Mascarenhas leads Hampshire charge at Northampton

Mascarenhas celebrates

More early rain held up play until 3.15pm on the second day of the Frizzell Championship Division II match at Wantage Road.

Dimitri Mascarenhas led Hampshire's recovery at Northampton taking six wickets in a spell of accurate seam that had the homeside reeling at 72-7.

Resuming at 20-3 after Hampshire had fought back following their own cheap dismissal on the bowler friendly pitch, it was night-watchman Mike Cawdron who held Hampshire at bay whilst all about him was falling. Mascarenhas received generous support from young James Bruce.

On a pitch that holds such fears, the lead of 38 Northamptonshire hold over Hampshire could prove vital, as Northamptonshire in turn recovered. Australian Damian Wright with a 90 minute stay of 46 was the main protagonist, aided by a patient 30 from Ben Phillips.

With the weather hopefully settling down as we go into the weekend, Hampshire will be looking to bat much better if they are to make a challenging target in an attempt to set up their first Frizzell victory at the eighth attempt.