Key events
As Will says, those big fat deals are yet to be signed…
Over by the nets, a good number of the 2,600 kids from 61 schools who are swarming over Old Trafford are chasing the mascots. Sadly it looks as if they will miss Jimmy Anderson, 309 days since he last played proper cricket.
Time to go hand in hand around the Division One grounds:
Has is scoring at about a run a ball, as Notts tee off against Durham. Notts 75-0.
Somerset’s topsy-turvy order has survived the dismissal of Gregory, and Lammonby has restored some calm. Somerset 43-1 against Sussex.
Fin Bean and Adam Lyth are riding the Surrey storm, Yorks 48-0 after being put in.
Hampshire lost Fletcha Middleton with only four on the board, but Stoneman and Gubbins are rebuilding. Hants 48-1.
Essex’s Shane Snater and Kasun Rajitha are chipping away at Worcestershire – Worcs 47-2.
Hello there Mike Daniels in the Grace Road scorebox.
“A day watching PCC XI v Zim here. One thing is certain, Mitch Killeen has a more aesthetically pleasing action than his father. Bennett playing some pleasant shots.
“Can I give a shout out to a friend of mine, Charlie Robards, who’s recently published a book on his struggle with Axial sPa (previously known as Anklyosing Spondylitis) during his sporting career? All profits are going to NASS, the charity for research into the condition. It’s a very enlightening read.”
Of course. Good luck to Charlie.
And no sooner had someone said how much they were looking forward to Bohnnon batting, than Bohannon isn’t batting. Lancs 11 for two.
Poor Keaton must go this time, caught by Madsen – the second oldest man in the match – off Blair Tickner, who has a wonderfully idiosyncratic run-up – a casual jog on the spot before a clock-work toy approach.
Personnel changes around the ground: Marnus is back at Sophia Gardens, John Turner, ex of Old Trafford, replaces Sonny Baker at Hampshire, Farhan Ahmed is rested, Somerset have tipped the batting order into a bowl and picked out Davey and Gregory (out for 15) to open, and Sir Jimmy replaces Will Williams.
Ali Martin
Morning from sunny Edgbaston, where Hampshire have won the toss and elected to bat. The question here is, are we set for another run fest? Warwickshire are second in the table after two wins on the road … but not this particular road, which has produced three draws, and totals of 454, 528, 655-5d and 504. The only anomaly was the draw with table toppers Notts, when weather played a part and the Bears were 93 all out and 186 for six. But even with that game, wickets on this ground are costing 46 runs apiece so far this season (if my sums are correct). There’s a pretty short square boundary today too…
And Jennings is dropped on one, at third slip.
Much pouring over the tea leaves in the OT pressbox. Lots of sympathy for KJ and bewilderment over the team “apology”.”
Paul Atichinson has the new ball, the pitch pretty far over towards the new hotel. Fun fact – he is the only current county cricketer who was once taught by Paul Edwards. Wishing KJ a hundred to smooth that furrowed brow.
Get to Old Trafford where the sky is Baltic blue and hundreds of children mill around on a school trip – Lanky bouncy castle and all. But still no swifts, who usually wheel around above the car park.
Fixtures
DIVISION ONE
Chester-le-Stret: Durham v Nottinghamshire
Taunton: Somerset v Sussex
The Oval: Surrey v Yorkshire
Edgbaston: Warwickshire v Hampshire
New Road: Wocestershire v Essex
DIVISION TWO
Sophia Gardens: Glamorgan v Northants
Bristol: Gloucestershire v Kent
Old Trafford: Lancashire v Derbyshire
Lord’s: Middlesex v Leicestershire
Preamble
Good morning! Sun, sun and more sun in this seventh Championship round of the season. And all change at Old Trafford where, since Lancashire fell to dismal defeat against Northants, Keaton Jennings has resigned as captain, Marcus Harris has taken over and Jimmy Anderson is back! I’m off to Old Trafford to take in the lie of the land. Play starts at 11am for a full round of fixtures. Do take a seat, it should be fun.
