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| County cricket – as it happened | County cricket – as it happened |
| (3 months later) | |
| 5.00pm BST17:00 | 5.00pm BST17:00 |
| Richard Gibson on Jeetan Patel | Richard Gibson on Jeetan Patel |
| There has been no more deserving recipient of a Wisden Cricketer of The Year accolade in recent years than Jeetan Patel, and I was honoured to write his profile for the 2015 Almanack. Here is a player who never knows he is beaten, and one who has often proved a match winner on several occasions too. | There has been no more deserving recipient of a Wisden Cricketer of The Year accolade in recent years than Jeetan Patel, and I was honoured to write his profile for the 2015 Almanack. Here is a player who never knows he is beaten, and one who has often proved a match winner on several occasions too. |
| The New Zealand off-spinner is doing his best to add another chapter to the latter category, having prised out both Cheteshwar Pujara and Andrew Gale after tea. Patel took more than 100 wickets across all formats in 2014 and has half a dozen here after Pujara was adjudged lbw to one that angled in and Gale nicked off trying to force off the back foot. Yorkshire 163-4 with potentially 23 further overs for Warwickshire to claim six more wickets. | The New Zealand off-spinner is doing his best to add another chapter to the latter category, having prised out both Cheteshwar Pujara and Andrew Gale after tea. Patel took more than 100 wickets across all formats in 2014 and has half a dozen here after Pujara was adjudged lbw to one that angled in and Gale nicked off trying to force off the back foot. Yorkshire 163-4 with potentially 23 further overs for Warwickshire to claim six more wickets. |
| 3.58pm BST15:58 | 3.58pm BST15:58 |
| Vic Marks | Vic Marks |
| It is now Middlesex’s match to lose. They have had an extremely productive afternoon, adding 132 without losing a wicket. With seven wickets remaining they now need just 122 to win the game, which would be quite a feat given that Somerset were 377-3 on the first day. | It is now Middlesex’s match to lose. They have had an extremely productive afternoon, adding 132 without losing a wicket. With seven wickets remaining they now need just 122 to win the game, which would be quite a feat given that Somerset were 377-3 on the first day. |
| The pitch has been more benign than at any time in the match; Somerset have bowled and fielded poorly; and the Antipodean pairing of Adam Voges and James Franklin have been calmness personified. | The pitch has been more benign than at any time in the match; Somerset have bowled and fielded poorly; and the Antipodean pairing of Adam Voges and James Franklin have been calmness personified. |
| Voges has hit a chanceless hundred with no frills or extravagances. Middlesex have not had to take any risks to keep up with the rate; they have just waited for the next bad ball to come along. Franklin, standing tall, has stroked the ball away elegantly. | Voges has hit a chanceless hundred with no frills or extravagances. Middlesex have not had to take any risks to keep up with the rate; they have just waited for the next bad ball to come along. Franklin, standing tall, has stroked the ball away elegantly. |
| Minus Jamie Overton and with an over-burdened Lewis Gregory flagging the Somerset attack has been toothless, no matter how often Trescothick switched his bowlers around. Rehman has only threatened fitfully and is not at his best. So the locals, while enjoying the crisp sunshine, are feeling a little gloomy. | Minus Jamie Overton and with an over-burdened Lewis Gregory flagging the Somerset attack has been toothless, no matter how often Trescothick switched his bowlers around. Rehman has only threatened fitfully and is not at his best. So the locals, while enjoying the crisp sunshine, are feeling a little gloomy. |
| 3.41pm BST15:41 | 3.41pm BST15:41 |
| Richard Gibson | |
| Richard Gibson reports from Headingley | Richard Gibson reports from Headingley |
