory, only to be cruelly robbed by the rain. In addition to this, Lancashire regularly managed to enforce the follow-on, such was their supremacy.

 

One year on, and nothing seemed to have changed. Another follow-on enforced, another victory within reach (Although not guaranteed), but one days play lost to bad weather. The end result? - a draw. On a more positive note, the entire team played well. Everyone contributed throughout. There is a positive feeling oozing from every player - a real feeling of inner belief - a solid team spirit - the prospects look rosy from every angle.

 

Play started on time on the fourth morning. All credit must go to the Northamptonshire ground staff following the downpour on Sunday. Both teams sparred gently, trying to gain the upper hand. By lunchtime, the honours were even (247 for 4). The pendulum swung heavily in favour of the visitors during the afternoon session. 2 wickets fell within the space of 7 balls upon resumption, and the last 6 wickets departed for just 51 runs. Hegg duly enforced the follow-on. Unfortunately, the pitch failed to respond. Huggins batted through 25 overs for just 5 runs - desperate viewing - as the hosts fought for a draw.

 

As the players shook hands at the end of the game, one could not help but think - What a difference a day makes!

Key Notes of the Day

• Roberts lbw bowled Martin 89 - 146 for 3 in the 60th over - Afzaal 22*
• Sales 0* - Tough caught & bowled chance to Martin - 148 for 3 in the 64th over
• 151 for 3 in the 65th over - Afzaal 25* Sales 2*
• 50 partnership - 196 for 3 in the 74th over - Afzaal 47* Sales 25*
• 200 for 3 in the 75th over + 51 Afzaal from 130 balls (6 x 4) - Sales 25*
• Afzaal caught Hooper bowled Hogg (Next ball after reaching 51) - 200 for 4 in the 75th over - Sales 25*
• 50 Sales from 81 balls (9 x 4) - 238 for 4 in the 88th over - Brophy 10*
• Lunch - 247 for 4 from 91 overs - Sales 55* Brophy 17*
• Brophy caught Sutcliffe bowled Hooper 17 (1st ball after lunch) - 247 for 5 in the 92nd over - Sales 55*
• Swann lbw bowled Keedy 1 (7th ball after lunch) - 248 for 6 in the 93rd over - Sales 55*
• 250 for 6 in the 95th over - Sales 56* Louw 1*
• Louw caught Martin bowled Keedy 5 - 260 for 7 in the 100th over - Sales 61*
• Phillips caught Cork bowled Hooper 0 - 277 for 8 in the 106th over - Sales 78*
• Sales run out (Hogg/Hegg attempting 2nd run) 84 - 291 for 9 in the 110th over - Jones 8*
• Brown caught Law bowled Keedy 0 - 298 all out in the 113th over - Jones 15*
• Northamptonshire trailed by 206 runs - Lancashire enforced follow-on

• Tea - 36 for 0 in the 15th over - Powell 29* Huggins 3*
• 53 for 0 in the 26th over - Powell 40* Huggins 5*
• Powell lbw bowled Hogg 48 - 72 for 1 in the 35th over - Huggins 21*
• Last hour starts 17.03 hours - 90 for 1 in the 39th over - Huggins 23* Roberts 8*
• 103 for 1 in the 45th over - Huggins 34* Roberts 9*
• 17.30 hours - Game finishes - 113 for 1 from 47 overs - Huggins 38* Roberts 15*
• Northamptonshire 8 points, Lancashire 12 points
• Lancashire man of the match - Carl Hooper - 115 runs, 2 wickets and 1 catch

 

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