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.

Glamorgan Triumph in Metro Bank One-Day Cup Final, Somerset's Treble Bid Ends

Glamorgan Triumph in Metro Bank One-Day Cup Final, Somerset’s Treble Bid Ends

Glamorgan emerged victorious in the Metro Bank One-Day Cup Final, defeating Somerset by 15 runs in a rain-affected match at Trent Bridge. The Welsh county claimed their second title in four years, while Somerset’s treble bid ended in disappointment.

In a match reduced to 20 overs per side, Glamorgan posted a competitive 186 for 7. Sam Northeast anchored the innings with an unbeaten 63, while Billy Root contributed 39. Timm van der Gugten’s late cameo of 26 off nine balls boosted the total.

Somerset’s chase got off to a shaky start as they lost George Thomas run out in the third over. Andy Umeed (45) and Sean Dickson (44) provided some resistance, but Glamorgan’s bowlers kept them in check. Ben Kellaway and Andy Gorvin picked up two wickets each, while Jamie Mcilroy and Dan Douthwaite held their nerve in the death overs.

Despite a late surge from Dickson and Archie Vaughan, Somerset fell short of their target, finishing on 171 for 6. Vaughan’s boundary off the last ball proved academic as Glamorgan celebrated their triumph.

The victory marked a redemption for Glamorgan, who had lost in the Vitality Blast final and missed out on the Vitality County Championship title in recent weeks. Somerset, on the other hand, were left empty-handed after a disappointing end to their season.

Somerset vs Glamorgan Metro Bank Final Postponed Due to Rain

Somerset vs Glamorgan Metro Bank Final Postponed Due to Rain

The 2024 Metro Bank Final between Somerset and Glamorgan was postponed to a reserve day due to incessant rainfall and thunderstorms that rendered the Trent Bridge pitch unplayable. The match, scheduled for Sunday, was eagerly anticipated by both teams, but the inclement weather prevented any play from taking place.

The heavy downpours, which affected much of the United Kingdom, particularly impacted the Midlands region, where Trent Bridge is located. The pitch and square remained covered throughout the day, with persistent showers preventing any attempts to prepare the ground for play.

As a result, the teams will return on Monday to attempt a full 50-overs contest. However, the weather forecast remains uncertain, with more rain expected. In the event of a no-result, Somerset and Glamorgan would share the trophy.

The introduction of reserve days for all men’s and women’s limited-overs finals by the ECB has eliminated the need for bowl-outs to determine the winner in such circumstances. ECB operations manager Alan Fordham expressed hope that reserve days would not be necessary, but acknowledged the unpredictable nature of British weather.

This will be the third time a reserve day has been used for a men’s List A final, and the first in men’s domestic cricket since the Vitality Blast Final in 2020. Last summer’s Charlotte Edwards Cup also required a reserve day to complete the match.

Play was abandoned at 2:33pm, when the rain was at its heaviest, as the time required to dry the ground would have exceeded the 4:02pm cut-off point. Had any play been possible, the match would have begun as a 50-a-side affair and continued into Monday before any reduction in playing conditions would have been implemented.

For Somerset, the wait for silverware continues, with the One-Day Cup now their only remaining chance to secure a hat-trick of titles. Their hopes of a treble were dashed last week with defeats in the Blast final to Gloucestershire and the County Championship to Lancashire.

Glamorgan, on the other hand, are in need of a morale boost after failing to qualify for the Blast knockout stages and currently sitting second-bottom in Division Two of the County Championship.

Both teams brought a significant number of fans to Trent Bridge on Sunday, with around 200 Somerset supporters making the early morning journey from Taunton and Glamorgan fans traveling from Cardiff and Swansea.

Lancashire Victory Seals Surrey's County Championship Title

Lancashire Victory Seals Surrey’s County Championship Title

Lancashire’s emphatic 168-run victory over Somerset at Emirates Old Trafford has sealed Surrey’s third consecutive Vitality County Championship title. Resuming on 204 for 6, Somerset’s hopes of a breakthrough title were dashed as they were dismissed for 224 on the fourth morning.

Luke Wells played a pivotal role for Lancashire, claiming two wickets to finish with 4 for 36, while Anderson Phillip also impressed with 3 for 81. Somerset’s Lewis Gregory was dismissed for a golden duck by Wells’ googly, while Craig Overton and Brett Randell fell cheaply to Phillip and Wells, respectively.

The game ended with James Rew being bowled by Phillip for 31, confirming Surrey’s title triumph. The result leaves Lancashire facing relegation to Division Two next season, regardless of their outcome against Worcestershire next week.

Nottinghamshire’s potential ten-point haul in their final match against Warwickshire would seal Lancashire’s fate, with Warwickshire also requiring five points to avoid relegation.

This match holds a unique place in County Championship history, becoming the first to witness 21 wickets falling on the first day and continuing until the fourth morning without weather interruptions.

Somerset's Title Hopes Fade as Lancashire Fight Back

Somerset’s Title Hopes Fade as Lancashire Fight Back

Somerset’s hopes of securing their maiden Vitality County Championship title hang precariously after a challenging third day at Emirates Old Trafford. Needing 393 runs to overcome Lancashire, they ended the day on 204 for 6, still requiring 189 runs to achieve their target.

Lancashire resumed their second innings on 298 for 7, with Luke Wells and George Balderson adding 100 runs for the eighth wicket. Wells reached his second century of the season, scoring 130 before falling to Jack Leach’s reverse-sweep attempt. Tom Bailey and Balderson also departed, leaving Lancashire all out for 398.

Somerset’s chase began disastrously as Andy Umeed was dismissed for a duck. However, Archie Vaughan and Tom Lammonby steadied the ship with a 105-run partnership. Vaughan reached his maiden first-class fifty, but Lammonby was bowled for 49. Tom Abell’s dismissal to Anderson Phillip left Somerset on 146 for 4.

In the evening session, Vaughan was caught for 68, and Tom Kohler-Cadmore followed suit. Kacey Aldridge and James Rew resisted Lancashire’s attack until Wells struck a crucial blow, dismissing Aldridge for 19. Balderson has taken two wickets so far, leaving Somerset with a daunting task ahead.

Should Somerset fail to chase down the target, Lancashire will be relegated to Division Two. Nottinghamshire’s performance in their match against Warwickshire will also determine Lancashire’s fate, as they need ten points to secure their own safety.

Lancashire and Somerset Trade Blows on Thrilling First Day

Lancashire and Somerset Trade Blows on Thrilling First Day

Lancashire and Somerset engaged in a thrilling first day of their Vitality County Championship match at Emirates Old Trafford, with 21 wickets falling and the home side holding a slender 10-run lead.

Lancashire, batting first on a seam-friendly pitch, were dismissed for 140 in just 40 overs. Craig Overton and Lewis Gregory wreaked havoc with the ball, claiming four wickets each. Lancashire’s only resistance came from skipper Keaton Jennings, who scored a valiant 56.

Somerset’s reply was equally shaky. George Balderson and Tom Bailey shared eight wickets between them, restricting the visitors to 146. Andy Umeed was dismissed for a duck off the first ball of the innings, but Archie Vaughan (21) and Tom Kohler-Cadmore (19) provided some stability.

However, Balderson’s double strike before tea and Bailey’s three wickets after the break put Somerset in trouble. Gregory and Tom Abell briefly threatened to take the lead, but Bailey dismissed both batsmen to leave Somerset on the brink of collapse.

Jack Leach and Gregory added 25 for the last wicket before Leach was caught behind off Anderson Philip. Somerset’s innings ended on 146, giving them a six-run first-innings lead.

Lancashire’s second innings began disastrously as Jennings was dismissed for 4, edging Gregory to slip. Harry Singh and nightwatchman Will Williams survived the remaining overs to give Lancashire a 10-run lead heading into day two.

Somerset's Dickson and Rew Star in T20 Blast Semi-Final Triumph

Somerset’s Dickson and Rew Star in T20 Blast Semi-Final Triumph

Somerset’s Sean Dickson and James Rew produced a stunning partnership to guide their team to a six-wicket victory over Surrey in the T20 Blast Finals Day semi-final. The duo’s 144-run stand from 98 balls propelled Somerset to a comfortable chase of Surrey’s 153/9.

Surrey, missing four first-choice players due to England call-ups, struggled to find fluency after being inserted. Lewis Gregory’s 3/15 and Josh Davey’s 3/34 restricted Surrey’s total.

Somerset’s chase got off to a disastrous start as Dan Worrall and Tom Curran removed the top three batters within the first 13 balls. However, Dickson and Rew turned the tide with their record-breaking partnership.

Dickson, who had been Somerset’s top scorer in both their low-scoring victories at Finals Day in 2023, once again rose to the occasion. He struck 78 off 57 balls, including six fours and three sixes. Rew, playing his first game of the season, contributed an unbeaten 62 off 44 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes.

Surrey’s batting effort had been stuttering, with only Dominic Sibley (48) offering significant resistance. Gregory’s three wickets and Davey’s three-for helped Somerset restrict Surrey to a below-par total.

Somerset’s victory sets up a tantalizing final against Lancashire, who defeated Hampshire in the other semi-final. The defending champions will be aiming to become the first team to retain the T20 Blast title.

Surrey and Somerset Set for T20 Blast Semi-Final Rematch

Surrey and Somerset Set for T20 Blast Semi-Final Rematch

Surrey and Somerset, fresh from their thrilling County Championship encounter, will renew their rivalry in the T20 Blast semi-final at Edgbaston on Saturday. Despite recent setbacks, Surrey captain Chris Jordan insists his team is ready for the challenge.

Jordan acknowledges the competitive nature of the fixture, highlighting the importance of adapting to the different tempo and mindset required for T20 cricket. He praises Dom Sibley’s recent performances, showcasing his versatility and power-hitting abilities.

Surrey will be missing several key players due to international commitments, but Jordan remains confident in his squad’s depth. He emphasizes the need for a balanced approach, prioritizing England’s interests while ensuring the availability of players for important domestic matches.

The article also touches on the ongoing debate surrounding the impact of franchise cricket on the county season. Jordan expresses sympathy for Jason Roy’s decision to prioritize CPL commitments, recognizing the changing landscape of T20 cricket.

Regarding his own England ambitions, Jordan remains realistic about his chances of being part of the white-ball reboot under Brendon McCullum. He focuses on performing well for Surrey and Southern Brave, while acknowledging the transition period within the England team.

Home
Shop
Wishlist0
Back to Top

Search For Products

Product has been added to your cart