| With a potential 40 overs remaining in this match between last year’s top two, Yorkshire have whittled down their requirement to 240 runs. They have batted positively, even in the immediate aftermath of losing their two openers Alex Lees and Will Rhodes nine overs apart, both attempting to force the pace.Andrew Gale, out to that navel-high full toss yesterday, made it to three figures for the match with a sumptuous cover drive for four first ball off Jeetan Patel, whose contest with India Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been enthralling. Using the depth of his crease, he has taken Patel for four boundaries, dancing down to flick through midwicket and then sucker-punching by going back to cut flatter trajectories for four.Yorkshire’s scoring rate of 4.2 runs per over is perhaps justifying Varun Chopra’s caution - although I cannot recall ever witnessing more than 200 runs scored in a final session of a four-day match. | With a potential 40 overs remaining in this match between last year’s top two, Yorkshire have whittled down their requirement to 240 runs. They have batted positively, even in the immediate aftermath of losing their two openers Alex Lees and Will Rhodes nine overs apart, both attempting to force the pace.Andrew Gale, out to that navel-high full toss yesterday, made it to three figures for the match with a sumptuous cover drive for four first ball off Jeetan Patel, whose contest with India Test batsman Cheteshwar Pujara has been enthralling. Using the depth of his crease, he has taken Patel for four boundaries, dancing down to flick through midwicket and then sucker-punching by going back to cut flatter trajectories for four.Yorkshire’s scoring rate of 4.2 runs per over is perhaps justifying Varun Chopra’s caution - although I cannot recall ever witnessing more than 200 runs scored in a final session of a four-day match. |
| 3.22pm BST15:22 | 3.22pm BST15:22 |
| Andy Bull | Andy Bull |
| Afternoon from Old Trafford, where, glory be, the sun is out. Not at all the impression I’d been given to expect when I left London this morning. | Afternoon from Old Trafford, where, glory be, the sun is out. Not at all the impression I’d been given to expect when I left London this morning. |
| So, play is underway. Not sure for how much longer, mind. Kent have three wickets left, and a lead of, oh, 55 as I type this. There was a time, earlier this morning, when it looked as though they might just muster something a little more competitive. But Lancashire took the new ball after lunch and Kyle Jarvis then dismissed Sam Billings with a brute of a bouncer. Billings rather flapped at it. Forgivably so, given the way it spat up at him from back of a length, and the ball flew through to Alex Davies off the edge. But a shame all the same, because I was looking forward to watching him bat. Two balls later, Peter Siddle got Sam Northeast too, bowled off the inside edge attempting an ambitious drive. That left Kent 216 for 7. They’ve added another 32 to that since, through Matt Coles and Adam Riley. I think skipper Steven Croft made the mistake of relaxing a little too soon, took Siddle and Jarvis off earlier than he should have done, and brought on the young pair of Jordan Clark and Tom Bailey. The bowling, unsurprisingly, looked a lot more dangerous beforehand. Inconsiderate of Croft, really. | So, play is underway. Not sure for how much longer, mind. Kent have three wickets left, and a lead of, oh, 55 as I type this. There was a time, earlier this morning, when it looked as though they might just muster something a little more competitive. But Lancashire took the new ball after lunch and Kyle Jarvis then dismissed Sam Billings with a brute of a bouncer. Billings rather flapped at it. Forgivably so, given the way it spat up at him from back of a length, and the ball flew through to Alex Davies off the edge. But a shame all the same, because I was looking forward to watching him bat. Two balls later, Peter Siddle got Sam Northeast too, bowled off the inside edge attempting an ambitious drive. That left Kent 216 for 7. They’ve added another 32 to that since, through Matt Coles and Adam Riley. I think skipper Steven Croft made the mistake of relaxing a little too soon, took Siddle and Jarvis off earlier than he should have done, and brought on the young pair of Jordan Clark and Tom Bailey. The bowling, unsurprisingly, looked a lot more dangerous beforehand. Inconsiderate of Croft, really. |
| The only reason I’m here and writing this is because I’m interviewing Siddle after the close of play, and each extra run Kent add now will only delay my return home later this evening. | The only reason I’m here and writing this is because I’m interviewing Siddle after the close of play, and each extra run Kent add now will only delay my return home later this evening. |
| Updated at 3.23pm BST | Updated at 3.23pm BST |
| 2.46pm BST14:46 | 2.46pm BST14:46 |
| Ali Martin | |
| Bad news from The Oval from Ali Martin | Bad news from The Oval from Ali Martin |
| Sorry to report from the Oval that play has been abandoned for the day and the match is drawn. Rain since 10.30am, that has only just relented, has scuppered this one with the groundstaff’s mopping up job just too great. Surrey were 95 for two with Kevin Pietersen unbeaten on seven and Rory Burns on 41. Essex walk away with 12 points to Surrey’s nine. | Sorry to report from the Oval that play has been abandoned for the day and the match is drawn. Rain since 10.30am, that has only just relented, has scuppered this one with the groundstaff’s mopping up job just too great. Surrey were 95 for two with Kevin Pietersen unbeaten on seven and Rory Burns on 41. Essex walk away with 12 points to Surrey’s nine. |
| 2.11pm BST14:11 | 2.11pm BST14:11 |
| Richard Gibson reports | Richard Gibson reports |
| Warwickshire have set Yorkshire 352 in 68 overs, which on a pitch with a distinct lack of pace seems about 50 runs too many and 10 overs too few. They have taken the carrot out of the equation. But we are here to be proved wrong. Middlebrook, a promising young offie who belies his soon-to-be-38 years, becomes the first spinner to take a five-wicket haul in the 2015 County Championship. | Warwickshire have set Yorkshire 352 in 68 overs, which on a pitch with a distinct lack of pace seems about 50 runs too many and 10 overs too few. They have taken the carrot out of the equation. But we are here to be proved wrong. Middlebrook, a promising young offie who belies his soon-to-be-38 years, becomes the first spinner to take a five-wicket haul in the 2015 County Championship. |
| 2.10pm BST14:10 | 2.10pm BST14:10 |
| Vic Marks | Vic Marks |
| At the moment the draw is the outside bet, more likely than the tie, but less likely than a win for either side. | At the moment the draw is the outside bet, more likely than the tie, but less likely than a win for either side. |
| In the morning session there were three wickets and 117 runs, which means that Middlesex need another 254 to win. Somerset probably need seven wickets (the expectation is that Tim Murtagh will bat if necessary). | In the morning session there were three wickets and 117 runs, which means that Middlesex need another 254 to win. Somerset probably need seven wickets (the expectation is that Tim Murtagh will bat if necessary). |
| Lewis Gregory has been Somerset’s best paceman – by a disturbing margin – and he removed the old England players (Robson and Compton) in a fine opening spell. Getting picked for England can have a negative impact as the mind can wander as delusions of grandeur set in – I remember after being selected for the first time, I bowled poorly the next day and unfortunately Zaheer Abbas was up the other end. But this has not applied to Gregory, upon whom the Somerset captain is over-reliant. | Lewis Gregory has been Somerset’s best paceman – by a disturbing margin – and he removed the old England players (Robson and Compton) in a fine opening spell. Getting picked for England can have a negative impact as the mind can wander as delusions of grandeur set in – I remember after being selected for the first time, I bowled poorly the next day and unfortunately Zaheer Abbas was up the other end. But this has not applied to Gregory, upon whom the Somerset captain is over-reliant. |
| Trescothick’s problem is that none of his other seamers have been a threat – or on target – and he is without Jamie Overton, who has a damaged heel Much therefore depends on Abdur Rehman, who bowled Nick Gubbins through the gate 25 minutes before lunch. | Trescothick’s problem is that none of his other seamers have been a threat – or on target – and he is without Jamie Overton, who has a damaged heel Much therefore depends on Abdur Rehman, who bowled Nick Gubbins through the gate 25 minutes before lunch. |
| Gubbins batted exceptionally well for the second time in the match and he is clearly one to watch. He is more than well-organised. He has surprising power as well. He flicked a couple sixes off the back foot against errant seamers with no effort at all. | Gubbins batted exceptionally well for the second time in the match and he is clearly one to watch. He is more than well-organised. He has surprising power as well. He flicked a couple sixes off the back foot against errant seamers with no effort at all. |
| Adam Voges remains unbeaten on 34 and much rests on his shoulders as well. So for the neutrals this remains a damn good game; for the committed it’s too close for comfort… And for the moment it remains dry. | Adam Voges remains unbeaten on 34 and much rests on his shoulders as well. So for the neutrals this remains a damn good game; for the committed it’s too close for comfort… And for the moment it remains dry. |
