Cricket: Storm brings respite
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.Surrey 476-8 dec & 167-2 Essex 425-9 dec Match drawn
With the first innings not yet completed, there was never the slightest chance that a definite result would be achieved on yesterday's final day. It came as something of a relief for players and spectators alike, therefore, when a fierce thunderstorm broke over Southchurch Park in mid-afternoon.
The day had begun with the sort of unfathomable mystery which is so peculiar to cricket. At 425 for 8, still 51 behind Surrey, Essex continued their first innings for two more balls, the second of which, bowled by Brendan Julian, Peter Such struck into the hands of short extra cover.
At this point, Paul Prichard declared, his hand forced by the fact that the last man, John Childs, was suffering from food poisoning. He was at the ground and would gallantly have batted in an emergency, but this was not deemed to be one.
So, by the time Surrey began their second innings, 15 minutes had evaporated and Essex were were 51 behind. After bowling five overs between them, at the only all-left-handed opening partnership in county cricket of Darren Bicknell and Mark Butcher, the Essex opening bowlers gave way to spin.
For the next 50 overs, Such, Paul Grayson (orthodox slow left-arm) and Stuart Law (leg breaks and googlies) wheeled away, changing ends from time to time. One never felt the players were doing much more than going through the motions until rain, which had caused three short hold-ups before the decisive thunderstorm, had the final word.
Bicknell flicked Law to Nasser Hussain at backward short leg when the score was 62 and Alec Stewart was caught off bat and pad at silly point off Such at 133. Otherwise, there was the chance to see Butcher play some nice strokes on both sides of the wicket as he continued what is being for him a splendid season, albeit in relatively uncompetitive circumstances. He faced 166 balls hitting one six and 13 fours in his 85 not out.
Only 43 deliveries were possible on the final day of Pakistan's opening first-class match against Glamorgan at Pontypridd, with rain depriving the tourists of victory.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments