Northamptonshire v Lancs

[Down_Rover]

Wait for it... Jennings on cusp of double figures

[TheFamilyCat]

But how long do you persevere,it's not like they're getting 30/40's.looking decent for a hour or so and then getting out,at least in that scenario you could see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Their last 4 CC innings combined this duo have faced 21 balls and failed to trouble the scorers,now if this was a blip i could accept that,all batsman have their spells of failure,but this has been going on since last year.

Just checking out their recent form.in his last 13 innings for Lancs Hameed hasn't passed 30,Jennings is slightly better he at least has some scores this season,but after a promising run until the end of May,his last 7 CC innings include 4 ducks,this must erode their confidence,which is why i suggested some 2nd 11 action,at least then they might be able to play themselves back into form,and crucially get some time at the crease.

Is Lancs squad so threadbare that there isn't anyone who can step up and take their place,i hope they can at least show some fight today,and make the bowlers work for their wickets,but i'm not holding my breath.

It's such a shame Hammeed picked up that injury when he did,as he was poised to be Cookie's natural successor,Jennings has lost his confidence and test bowlers have noted his weakness outside off-stump,and against pace,at that level there's no hiding place i'm afraid.

Hameed scored runs in the first couple of games after (I think) a double hundred in the university game prior to the 50-over stuff taking over. But since the CC reconvened his form has been like last season’s.

[ClaretTony]

Jennings gone for 20. We are 74/1.

[tiger76]

Another half century from Davies,he's not finding run scoring a problem thank goodness.

Crucial afternoon session if Lancs only lose 2/3 wickets maximum,escaping with a draw is a real possibility,Durham batted out the final day against us so it can be done.

[Local cricketer]

Jennings gone for 20. We are 74/1.

A return to form

[jrgbfc]

Real chance for Hameed to dig in and spend some time at the crease.

[Bordeauxclaret]

Surprised they batted on this morning.

Captains more interested in not getting beat than winning.

[Foulthrow]

Hold on to your hats folks Hameed is 42 no!

[tiger76]

Surprised they batted on this morning.

Captains more interested in not getting beat than winning.

Shocked me as well,hopefully they'll regret that decision,you'd expect any half decent bowling attack to be confident with 350 to play with,on a 4th day pitch,sums up the modern game,you could argue Lancs made the same mistake against Durham and ultimately we run out of time to bowl them out 2nd dig.

[tiger76]

Update 165-3 at tea,great chance of saving this now,50 for Hameed hopefully this innings will play him back into form,he's been in for 2 and a half hours now,ideal situation for him,runs don't really matter it's occupying the crease.

[LeadBelly]

No chance of winning but 5 points for the draw to add to the (5?) bonus points already bagged would be useful. Agree with previous posts that Northants seemed a bit overcautious batting on but they could yet clinch it I guess. Hameed getting some confidence/form back would be a big bonus.

[jrgbfc]

Update 165-3 at tea,great chance of saving this now,50 for Hameed hopefully this innings will play him back into form,he's been in for 2 and a half hours now,ideal situation for him,runs don't really matter it's occupying the crease.

Only problem is the T20 season starts now so he probably won't play again for another month!

[CBT]

Update 165-3 at tea,great chance of saving this now,50 for Hameed hopefully this innings will play him back into form,he's been in for 2 and a half hours now,ideal situation for him,runs don't really matter it's occupying the crease.

Bowled out for 55
Shame hoped he'd kick on for a 100

[ChrisG]

No chance of winning but 5 points for the draw to add to the (5?) bonus points already bagged would be useful. Agree with previous posts that Northants seemed a bit overcautious batting on but they could yet clinch it I guess. Hameed getting some confidence/form back would be a big bonus.

Even a loss would see us back on top of the table, but would be much happier with the extra 5 points obviously, as Northants are probably only one capable of challenging top 3.

[ClaretTony]

That will have done Hameed some good

[lakedistrictclaret]

Maximum of twelve overs left, I think. Only four wickets down.
Well done to our batsmen today. It's about time, mind.

[Local cricketer]

No chance of winning but 5 points for the draw to add to the (5?) bonus points already bagged would be useful. Agree with previous posts that Northants seemed a bit overcautious batting on but they could yet clinch it I guess. Hameed getting some confidence/form back would be a big bonus.

Northants dont win many games so they are probably set in draw mode

[ClaretTony]

We've done well today and got the draw - but I am still baffled at allowing them to bat first

[Local cricketer]

Only one game left off this nonsense now then the proper stuff starts

[tybfc]

Well done to Lancs in the last two days and surely they will be one of the three promoted teams.

[tiger76]

Belated credit to our batsman,they finally showed their mettle.

On a more worrying point the injury list is growing,Mahmood will miss the England Lions game on Sunday,and Liam Livingstone,Jimmy and Tom Bailey are still sidelined,at least Matt Parkinson is available for selection again.

We'll have a patched-up side for the Sussex game,but the fact it's at Old Trafford should help.

Promotion should happen,but the batting still needs strengthened to compete next year.

[jdrobbo]

A good draw and ten points earned is fine. Keep it going. Onwards onwards RedRose!!