Liam Dawson Crowned PCA Men's Player of the Year

Liam Dawson Crowned PCA Men’s Player of the Year

Liam Dawson has emerged as the first domestic cricketer since 2018 to claim the coveted PCA Men’s Player of the Year award. His exceptional all-round performance for Hampshire in the 2023 season, where he amassed 71 wickets and 1,280 runs across all formats, propelled him to the top of the Overall MVP table.

Dawson’s triumph follows a string of England players who have secured the honor, including Harry Brook, Jonny Bairstow, Joe Root, Chris Woakes, and Ben Stokes. Joe Denly was the last county player to receive the award in 2018.

In addition to the Player of the Year accolade, Dawson also scooped the PCA Men’s Domestic Overall MVP and the Vitality County Championship Player of the Year awards. He was also named captain of the IG PCA Men’s Team of the Year.

“It’s a huge honor,” said Dawson. “I didn’t expect this, so to win the award is a very proud moment. It’s a real highlight of my career.”

Scotland’s Kathryn Bryce was crowned the Women’s Player of the Year after leading The Blaze to the Charlotte Edwards Cup victory. She also claimed the PCA Women’s Domestic Overall MVP, Charlotte Edwards Cup Player of the Year, and captained the Metro Bank PCA Women’s Team of the Year.

“It’s been a brilliant year,” said Bryce. “This is a year I will remember for a long time.”

Jamie Smith and Ryana MacDonald-Gay were recognized as the PCA Men’s and Women’s Young Players of the Year, respectively. Smith made an immediate impact in Test cricket for England, while MacDonald-Gay made her England debut against Ireland.

The PCA Outstanding Contribution Award was presented to Matthew Maynard for his work with the Tom Maynard Trust, while James Anderson received the Special Merit award following his international retirement.

Neil Bainton and Anna Harris were named the PCA’s Umpires of the Year, and England players Harry Brook and Lauren Bell received the Rado Recognition award.

Hampshire Clinch Second Place in County Championship with Victory over Somerset

Hampshire Clinch Second Place in County Championship with Victory over Somerset

Hampshire emerged victorious in their Vitality County Championship Division One clash against Somerset, securing second place in the standings with a five-wicket triumph at Taunton. Skipper James Vince led the charge for Hampshire, guiding his team to victory with a crucial 54-run knock.

Somerset resumed their second innings on 60 for four, adding 120 runs before being dismissed for 180. Lewis Gregory top-scored with 59, while Jack Leach contributed 33 not out. Kyle Abbott was the star performer for Hampshire, claiming five wickets for 37 runs.

Hampshire’s chase got off to a disastrous start as they lost two wickets to the first two balls of their second innings. However, Vince and Liam Dawson steadied the ship, putting on a 57-run partnership to calm the nerves in the visiting camp.

Vince reached his half-century off 58 balls, while Dawson remained unbeaten on 44. Despite the efforts of Somerset’s spinners, Hampshire reached their target of 121 runs in just 27 overs, securing a crucial victory.

The win propelled Hampshire to second place in the standings, behind champions Surrey. Somerset, on the other hand, finished third, ending their hopes of winning any of the three major trophies this season.

Dropped Towel Saves Batsman from Dismissal in Bizarre Cricket Incident

Dropped Towel Saves Batsman from Dismissal in Bizarre Cricket Incident

Batsman’s Luck: Dropped Towel Saves Shoaib Bashir from Dismissal

In a bizarre turn of events, Somerset batsman Shoaib Bashir was saved from dismissal by a dropped towel in a County Championship Division One match against Hampshire. The incident occurred on September 26, 2024, at Taunton, with Somerset struggling at 136/8.

Kyle Abbott had just dismissed Tom Kohler-Cadmore, leaving Somerset on the brink of collapse. Bashir, the last man in, was clean bowled by a perfect outswinger, but he refused to leave the crease. Instead, he pointed out to the umpire that he had been distracted by a towel that had fallen from Abbott’s trousers.

The Hampshire players began to celebrate, but the umpire ruled the delivery a dead ball. Replays confirmed that a towel had indeed dropped from Abbott’s trousers as he released the ball. Law 20.4.2.6 of the cricket rulebook allows umpires to call a dead ball if the striker is distracted by any noise or movement while preparing to receive a delivery.

Bashir’s luck, however, was short-lived. Just three balls later, he was dismissed LBW by Abbott, and Somerset were all out for 136 runs. The Vitality County Championship shared a video of the unusual dismissal on their official Twitter handle.

The incident highlights the unpredictable nature of cricket and the role that luck can play in a batsman’s career. Even the smallest of distractions can have a significant impact on the outcome of a match.

Hampshire Dominate Somerset with Abbott and Dawson's Bowling Masterclass

Hampshire Dominate Somerset with Abbott and Dawson’s Bowling Masterclass

Hampshire’s quest for second place in the Vitality County Championship received a significant boost as they dismantled Somerset for a paltry 136 on the opening day of their final Division One encounter at Taunton. Kyle Abbott and Liam Dawson wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming four wickets apiece.

Somerset’s batting woes began early as Tom Lammonby and Andy Umeed departed cheaply to Abbott. Tom Abell’s brief resistance ended when Mohammad Abbas bowled him for 10. Tom Kohler-Cadmore emerged as the lone bright spot, launching his innings with a flurry of boundaries.

Dawson’s introduction proved pivotal as he trapped Archie Vaughan and James Rew leg before wicket. Kasey Aldridge’s struggles against Dawson culminated in another lbw dismissal. Lewis Gregory and Kohler-Cadmore briefly steadied the ship, but Dawson struck again to remove Gregory.

Kohler-Cadmore reached his half-century, but his resistance ended when he was caught behind off Abbott. Shoaib Bashir’s brief stay at the crease ended in an lbw dismissal, leaving Somerset all out for 136.

Hampshire’s reply got off to a shaky start as Alfie Ogborne dismissed Fletcha Middleton. Nick Gubbins and James Vince fell to Gregory and Leach, respectively. Leach continued his impressive spell by removing Tom Prest and Dawson.

Despite the setbacks, Hampshire closed the day on 62 for 5, with Toby Albert unbeaten on 38. Somerset now face an uphill battle to overtake Hampshire and finish second behind champions Surrey.

Hampshire Triumphs with Abbott's Five-Wicket Haul

Hampshire Triumphs with Abbott’s Five-Wicket Haul

Hampshire’s relentless bowling attack, led by Kyle Abbott’s exceptional performance, propelled them to a resounding 235-run victory over Worcestershire in the Vitality County Championship. This triumph propelled Hampshire into second place in the standings, setting the stage for a thrilling season finale against Somerset next week.

Abbott’s devastating spell on the final day proved decisive, as he claimed four of the remaining five Worcestershire wickets to finish with a match haul of 5-36. His fourth five-wicket haul of the season showcased his exceptional skill and consistency.

Worcestershire’s hopes of chasing down a daunting target of 277 were shattered as Abbott’s incisive bowling dismantled their batting lineup. In the sixth over of the day, he dismissed Ethan Brookes with a short delivery that induced a mistimed pull, resulting in a stunning diving catch by Toby Albert at leg slip.

Abbott’s relentless pressure continued as he trapped Jake Libby lbw two overs later, with the South African’s inward movement proving too much for the Worcestershire batsman. Albert’s fielding brilliance was once again on display as he ran out Joe Leach, who had declined a single from Logan van Beek.

Tom Taylor, batting with a runner at No. 11, provided brief resistance before edging Abbott behind to complete the rout. Abbott’s impressive tally of 46 wickets in the Championship this season highlights his status as one of the most potent bowlers in the competition.

Hampshire’s victory was a testament to their collective strength and determination. They will now head to Taunton for a crucial clash against Somerset, with the opportunity to secure a runners-up finish that would mark their best performance since 2005.

