Friday's round-up
The crowd extended onto the Oval outfield at lunch like a lapping wave, enjoying a picture-perfect day and entertained by Gus Atkinson’s first proper run out since the Boxing Day Test.
Atkinson opened the bowling against Essex from the pavilion end, employing his now familiar toes-together, baby-steps approach. His opening spell was accurate, but he had to wait until after 6pm for his reward when Michael Pepper was bowled by a tifter that hit the stumps. The pitch was conducive to batting, and Dean Elgar (92) and Paul Walter, who scored an excellent 101, settled in well, adding 183 runs for the first wicket. Surrey’s bowlers fought back in the afternoon, leaving the match evenly poised.
Joe Root also made his summer debut, Yorkshire cap pulled tight, taking a straightforward catch off James Coles at first slip and bowling five overs. Yorkshire’s bowlers were challenged by a lively sixth-wicket partnership between Sussex’s Tom Price (93) and John Simpson, who reached his century off the day’s penultimate ball.
Josh Tongue claimed five wickets at Trent Bridge for the fourth time in just eight first-class matches for Nottinghamshire, but Warwickshire maintained their composure. Tongue delivered some fierce balls, though Beau Webster may regret the aggressive drive at a wide delivery that resulted in him being bowled. Ed Barnard, despite visible discomfort from the non-striker’s end, compiled an impressive 134 not out, while Chris Woakes contributed 64 runs.
Zak Crawley batted elegantly for 27 before becoming part of Kent’s dismal collapse to 99 for seven after electing to bat at New Road. The lower order improved the innings, with Matt Milnes remaining the last man standing on an unbeaten fifty. Beyers Swanepoel, who joined Worcestershire belatedly after a plane travel mishap, took three wickets.
Marcus Harris scored his second century of the season, once again supporting Lancashire against Durham. Kiran Carlson played a similar role as Glamorgan fought back against Leicestershire until he was run out while scrambling back, falling flat on his face for a brief moment of disbelief after scoring 95. Sean Dickson was also dismissed just short of a century.
At the County Ground, Anuj Dal slipped during his run-up, injuring his ankle and had to be carried off the pitch on a stretcher, with Luis Reece replacing him due to injury. Shoaib Bashir, playing his third match of the season for Derbyshire and gaining valuable overs, took two wickets, while Miles Hammond starred for Gloucestershire with an unbeaten 140.
Scores on the doors
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan 334-7 v Leicestershire
The County Ground: Derbyshire 287-6
Good morning! There is already a queue outside the Hobbs Gate. A group of caps and picnic bags are gathered near the red-brick pavilion adorned with large pictures of Rory Burns and Bryony Smith. It is a cheerful sight on this sunny morning.
Play begins here at The Oval and across all grounds at 11am. Join us for coverage of Saturday cricket.
