Match report day 2: Lancs v Sussex in Championship 2003 by Neil Adams

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Scorecard:

Lancashire v Sussex

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Summary for Day 2

Some things never change - like the weather in Manchester. Already this season, inclement conditions have denied Lancashire at least 3 more certain victories. Nothing is more frustrating than waking up to bright sunshine, making your way to the ground in reasonable conditions, only to be faced with steady drizzle shortly before the start of play. To add insult to injury, the drizzle persisted for nearly 4 hours and the clear up process accounted for 2 hours - very frustrating for the hosts while Sussex could sit back in the dressing room completely unphased. Although Sussex only managed to capture one bonus point from the 43 overs play, they will undoubtedly be crowned champions on Saturday. At least Lancashire are proving difficult opposition - what a pity Lancashire lost all of those points earlier in the season, otherwise this match could have been a "real" title decider

 

Bowling Performance of the Day

Another tough day for Sussex's bowlers with the pitch offering very little assistance for either pace or spin, especially with an ageing ball. Martin-Jenkins induced a mistimed stroke from Loye in the 87th over to capture his only wicket (1 for 73). Lewry trapped Hooper leg before wicket in the 108th over for 33 runs to finish the day with 2 for 81. Taylor switched ends on the second day (Warwick Road end first day). He bowled 11.5 overs and took 1 for 44 (Overall 2 for 98). Poor old Mushtaq bowled a further 14 overs, but still remained wicket less (0 for 83) - perhaps he will collect his 100th wicket on the third day!

 

Batting Performance of the Day

Mal Loye and Stuart Law continued with their 3rd wicket partnership - taking the overnight partnership from 159 to 241 before Loye's dismissal. Law reached his century from 173 balls (17 x 4) - his 7th century of the season as he heads toward 2000 runs. Loye's innings of 144 contained 16 x 4 & 1 x 6 and came from 245 balls. Loye reached 1000 runs for the season when he passed 119. The fourth Lancashire player to reach this landmark during the season. In total, Lancashire have scored 28 centuries this season equaling the record set in 1934

 

Fielding Performance of the Day

Sussex made a number of mis-fields during the day due to the slippery outfield and the damp ball. Montgomerie held a neat catch running from first slip to dismiss Loye following a misjudged pull stroke

 

Highlights of the Day

• Another 200 partnership - Loye and Law this time with 241.
• Law's 7th century of the season
• Mal Loye reaching 1000 runs for the season
• Lancashire carried on batting in bad light for the last 35 minutes in an attempt to catch-up lost time

 

Lowlights of the Day

• The lack of cricket - 43 overs only
• The slow clear up operation after the rain
• The loss of two late wickets - Hooper 21 balls from the close and Schofield 1 ball from the close of play

 

Contentious Discussion Point of the Day

Why did the ground staff only use one water hog to clear the water from covers? Why do Lancashire have such a small number of ground staff (5) compared to other venues (E.G - Edgbaston 8)? Why did the ground staff not use the water hogs on the outfield once the covers were removed? One can not help but feel that the game could have started earlier if the above issues had been implemented/resolved. One also feels that should a Test Match been in action that more effort would have been made, and more equipment used. The average spectator always seems to suffer. All this with Lancashire chasing the championship?!?

 

Key Notes of the Day

• Start delayed until 3pm due to rain - 61 overs lost - 43 remaining
• 250 for 2 i the 72nd over - Loye 116* Law 82*
• Loye 120 - passes 1000 runs for the season - 260 for 2 in the 74th over - Law 86*
• 200 partnership - 269 for 2 in the 77th over - Loye 126* Law 89*
• Tea - 271 for 2 from 77 overs - Loye 128* Law 89*
• 100 Law from 173 balls (17 x 4) - 289 for 2 in the 82nd over - Loye 128*
• 301 for 2 in the 85th over - Loye 138* Law 105*
• Law 105 - chance of a catch for Mushtaq to the ball rebounds off of Montgomerie
• Loye caught Montgomerie bowled Martin-Jenkins 144 - 307 for 3 in the 87th over - Law 105*
• 5.25pm bad light offered to batsmen but turned down - 340 for 3 in the 102nd over -
• Law 115* Hooper 23*
• 353 for 3 in the 106th over - Law 120* Hooper 31*
• Hooper lbw bowled Lewry 33 - 363 for 4 in the 108th over - Law 128*
• Schofield bowled Taylor 1 - 368 for 5 in the 111th over - Law 131* - Close of play
• Lancashire 4 points, Sussex 1 point

 

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