Cricket: Aftab's fabulous form
Leicestershire 388 & 215 Lancashire 241 & 14
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.LEICESTERSHIRE LAID plans for their second Championship victory of the season here yesterday, though not everything went according to schedule in the face of a combative performance in the field from Lancashire. In the end, Lancashire were left to score 363, a formidable task for any side on a fourth-day pitch let alone one weakened by injury.
The day began fittingly with Leicestershire's Championship pennant lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect to the memory of Cyril Washbrook. Maybe the visitors' minds had been concentrated by thoughts of a great Lancastrian. Maybe, though, words had been spoken in the dressing-room after some of their erratic cricket earlier in the match. Whatever it was, tight bowling was supported by bristling work in the field which exploited any complacency Leicestershire may have been feeling at starting the day 147 ahead.
It helped that Richard Green's first ball of the morning was not only of a requisite full length but also swung late. It caught Iain Sutcliffe only half-forward and he departed leg-before. Things could have been much worse for Leicestershire. Aftab Habib had made only two when, looking for a second for a straight drive off Green, he was sent back and only scrambled home. He too would have been on his way if Glen Chapple had managed a direct hit.
All this cast a curious uncertainty over the innings and, with the ball still new enough to bounce awkwardly at times, Leicestershire were denied the acceleration they clearly wanted. Both Ben Smith and Vince Wells were undone in this manner by Andy Flintoff, operating accurately to a full-length, after the nightwatchman, Matthew Brimson, had played on to Michael Smethurst.
Chris Lewis put bat to ball like the man in form he clearly is at the moment until he edged a projected drive against Chapple. It was left to Aftab, whipping the ball through midwicket with a roll of the wrists, to hold things together in his first half-century of the season before he was given out caught behind.
Paul Nixon took over with another typically busy left-hander's innings, notwithstanding a profitable spell by Smethurst, who not only has the ability to surprise with genuine pace but an agreeable habit of taking wickets with long hops.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments