Nic Pothas

In my 29 years with Hampshire, I still cannot understand the vagaries of this game of cricket. Yesterday at the end of the second day the doldrums had set in at the Rose Bowl. Today after a delayed start due to overnight rain, Hampshire Cricket lifted its head and set about recovering this match that sees them with a chance of a win despite having to follow on. Memories of 1922 perhaps?

Still requiring 138 more runs to avoid an innings defeat with 6 wickets remaining it was Nic Pothas who rallied, despite having to have a runner for much of his innings having pulled a hamstring just after lunch, he recorded his second century of the season and his 9th overall in a sparkling display of stroke play and sound defence.

He had an ally before lunch in John Francis and together they shared an 80 run partnership. When Francis fell edging Alex Wharf to the wicket-keeper, Dimitri Mascarenhas took up the mantle. Mascarenhas had already made a century against the Welsh county at the start of the season, and he in turn splayed the tiring bowlers to all parts. That partnership of 149 took Hampshire into the lead. Pothas finally went for 121.

Richard Hindley the 28 year old, Havant all-rounder playing in his first first-class match also joined in the fun, he put on a half century stand with Dimmi, and recorded an important 68 not out, showing much bravery to the hands of Michael Kasprowicz.

Finally all out for 449, Robert Croft bowled a long spell taking 5 for 117, and Kasprowicz finished with three wickets for his toil.

Set a surprising 198 for victory, and 12 overs left of the third day, Glamorgan lost both openers caught in the gully by skipper John Crawley off the bowling of Chris Tremlett, then James Bruce uprooted wicket-keeper Mark Wallace's stumps in the last over of the day, to set up an intriguing last day.