Hampshire and Lancashire played out a thrilling draw in their Vitality County Championship fixture at the Utilita Bowl, with Nick Gubbins’ resolute batting ensuring the hosts avoided defeat.
Hampshire, resuming on 179 for 4, needed to bat out the final day to secure a draw. Gubbins, who had scored a half-century in the first innings, played a pivotal role, adding an unbeaten 69 in a four-and-a-half-hour vigil. His innings, coupled with James Vince’s 56 and Tom Prest’s 45*, nullified any threat of a Hampshire collapse.
Lancashire, who had declared on 484 thanks to centuries from Keaton Jennings and George Bell, were unable to force a result despite picking up one extra point to Hampshire’s 12. The draw extended the Red Roses’ unbeaten record in first-class away matches at Hampshire to 35 years.
The morning session was washed out due to rain, leaving Lancashire with 24 overs to take the remaining eight wickets. However, Gubbins and Vince occupied the crease for the next two hours, frustrating the visitors’ bowlers.
Nathan Lyon, who had claimed three first-inning wickets, tried various tactics to spark a flurry of wickets, but Gubbins and Vince remained steadfast in their partnership. Lyon eventually dismissed Vince lbw, but Gubbins continued to anchor the Hampshire innings.
Prest, who had also scored a half-century in the first innings, joined Gubbins at the crease and continued the resistance. He hit two sixes over the ropes to end up unbeaten on 45.
The inevitable handshakes came at 16:50 BST, after a short rain delay, to signal the draw.
