Match report day 1: Middx v Lancs in Championship 2003 by Neil Adams

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Scorecard:

Middlesex v Lancashire

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Summary for Day 1

For the third consecutive championship match, Lancashire won the toss and elected to bat. The wicket offered Middlesex early opportunity and optimism. There was a green tinge, sideways movement, and occasional uneven bounce. Once the new ball lost its shine, the bowlers tired and the batsmen became established, the visitors took control in London for the second time this season.

 

Bowling Performance of the Day

Joe Dawes bowled 3 spells during the day. He beat the bat more than any other Middlesex player. He only conceded 7 boundaries in 22 overs. Unfortunately, his team mates provided very little support.

 

Batting Performance of the Day

The honour was shared between Stuart Law (Not out 143) and Mark Chilton (Not out 106). Together the pair added 246 for the fourth wicket. They joined each other at the crease just before lunchtime - Lancashire never lost a wicket for 2 consecutive sessions. The partnership also set a new record for any wicket against Middlesex when it reached 234. Mark Chilton's hundred was particularly satisfying as he never reached this target during the 2002 season in championship matches.

 

Fielding Performance of the Day

The fielding was of a particularly poor standard. Aside from a number of missed chances, the players appeared to lack any enthusiasm, and teamwork rarely surfaced. As the fourth wicket partnership developed, the Middlesex players lacked any self belief and their bowling attack was devoid of any variation, or fresh ideas.

 

Highlight of the Day

Watching Mark Chilton score his hundred. He jumped for delight and almost forgot to run to the bowlers end. Fortunately, the ball went for 4.

 

Lowlight of the Day

Too much unnecessary over appealing from Middlesex

 

Contentious Discussion Point of the Day

Without any question of doubt, Mal Loye was NOT out. The ball clearly bounced before Hutton held the catch in close from the spin of Tahir. Loye's displeasure was clear for all to see. I hope he is not reprimanded.

 

Key Notes of the Day

• Sutcliffe lbw bowled Keegan 27 - 38 for 0 in the 10th over - Swann 11*
• 50 for 1 in the 14th over - Swann 16* Loye 7*
• Swann 16 dropped in gully by Keonig in 15th over - 54 for 1
• 50 partnership posted in 24th over (84 balls) Swann 39* Loye 22*
• Loye 30* caught Hutton bowled Tahir in the 25th over - 97 for 2
• 102 for 2 in the 26th over - Swann 43* Law 1*
• Swann caught Nash bowled Dawes 45 (Gloved catch to keeper) in the 31st over - Law 16*
• Lunch - 124 for 3 in 33 overs - Law 18* Chilton 2*
• 151 for 3 in the 40th over - Law 38* Chilton 9*
• Law 50 in 56 balls (9 x 4) - 168 for 3 in the 46th over - Chilton 14*
• 50 partnership in 105 balls - 173 for 3 - Chilton 19* Law 50* in the 48th over
• 201 for 3 in 355 balls (60th over) - Law 62* Chilton 31*
• Law 64 dropped by Shah at first slip - 208 for 3 in the 64th over
• 100 partnership in 233 balls (69th over) - 221 for 3 - Law 68* Chilton 41*
• Tea 241 for 3 in 75 overs - Law 79* Chilton 49* No wicket in the session - Session score 117 for 0 in 42 overs
• Chilton 50 in 146 balls (5 x 4) in the 77th over - 243 for 3 - Law 80*
• 250 for 3 in the 79th over - Law 87* Chilton 50*
• 150 partnership in 309 balls (82nd over) - 270 for 3 - Law 96* Chilton 60*
• Law 100 from 166 balls in the 84th over (13 x 4) - 278 for 3 - Chilton 64*
• 301 for 3 in the 89th over - Law 115* Chilton 70*
• New ball taken at the beginning of the 91st over
• 200 partnership posted in the 94th over - 321 for 3 - Law 122* Chilton 81*
• Chilton 88 dropped by Shah at second slip in the 99th over - 340 for 3
• 350 for 3 from 606 balls (101st over) - Chilton 94* Law 140*
• Partnership reaches 234 - a new record for any wicket against Middlesex
• Chilton 103 from 218 balls (12 x 4) 103rd over - 362 for 3 - Law 142
• 366 for 3 from 105 overs close of play - session score 125 for 0 from
• 30 overs - 2 consecutive sessions without losing a wicket - partnership unbroken on 246

 

(Article: Copyright © 2004 Neil Adams http://www.cricketimages.co.uk/adams-report/intro.html)