Surrey and Lancashire cut it fine
Surrey v Sussex at The Oval Scorecard When Saqlain Mushtaq claimed three early wickets at The Oval to reduce Sussex (chasing a distant 406) to 85 for 4, the odds were on another efficient mopping-up operation and another routine victory for the
Steven Lynch
02-Jun-2003
Frizzell County Championship Division One
Table
Table
 | Saqlain Mushtaq celebrates the dismissal of Chris Adams as Surrey close in on victory at The Oval |
Surrey v Sussex at The Oval
Scorecard
When Saqlain Mushtaq claimed three early wickets at The Oval to reduce Sussex (chasing a distant 406) to 85 for 4, the odds were on another efficient mopping-up operation and another routine victory for the county champions. But Michael Yardy, Sussex's left-handed No. 3, had other ideas. He stuck it out bravely for 317 minutes, facing 241 balls and hitting only seven fours in his 69, and almost saved the game for his side. There were only five overs left when Yardy finally fell, well caught by Azhar Mahmood, diving to his left at second slip, off James Ormond. Some time before Yardy had survived an appeal for a catch by Nadeem Shahid, the Surrey substitute, which the batsman thought was a bump ball. The fielders didn't, and let Yardy know what they felt. Earlier Robin Martin-Jenkins had thumped a rapid 88 from 93 balls, including 14 fours. Mushtaq Ahmed also made Surrey sweat, with 36 from No. 10 before Saqlain, his fellow Pakistani, trapped him in front with a quicker one.
Scorecard
When Saqlain Mushtaq claimed three early wickets at The Oval to reduce Sussex (chasing a distant 406) to 85 for 4, the odds were on another efficient mopping-up operation and another routine victory for the county champions. But Michael Yardy, Sussex's left-handed No. 3, had other ideas. He stuck it out bravely for 317 minutes, facing 241 balls and hitting only seven fours in his 69, and almost saved the game for his side. There were only five overs left when Yardy finally fell, well caught by Azhar Mahmood, diving to his left at second slip, off James Ormond. Some time before Yardy had survived an appeal for a catch by Nadeem Shahid, the Surrey substitute, which the batsman thought was a bump ball. The fielders didn't, and let Yardy know what they felt. Earlier Robin Martin-Jenkins had thumped a rapid 88 from 93 balls, including 14 fours. Mushtaq Ahmed also made Surrey sweat, with 36 from No. 10 before Saqlain, his fellow Pakistani, trapped him in front with a quicker one.
Kent v Lancashire at Canterbury
Scorecard
It took rather longer than expected, but shortly after tea Lancashire wrapped up their first Championship victory of the season, beating Kent by 75 runs at Canterbury. When Kent resumed this morning at 123 for 4, chasing 414, it seemed as if it was only a matter of time. But Mark Ealham had other ideas, clumping a forthright 79 - 12 fours and a six - to keep Kent in the hunt. Matthew Walker took his overnight 15 to 52, then Ealham and Geraint Jones - who put on 128 together in the first innings - added 79 more. At tea Kent needed 111 with three wickets left, but two quick strikes from Glen Chapple, who finished with 4 for 66, ended the fun.
Scorecard
It took rather longer than expected, but shortly after tea Lancashire wrapped up their first Championship victory of the season, beating Kent by 75 runs at Canterbury. When Kent resumed this morning at 123 for 4, chasing 414, it seemed as if it was only a matter of time. But Mark Ealham had other ideas, clumping a forthright 79 - 12 fours and a six - to keep Kent in the hunt. Matthew Walker took his overnight 15 to 52, then Ealham and Geraint Jones - who put on 128 together in the first innings - added 79 more. At tea Kent needed 111 with three wickets left, but two quick strikes from Glen Chapple, who finished with 4 for 66, ended the fun.