Friday's round-up
The vacancy for one of England’s opening batsmen remains unsettled. Selectors are keen on James Rew, who usually keeps wicket and bats in the middle order for Somerset. To address this, Friday saw Rew opening the batting for the first time in his first-class career. However, this experiment was brief, as Rew faced only seven balls before being bowled for four.
Supporting Rew, young batsmen Josh Thomas scored 71 and Tom Lammonby added 45 runs before Glamorgan debutant Tom Norton took the first of his three wickets. Tom Abell contributed 86 runs to bolster the remainder of the innings.
Dan Worrall made his first appearance in Surrey colours this spring and quickly dismissed Nottinghamshire’s openers. He claimed another wicket when Ben Duckett (42) fended at a rising delivery, followed by two more wickets during a brief Nottinghamshire collapse of four wickets for five runs. Joe Clarke’s unbeaten 129, marking his second century of a strong early season, ensured Nottinghamshire remained competitive.
Middlesex’s talented young seam bowlers challenged Lancashire’s batsmen, with Keaton Jennings (67) providing stability. James Anderson then reduced Middlesex to 38 for two as overcast conditions set in.
Jack White took four wickets for 49 runs, leading Yorkshire’s seam attack to dismantle Warwickshire, who struggled with a series of single-digit scores. Sam Hain’s 57 was a rare resistance. Harry Brook, making his first innings appearance of the summer, began with an emphatic cover drive.
Half-centuries from Jake Lehmann and Ben Brown helped Hampshire approach respectability against Essex. Sam Cook, with three wickets for 56 runs, dismantled the top order, and Wiaan Mulder completed the innings.
Sussex remained close to Leicestershire despite dropping six catches. Jack Carson took four wickets, while Ollie Robinson impressed with three.
Caleb Jewell’s unbeaten 91 led Derbyshire to a morale-boosting day against Northamptonshire.
Scores on the doors
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan v Somerset 337-9
Edgbaston: Warwickshire 147 v Yorkshire 110-4
The County Ground: Derbyshire 342-3 v Northamptonshire
Old Trafford: Lancashire 201 v Middlesex 38-2
Good morning! Welcome to a classic Manchester spring day, characterized by dampness, overcast skies, and a muggy atmosphere.
Yesterday was largely dominated by bowlers. We anticipate whether Jimmy Anderson can continue to trouble Middlesex, how Kent perform against Gloucestershire, Essex face Hampshire, and Glamorgan compete against Craig and his team. The contest at Trent Bridge is already closely fought, and Harry Brook provided entertaining batting last evening at Edgbaston under fading light. Attention also turns to New Road, where Ben Stokes will bat at the venue where he scored 161 off 88 balls four years ago.
The day's play begins at 11am. Join us for live updates!