Dawson's Double Threat Leads Hampshire to Victory Charge

Dawson’s Double Threat Leads Hampshire to Victory Charge

Worcestershire’s hopes of salvaging a draw against Hampshire dwindled as Liam Dawson’s all-round brilliance propelled the hosts towards victory in the Vitality County Championship clash.

Dawson, a spinning all-rounder, reached a milestone of 50 wickets in a season for the first time, adding Kashif Ali and Adam Hose to his tally. His bowling exploits have been matched by his batting prowess, as he has scored eight fifties in Division One this year, the most by any player.

In Hampshire’s second innings, Dawson’s 51 helped set Worcestershire a daunting target of 394 runs. However, the visitors’ chase got off to a shaky start as Joe Leach’s accurate bowling accounted for Hampshire’s top three.

Despite James Vince’s 44, Hampshire’s innings lacked fluency, with Amar Virdi claiming four wickets. However, Dawson and Tom Prest injected some momentum with a brisk 72-run partnership.

Worcestershire’s reply began poorly as Gareth Roderick was dismissed cheaply. Dawson continued his wicket-taking spree, trapping Ali lbw and inducing a slip catch from Rob Jones. Vince’s second slip catch accounted for Hose, giving Dawson his 50th wicket of the season.

Jake Libby has shown resilience, reaching 55 not out, but Worcestershire still face an uphill battle to avoid defeat. With 277 runs still required and only five wickets remaining, Hampshire are poised to secure victory.

Hampshire Dominate Worcestershire with Gubbins' Double Century and Abbas's Bowling Masterclass

Hampshire Dominate Worcestershire with Gubbins’ Double Century and Abbas’s Bowling Masterclass

Hampshire’s relentless batting prowess and Mohammad Abbas’s devastating bowling display have put them in a commanding position against Worcestershire in the Vitality County Championship.

Nick Gubbins, the Hampshire opener, played a masterful innings, equaling his first-class best of 201. His marathon knock, spanning 315 deliveries, anchored Hampshire’s mammoth total of 462. Liam Dawson, the Hampshire all-rounder, also contributed a valuable 109, while James Vince chipped in with 57.

Worcestershire’s response was initially promising, with Ethan Brookes scoring a scintillating maiden century. The 23-year-old right-hander played a whirlwind knock, reaching his milestone in just 128 balls. Gareth Roderick also played a crucial role, scoring 94 and sharing a record-breaking 196-run partnership with Brookes.

However, Hampshire’s bowling attack, led by Abbas, proved too strong for Worcestershire. The Pakistani paceman produced a devastating spell, claiming four wickets for just 27 runs. Dawson also chipped in with five wickets, his fifth five-wicket haul of the summer.

As a result, Worcestershire were bowled out for 273, giving Hampshire a substantial first-innings lead of 192 runs. Despite their advantage, Hampshire opted not to enforce the follow-on, instead closing the day on three without loss.

The match has been a tale of two halves, with Hampshire dominating the first innings and Worcestershire showing resilience in the second. However, Hampshire’s overall dominance and the presence of match-winners like Gubbins and Abbas make them clear favorites to secure victory.

Kent Draw with Hampshire in Thrilling County Championship Clash

Kent Draw with Hampshire in Thrilling County Championship Clash

Hampshire and Kent played out a thrilling draw on the final day of their Vitality County Championship Division One clash at Canterbury, with the hosts securing a crucial point to boost their survival hopes.

Kent resumed their second innings on 70 without loss, trailing by 126 runs. However, they lost Tawanda Muyeye early on, edging Kyle Abbott to Toby Albert at second slip for 46. Abbott then removed Ben Compton for 25, again caught by Albert.

Mohammad Abbas struck twice in quick succession, trapping Daniel Bell-Drummond lbw for 23 and bowling Joe Denly for five. Abbott returned to dismiss Joey Evison for 11, leaving Kent on 145 for five at lunch.

Jack Leaning and Harry Finch batted resolutely throughout the afternoon session, frustrating Hampshire’s bowlers. Leaning reached his half-century with a drive off James Fuller, while Finch provided solid support.

Hampshire’s hopes of forcing a result rested on the new ball, but Leaning brought up his century with a single off Abbott. However, he was dismissed lbw to Abbas in the next over, ending a record sixth-wicket partnership for Kent against Hampshire.

Charlie Stobo and Matt Parkinson fell cheaply, but Finch and Gurinder Singh combined for a crucial last-wicket stand that consumed 11 overs. Finch was eventually caught at first slip by James Vince for 79, leaving Kent all out for 338.

Hampshire faced a daunting target of 143 from nine overs, but bad light halted play after just 2.4 overs, with the visitors on 24 for one.

The draw leaves Kent with a slim chance of avoiding relegation. They face a crucial home game against Nottinghamshire next week, while Hampshire’s season at The Spitfire Ground ends with a hard-fought draw.

Kent's Division One Status in Peril After Dismal Day Two Against Hampshire

Kent’s Division One Status in Peril After Dismal Day Two Against Hampshire

Kent’s Division One status hangs precariously after a disastrous second day against Hampshire in the Vitality County Championship at Canterbury. The hosts stumbled to 64 for 5 in response to Hampshire’s mammoth first innings total of 403, with Kyle Abbott claiming 3 for 23.

Hampshire’s dominance began in the morning session, as Tom Prest struck a magnificent 102 and Brad Wheal contributed a career-best 61. Prest reached his century in style, dispatching Charlie Stobo for a six over deep midwicket. The last wicket pair added a further 71 runs, with Wheal smashing a six off Jas Singh.

Kent’s reply was woeful. Mohammad Abbas dismissed Tawanda Muyeye cheaply, and Abbott then ripped through the top order. Daniel Bell-Drummond, Jack Leaning, and Joe Denly all fell for ducks, leaving Kent reeling at 21 for 4. Joey Evison provided some resistance with 21, but Wheal had him caught behind.

The hosts were spared further embarrassment when play was suspended due to bad light and heavy rain. Kent now trail by 339 runs and face the prospect of relegation if they lose and other results go against them.

Kent Restrict Hampshire to 213/7 on Weather-Affected Day

Kent Restrict Hampshire to 213/7 on Weather-Affected Day

Hampshire’s batting lineup faced a stern test on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Kent at Canterbury, as the hosts exploited the challenging conditions to restrict them to 213 for 7.

Matt Parkinson and George Garrett proved to be the tormentors for Hampshire, claiming three wickets apiece. Parkinson’s economical spell of 3 for 31 included the crucial scalp of James Vince, who had top-scored for the visitors with a gritty 88. Garrett, meanwhile, chipped in with 3 for 60, including the early dismissal of Fletcha Midleton.

The weather played a significant role in the day’s proceedings, with no play possible before lunch due to rain. When the action finally got underway, Kent’s bowlers made the most of the damp, overcast conditions. Midleton was bowled by Garrett for 8, while Joey Evison removed Toby Albert for 11.

Vince and Nick Gubbins provided some resistance for Hampshire, putting on 83 for the third wicket. However, Gubbins’ dismissal for 24 off Garrett’s bowling opened the door for Kent. Ben Brown and Liam Dawson both fell cheaply, leaving Hampshire in a precarious position.

Vince’s departure for 88, caught by Joe Denly off Parkinson’s bowling, was a major blow for the visitors. Parkinson then accounted for Dawson, caught by Charlie Stobo at second slip. Harry Finch missed a chance to stump James Fuller, but made amends by taking a sharp catch off Parkinson’s bowling to dismiss the batsman for 17.

As darkness descended, play was eventually abandoned for the day with 11 overs remaining. Hampshire will resume their innings on day two, hoping to build a more substantial total and put pressure on Kent’s bowlers.

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