Cricket: Thomas takes five but rain ruins England's day
Zimbabwe A 147-7 v England A
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.THE ENGLAND A team's hopes of gaining a stranglehold on the first unofficial "Test" against Zimbabwe were dealt a major blow when the third day's play here was restricted by rain to just under 20 overs.
Zimbabwe moved from their overnight score of 95 for 6 to 147 for 7 before the rain came down after 75 minutes of play. Less than four of the 18 scheduled hours of play so far have been possible due to rain, and a draw now seems inevitable without a contrived finish.
Glamorgan's seam bowler Darren Thomas removed Bryan Strang to earn with figures of 5 for 48. Zimbabwe's Stuart Carlisle, hoping to get his full Test place back after a two-year absence, reached 46 not out.
The outfield at the Alexandra Club had turned into a lake at the end of the second day, so it was not altogether surprising that play did not begin until after lunch.
Strang and Carlisle had been compiling the largest partnership of the innings, adding 45 for the seventh wicket, when Strang edged Thomas to Andy Flintoff at second slip.
The Zimbabwe captain, Andrew Whittall, ensured that the loss would not result in further collapse by playing straight with Carlisle. By mid-afternoon, however, the rain clouds had returned, forcing the players from the field again.
Third day; England A won toss
ZIMBABWE A - First Innings
(Overnight: 95 for 6)
S V Carlisle not out 46
B C Strang c Flintoff b Thomas 23
A R Whittall not out 9
Extras (6lb 11nb) 17
Total (for 7, 52.2 overs) 147
Fall (cont): 7-114.
To bat: A Huckle, E Matambandzo.
Bowling: Betts 18-4-61-2; Flintoff 12-5-24-0; Thomas 17.2-3-48-5; Cosker 5-1-8-0.
Umpires: I D Robinson and K C Barbour.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments