County Championship round-up: Kent vice-captain Sam Northeast celebrates recall with first hundred in almost two years
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Batsman of the Day
Dropped a month ago after scoring only 178 runs in 12 first-class innings this season, Kent vice-captain Sam Northeast celebrated his recall with his first hundred in almost two years as Kent pulled off a six-wicket win at Grace Road. At the start of the final day, Leicestershire needed to take nine more wickets before Kent could score the additional 238 runs they needed. When Ben Harmison and Daniel Bell-Drummond were out in the space of 19 balls the hosts were favourites, but Northeast added 116 with Brendan Nash (53) and an undefeated 80 with former Leicestershire all-rounder Darren Stevens to steer his side home. The beaten hosts have now not won in 26 Championship matches.
Bowler of the Day
Fast bowler Mark Footitt raised Derbyshire’s hopes of beating Essex at Chesterfield when he dismissed Tom Westley, Ravi Bopara and New Zealand all-rounder Jesse Ryder in four balls to have Essex 19 for 3. But an unbroken stand of 193 between Nick Browne and Ryan ten Doeschate steered the visitors to safety.
Extras
Chris Rogers, the Middlesex captain, found himself accused of being too cautious for the second match running as his side’s chances of catching the First Division leaders receded with a draw against Somerset at Uxbridge.
Criticised for delaying his declaration too long at Lord’s last week as Northamptonshire avoided defeat for only the second time this season, Rogers waited until Middlesex were 389 ahead before calling his side in, giving Somerset only 72 overs to chase the runs.
It was clear as Marcus Trescothick’s side scored only eight runs in the first six of those overs that they were not interested.
Nick Gubbins, Middlesex’s 20-year-old left-hander who made 54 in his maiden Championship innings against Northamptonshire, followed up with a stylish 95 before being run out when Paul Stirling sent him back when chasing a single.
Rogers admits that having seen Nottinghamshire score 385 in 74.5 overs to beat Middlesex at Trent Bridge last month, he is wary of taking risks.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments