Match report day 1: Northants v Lancs in Championship 2004 by Neil Adams

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Scorecard:

Northamptonshire v Lancashire

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Summary for Day 1

On the opening morning of the season, with the sun beaming down from the sky, Lancashire won a crucial toss and elected to bat. The pitch appeared to be flat and devoid of any green grass. Mal Loye failed to make the team due to a calf injury. However, his replacement Alec Swann, succumbed to the third ball of the day without any runs on the scoreboard - a questionable leg before wicket decision. Lancashire's progress through to lunch was unspectacular but steady, and almost chanceless. By lunch the platform had been set for a big total.

 

The loss of Mark Chilton in the 5th over after lunch did little to delay Lancashire's run hungry batsmen. Law stroked the ball around with impeccable timing, while Sutcliffe played a superb anchor role. By tea, Northants appeared tired and clueless as the visitors eased to 213 for 2.

 

After the interval, both Sutcliffe and Law attained their respective 100's in the 86th over. With Sutcliffe tiring, he eventually played a poor shot and was caught at mid-on. 2 overs later, Law edged the new ball to Sales low at first slip and Lancashire found themselves on 270 for 4. Hooper and Chapple steadied the ship during the last hour ensuring that no further wickets fell. The entertainment value dropped significantly during this time, but the vast away following were not complaining as they left the ground.

Key Notes of the Day

• Lancashire won the toss and elected to bat
• Swann lbw bowled Louw 0 (3rd ball of the day) 0 for 1 in the 1st over - (Ball appeared to be going down leg side)
• 52 for 1 in the 19th over - Sutcliffe 26* Chilton 24* (50 partnership)
• Chilton 33 dropped by Powell at 1st slip - 66 for 1 in the 28th over - Sutcliffe 30*
• Lunch - 86 for 1 from 38 overs - Sutcliffe 41* Chilton 41*
• Chilton caught Brophy bowled Louw 46 - 92 for 2 in the 43rd over - Sutcliffe 41*
• 100 for 2 in the 46th over - Sutcliffe 42* Law 7*
• Sutcliffe 50* from 154 balls (6 x 4) - 113 for 2 in the 50th over
• 50 partnership - 142 for 2 in the 58th over - Sutcliffe 57*
• 151 for 2 in the 60th over - Sutcliffe 63* Law 37*
• 50 Law from 88 balls (7 x 4) - 174 for 2 in the 70th over - Sutcliffe 73*
• 100 partnership - 192 for 2 in the 73rd over - Sutcliffe 83* Law 58*
• 200 for 2 in the 75th over - Sutcliffe 87* Law 62*
• Tea - 213 for 2 from 78 overs - Sutcliffe 88* Law 74*
• 150 partnership - 242 for 2 in the 85th over - Sutcliffe 99* Law 92*
• 100 Sutcliffe from 253 balls (4 x 6 & 1 x 6) - 245 for 2 in the 86th over - Law 94*
• 100 Law from 140 balls (15 x 4) - 251 for 2 in the 86th over - Sutcliffe 100*
• Sutcliffe caught Louw bowled Swann 104 - 261 for 3 in the 89th over - Law 106*
• New ball taken - 267 for 3 from 90 overs - Law 108* Hooper 4*
• Law caught Sales bowled Louw 108 - 270 for 4 in the 91st over - Hooper 7*
• Chapple strikes 3 consecutive boundaries taking score from 277 to 289
• 300 for 4 in the 103rd over - Hooper 20* Chapple 17*
• Close of play - 306 for 4 from 105 overs - Hooper 23* Chapple 20*
• Northamptonshire 1 point, Lancashire 3 points

 

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