| 12.26pm BST12:26 | 12.26pm BST12:26 |
| Richard Gibson writes from Headingley | Richard Gibson writes from Headingley |
| Off again at Headingley. This time for sleet/snow/hail. Delete to your imagination’s content. It’s difficult to categorise for a weather layman like myself. Any end up, Warwickshire have shuffled along to 170-5, losing Westwood to my jinxing a run after returning from a four-over stoppage and then young wicketkeeper Pete McKay, comprehensively stumped, both to gun-for-hire James Middlebrook.One other piece of news to be noted comes from the south coast with Hampshire parachuting in their Kolpak signing Fidel Edwards a couple of months ahead of schedule due to Australian Jackson Bird’s injury woes. Bird has a bulging disc in his neck and it remains uncertain when he will be fit, so the West Indian slinger will offer them an alternative new-ball option. | Off again at Headingley. This time for sleet/snow/hail. Delete to your imagination’s content. It’s difficult to categorise for a weather layman like myself. Any end up, Warwickshire have shuffled along to 170-5, losing Westwood to my jinxing a run after returning from a four-over stoppage and then young wicketkeeper Pete McKay, comprehensively stumped, both to gun-for-hire James Middlebrook.One other piece of news to be noted comes from the south coast with Hampshire parachuting in their Kolpak signing Fidel Edwards a couple of months ahead of schedule due to Australian Jackson Bird’s injury woes. Bird has a bulging disc in his neck and it remains uncertain when he will be fit, so the West Indian slinger will offer them an alternative new-ball option. |
| 11.53am BST11:53 | 11.53am BST11:53 |
| Richard Gibson reports from Yorkshire v Warwickshire | Richard Gibson reports from Yorkshire v Warwickshire |
| Curse you Ali for giving us the all-clear up here. It has proved to be weather-jinxing of the highest order. Just a few minutes ago, at 11.38am the players were forced off the field due to rain and the covers are being put on. Such a turn of events decreases the chance of victory for Warwickshire, who have nudged up to 156-3. | Curse you Ali for giving us the all-clear up here. It has proved to be weather-jinxing of the highest order. Just a few minutes ago, at 11.38am the players were forced off the field due to rain and the covers are being put on. Such a turn of events decreases the chance of victory for Warwickshire, who have nudged up to 156-3. |
| The one wicket to fall on the fourth morning belonged to Laurie Evans - a walk across the stumps proving fatal when a Tim Bresnan in swinger struck his pads. It was one of those that had you lifting the finger from the stands. | The one wicket to fall on the fourth morning belonged to Laurie Evans - a walk across the stumps proving fatal when a Tim Bresnan in swinger struck his pads. It was one of those that had you lifting the finger from the stands. |
| But Ian Westwood continues to play in a most un-Westwood like manner. I have seen the limpet left-hander bat on several occasions through his career but never as fluently this one. James Middlebrook’s introduction was greeted with a dismissive launch for six down the ground while the following over contained a sumptuous straight drive that flew past Steven Patterson’s lug hole in his follow through. | But Ian Westwood continues to play in a most un-Westwood like manner. I have seen the limpet left-hander bat on several occasions through his career but never as fluently this one. James Middlebrook’s introduction was greeted with a dismissive launch for six down the ground while the following over contained a sumptuous straight drive that flew past Steven Patterson’s lug hole in his follow through. |
| 11.29am BST11:29 | 11.29am BST11:29 |
| Vic Marks | Vic Marks |
| Poor Sam Robson has not nudged the selectors in this match. As in the first innings Lewis Gregory had him caught by Trescothick in the slips early in the morning. | Poor Sam Robson has not nudged the selectors in this match. As in the first innings Lewis Gregory had him caught by Trescothick in the slips early in the morning. |
