Somerset
sit second (just for a change!) after clawing their way back to beat Kent on
the final afternoon. Somerset’s George Bartlett struck the game’s only half-century,
then Lewis Gregory nabbed Dickson first ball and the visitors crumbled to 131
all out.
The
other first division match saw Joe Root face Stuart Broad and receive an
ego-denting whack on the helmet for his troubles. Nottinghamshire’s new-look
batting line-up took control, especially Joe Clarke, who came within three runs
of securing two centuries on his county debut. I wouldn’t be surprised if he
isn’t playing alongside his Yorkshire opposite number for England in the
not-too-distant future. Root and Gary Ballance each reached three figures as
Yorkshire easily avoided defeat.
Two
of the Division 2 promotion favourites slipped at the first hurdle. Sussex were
well beaten by Leicestershire at Hove. Ollie Robinson took six wickets but the
victors’ Tom Taylor starred with the ball, his first innings 6-47 doing the
most serious damage. Middlesex were also playing catch-up at Northampton
despite Tim Murtagh’s splendid efforts. Nathan Buck captured 5-54 to force the
follow-on but Dawid Malan’s rearguard century rescued the situation.
Elsewhere,
Derbyshire survived the shock of losing two wickets in the first three balls of
the season to defeat Durham by 125 runs. ‘Keeper Harvey Hosein top-scored in
each innings then Alex Lees’ side were eventually ground down by Rampaul,
Critchley et al on a tough final day.
Next
week Middlesex get another opportunity at home to rivals Lancashire, while
Leicestershire can make it two wins from two against Worcestershire. In the top
flight, Hampshire will probably in pole position throughout the month-long Championship
break should they beat Yorkshire. Somerset face a tricky trip to Trent Bridge
while champions Surrey launch their defence at The Oval against Essex, surely
eager to make amends for their thumping at the hands of Hants at the weekend.
First 2019 Team
of the Week: Lyth (Yor), Duckett (Not), Clarke (Not), Root (Yor), Malan (Mid), Bopara
(Ess), Hosein (Der, +), Gregory (Som), Edwards (Ham), T. Taylor (Lei), Claydon
(Ken)
