Headingley played host to an incredibly tight Group 3 encounter. It was only when, under grey skies and spitting rain, Yorkshire skipper Steven Patterson induced an edge from Northamptonshire’s Wayne Parnell to the ‘keeper with just two needed for victory. The South African international had already taken ten wickets but it was David Willey who was the home team’s best bowler.
Lancashire lead the group by a single point by way of a five-wicket triumph over Sussex at Hove. Tom Bailey et al had brought the Red Roses back into the match before Alex Davies’ belligerent 73 and a more measured 91 not out from Keaton Jennings saw them home at a canter. Glamorgan welcomed Marnus Labuschagne back to Cardiff but it was a combination of David Lloyd’s spin and 39 year-old Michael Hogan’s second innings seam which proved decisive against bottom club Kent. Yet Hogan wasn’t the oldest man to record a five-for in the game; that achievement belonged to none other than Darren Stevens, the 46th time he’s done it in first-class cricket.
In Group 2, previous leaders Hampshire were unexpectedly trounced by Surrey by an innings at The Oval. Following a pair in the last fixture, Hashim Amla struck a commanding double-century and could have made more had he not retired hurt with a stiff neck on 215. Kemar Roach completed the rout with 8-40. Gloucestershire took control of the league beating Leicestershire by four wickets but only after playing second fiddle for three days. Tons from Hill and Evans, plus 7-58 by Chris Wright, left the home county playing catch-up but a rapid 224-run stand between Iain Cockbain and Tom Lace was the cornerstone of the successful 348-run chase.
Somerset also held their nerve to repeat their comeback success against Middlesex of a few weeks ago. Steve Finn and Tim Murtagh bowled the visitors into contention but Craig Overton’s 5-34, the consistent Josh Davey’s six wickets, an assured debut by batsman Lewis Goldsworthy and patient 44 not out by Steven Davies saw Somerset home by four wickets. History was made, too, when Jack Brooks became the first Covid substitute, replacing Lewis Gregory who was forced to self-isolate when his girlfriend tested positive mid-match.
Nottinghamshire claimed their first Championship win in three years and 31 matches and they did it in style by defeating neighbours Derbyshire by 310 runs. Openers Slater and Hameed were again in the runs but this week they had strong support with the ball in the hands of Luke Fletcher and Stuart Broad. Durham were equally emphatic in thumping Warwickshire at Chester-le-Street by an innings and 127. On day one, Ben Raine and Mark Wood had ripped out the Midlanders for a mere 87 then, after Alex Lees and Will Young had them wishing they could leave right now, it was the turn of Ben Carse and the - er – Evergreen Chris Rushworth to bowl them out a second time.
The only fixture not to produce a result came at New Road where Essex failed to hammer (Harmer?) home their first innings dominance. Sir Alastair Cook and Mr Tom Westley each made three figures in a total of 568-8 declared but, forced to follow on, the Worcestershire batsmen knuckled down to defy Harmer, Sam Cook and co and agree a draw.
Essex now sit in fifth but victory over Notts next week could see them back in the top three. Worcestershire will go top if they beat derby rivals Warwickshire at Edgbaston as Durham don’t play. In roup 2, Hampshire and Somerset meet for a chance to overhaul Gloucestershire who make the trip to Lord’s. Lancashire welcome a resurgent Glamorgan to Old Trafford while Yorkshire host winless Kent.
Team of the Week: Slater (Not), Jennings (Lan),
Vasconcelos (Nor +), Lloyd (Gla), Amla (Sur), Pope (Sur), Hill (Lei), Parnell
(Nor), Raine (Dur), C Overton (Som), Roach (Sur)