| So Compton is out there early. Unlike Jamie Overton. He left the field last night after bowling seven balls. Today Overton is having a scan on a damaged heel. So that’s a blow to him and his team. He bowled two eye-catching spells in the first innings with the sort of pace that makes the eyes pop. | So Compton is out there early. Unlike Jamie Overton. He left the field last night after bowling seven balls. Today Overton is having a scan on a damaged heel. So that’s a blow to him and his team. He bowled two eye-catching spells in the first innings with the sort of pace that makes the eyes pop. |
| Hang on. Gregory has just demolished Compton’s stumps. Compton shouldered arms and two of his stumps went flying. They were certainly not grazed. | Hang on. Gregory has just demolished Compton’s stumps. Compton shouldered arms and two of his stumps went flying. They were certainly not grazed. |
| So a wicket maiden to the remarkable Gregory. This was his second maiden of the season and his 13th wicket. I keep nagging about that ratio like a really grumpy old pro. Yet the truth is that Somerset would not be in this game without Gregory’s eight wickets. So far he has bowled superbly on a cold, cloudy morning. Much depends now on Voges and the redoubtable Gubbins. | So a wicket maiden to the remarkable Gregory. This was his second maiden of the season and his 13th wicket. I keep nagging about that ratio like a really grumpy old pro. Yet the truth is that Somerset would not be in this game without Gregory’s eight wickets. So far he has bowled superbly on a cold, cloudy morning. Much depends now on Voges and the redoubtable Gubbins. |
| 10.49am BST10:49 | 10.49am BST10:49 |
| Ali Martin | |
| Ali Martin sets up the day | Ali Martin sets up the day |
| Morning all from The Oval where the sun is out, the groundstaff are pootling along on their super-soppers following morning showers ... but a huge band of rain on the radar suggests there could be more frustration to come, for Essex in particular. | Morning all from The Oval where the sun is out, the groundstaff are pootling along on their super-soppers following morning showers ... but a huge band of rain on the radar suggests there could be more frustration to come, for Essex in particular. |
| Because Surrey will resume on 95 for two with Kevin Pietersen at the crease on seven and Rory Burns 41 not out, but trailing by 175 runs. Still, all is not lost. Pietersen has been broadcasting live from the dressing room on Periscope, exchanging epic #bantz about the horror haircuts in the Surrey squad. | Because Surrey will resume on 95 for two with Kevin Pietersen at the crease on seven and Rory Burns 41 not out, but trailing by 175 runs. Still, all is not lost. Pietersen has been broadcasting live from the dressing room on Periscope, exchanging epic #bantz about the horror haircuts in the Surrey squad. |
| At Headingley, Richard Gibson is on duty to report from what could be a thrilling fourth day with Warwickshire 108 for two and leading by 240 runs, looking to topple the champions on their home patch. Ian Westwood is on 49, Laurie Evans is on 15 and that aforementioned band of rain looks a thing of the past up there. | At Headingley, Richard Gibson is on duty to report from what could be a thrilling fourth day with Warwickshire 108 for two and leading by 240 runs, looking to topple the champions on their home patch. Ian Westwood is on 49, Laurie Evans is on 15 and that aforementioned band of rain looks a thing of the past up there. |
| Meanwhile, our observer at Taunton is Vic Marks, where Somerset need 10 wickets and Middlesex the small trifle of 402 runs - with 31 of them already chalked off. Delayed start at the County Ground, Victor? | Meanwhile, our observer at Taunton is Vic Marks, where Somerset need 10 wickets and Middlesex the small trifle of 402 runs - with 31 of them already chalked off. Delayed start at the County Ground, Victor? |
| Elsewhere in Division One, Durham are 115 for two against Sussex at Chester-le-street, needing another 147 for win No2 of the season, Nottinghamshire are 391 runs in front at the Ageas Bowl and must surely be considering the declaration. | Elsewhere in Division One, Durham are 115 for two against Sussex at Chester-le-street, needing another 147 for win No2 of the season, Nottinghamshire are 391 runs in front at the Ageas Bowl and must surely be considering the declaration. |
| And in Division Two, Kent trail Lancashire by 44 runs at Old Trafford with seven wickets in hand, Leicestershire are 44 for one against Northamptonshire at Grace Road, chasing 376 for their first win in two years and Gloucestershire are staring at defeat in Bristol where, on 253 for six, they trail Derbyshire by 17 runs. | And in Division Two, Kent trail Lancashire by 44 runs at Old Trafford with seven wickets in hand, Leicestershire are 44 for one against Northamptonshire at Grace Road, chasing 376 for their first win in two years and Gloucestershire are staring at defeat in Bristol where, on 253 for six, they trail Derbyshire by 17 runs. |
