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

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Scorecard:

Kent v Lancashire

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Summary for Day 4

 

As expected before the start of play, Lancashire suffered their first defeat of the season by 7 wickets. It would easy to criticize certain individuals who did not perform to their usual high standards. However, this defeat might serve as a useful catalyst in Lancashire's remaining fixtures. There were also a number of positive aspects to emerge from the game.

 

Kent opted not to take the new ball at the start of play. Instead they choose to employ spin from both ends. Perhaps an injury to Sami which forced him to miss all of the days play was a contributing factor. Chapple and Hegg coped relatively easily and established a 50 partnership in the 103rd over. After 13 overs play, Fulton elected to take the new ball, and Symonds changed from off spinner to pace bowler. Initially, both batsmen coped well. Chapple reached his century from 213 balls with a beautifully struck boundary through the covers.

 

Unfortunately, Chapple (102) was not able to stay at the crease in the hour leading up to lunch. Sheriyar, who was warned for running on the wicket in the 110th over, uprooted Chapple's off stump in his following over (359-6). Dominic Cork was promoted up the batting order to number nine above Karl Hogg. Kent immediately placed Robert Key at short mid-wicket. 10 balls later, Cork (1) was smartly held by Kent's opening batsman (362-8) attempting a drive through the leg side. Hegg survived a drop by substitute fielder Loudon in the gully, but was bowled 2 balls later by Symonds attempting a wild pull to the leg side (372-9). Hogg blasted 20 runs from 17 balls to lift Lancashire's lead to 87, before being caught by Loudon from an outside edge. Keedy remained unbeaten on 3.

 

Fulton and Key negotiated 4 overs before lunch (20-0). With the fifth ball of the fifth over, Fulton (14) edged Chapple to Cork at second slip (24-1). Key and Smith posted a 50 partnership in just 7 overs to all but secure victory. With nine runs required, Key (44) shouldered arms to Hogg and lost his off stump (79-2). In Hogg's fourth over, Symonds (4) edged the ball to Law at first slip (83-3). Smith and Walker added the outstanding runs between them in the 20th over to secure a seven wicket win.

 

Steven Crook made a brilliant championship debut this season. His batting was very accomplished, his bowling improving all the time and his fielding/throwing a joy to watch. Glen Chapple batted with enormous common sense and bowled with immense heart. No catches were dropped - another vast improvement. One defeat does not mean the championship is out of reach.

 

Key Notes of the Day

• Hegg 29 - chance to Key at short leg - 330 for 6 in the 99th over - Chapple 82*
• 50 partnership - 341 for 6 in the 103rd over - Chapple 91* Hegg 31*
• New ball taken - 348 for 6 in the 107th over - Chapple 93* Hegg 35*
• 350 for 6 in the 108th over - Chapple 94* Hegg 36*
• 100 Chapple from 213 balls (17 x 4) - 359 for 6 in the 109th over - Hegg 37*
• Sheriyar warned for running on the wicket - 359 for 6 in the 110th over
• Chapple bowled Sheriyar 102 (Off stump) - 360 for 7 in the 112th over - Hegg 37*
• Cork caught Key bowled Sheriyar 1 - 362 for 8 in the 114th over - Hegg 38*
• Hegg 40 dropped by Louden (sub) at gully - 368 for 8 in the 117th over - Hogg 0*
• Hegg bowled Symonds 44 - 372 for 9 in the 117th over - Hogg 0*
• Hogg caught Louden (sub) bowled Symonds 20 - 395 all out in the 121st over - Keedy 3*
• Lancashire lead by 87 runs - Kent require 88 to win - 12.37pm

• Lunch - 20 for 0 after 4 overs - Fulton 10 Key 8*
• Fulton caught Cork bowled Chapple 14 (2nd slip) - 24 for 1 in the 5th over - Key 8*
• 50 for 1 in the 8th over - Key 26* Smith 6*
• 50 partnership - 74 for 1 in the 12th over - Key 39* Smith 17*
• Key bowled Hogg 44 (Off stump) - 79 for 2 in the 15th over - Smith 17*
• Symonds caught Law bowled Hogg 4 (1st slip) - 83 for 3 in the 19th over - Smith 17*
• 91 for 3 from 20 overs - Smith 21* Walker 4* - Match finishes 14.35pm
• Kent 22 points, Lancashire 4 points

 

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