| Have a great day, all. | Have a great day, all. |
| Updated at 2.11pm BST | Updated at 2.11pm BST |
| 10.24am BST10:24 | 10.24am BST10:24 |
| Morning all, | Morning all, |
| Today we have Vic Marks at Somerset v Middlesex, Richard Gibson at Yorkshire v Warwickshire and Ali Martin at Surrey v Essex. | Today we have Vic Marks at Somerset v Middlesex, Richard Gibson at Yorkshire v Warwickshire and Ali Martin at Surrey v Essex. |
| Here are the reports from yesterday: | Here are the reports from yesterday: |
| Somerset v Middlesex | Somerset v Middlesex |
| Lewis Gregory celebrates England call by helping SomersetLewis Gregory is probably the least known of the England squad selected for the match against Ireland in Dublin on 8 May – beyond this part of the world. However, in the West Country (which does not start at Bristol, by the way) they are already familiar with him. He was born in Plymouth (now that is the West Country) and he captained England Under-19s, primarily as a batsman. But last season he made a name for himself as a brisk and skiddy bowler, who can swing the ball. He took 43 wickets at an average of 26 as well as cracking breezy lower order runs. This season he already has 11 wickets (and one maiden). | Lewis Gregory celebrates England call by helping SomersetLewis Gregory is probably the least known of the England squad selected for the match against Ireland in Dublin on 8 May – beyond this part of the world. However, in the West Country (which does not start at Bristol, by the way) they are already familiar with him. He was born in Plymouth (now that is the West Country) and he captained England Under-19s, primarily as a batsman. But last season he made a name for himself as a brisk and skiddy bowler, who can swing the ball. He took 43 wickets at an average of 26 as well as cracking breezy lower order runs. This season he already has 11 wickets (and one maiden). |
| Yorkshire v Warwickshire | Yorkshire v Warwickshire |
| Andrew Gale keeps cool but Warwickshire hold advantageAndrew Gale put the anger management techniques he was subjected to for previous transgressions to the test after being embroiled in further on-field controversy at Headingley. The Yorkshire captain, in only his second match back following an ECB ban for improper conduct against Lancashire last season, was given out after mis-hitting a navel-height full toss to terminate the champions’ first innings. | Andrew Gale keeps cool but Warwickshire hold advantageAndrew Gale put the anger management techniques he was subjected to for previous transgressions to the test after being embroiled in further on-field controversy at Headingley. The Yorkshire captain, in only his second match back following an ECB ban for improper conduct against Lancashire last season, was given out after mis-hitting a navel-height full toss to terminate the champions’ first innings. |
| Surrey v Essex | Surrey v Essex |
| Essex 17-year-old Dan Lawrence hits century milestoneNow here is a prospect. Dan Lawrence, in only his second first-class game for Essex, became only the third 17-year-old to score a century in the County Championship with a merciless 161 that belied his years and helped his side total 610 for eight declared at The Oval to leave Surrey scrapping to avoid defeat. By the close the hosts were 95 for two, with Kumar Sangakkara back in the pavilion, trailing by 175 runs and having been schooled by a right-handed batsman who, 75 days short of his 18th birthday, will be ineligible to vote in the general election on 7 May. | Essex 17-year-old Dan Lawrence hits century milestoneNow here is a prospect. Dan Lawrence, in only his second first-class game for Essex, became only the third 17-year-old to score a century in the County Championship with a merciless 161 that belied his years and helped his side total 610 for eight declared at The Oval to leave Surrey scrapping to avoid defeat. By the close the hosts were 95 for two, with Kumar Sangakkara back in the pavilion, trailing by 175 runs and having been schooled by a right-handed batsman who, 75 days short of his 18th birthday, will be ineligible to vote in the general election on 7 May. |
| Enjoy the cricket. | Enjoy the cricket. |
| Updated at 10.29am BST | Updated at 10.29am BST |