County Cricket Round-Up - 25th July

County Cricket Round-Up - 25th July

Benny Howell made a brutal 84 for the Royals at Northampton

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A powerful performance from Hampshire’s batsmen proved too much for Northamptonshire as they slumped to another defeat in the Clydesdale Bank 40. Daniel Grummitt reports.

James Vince and Sean Ervine got the Royals off to a brisk start with a pair of 38s before the hosts were pegged back slightly by David Lucas (five for 48). Liam Dawson (70 from 66 balls) was then joined by Benny Howell (84 not out from 54) and the pair shared a fifth-wicket stand of 81 in 12 overs to help Hampshire to a formidable total of 307 for six.

The Steelbacks lost Mal Loye in the first over of the reply and were not helped by Ben Howgego being unable to bat as they were bowled out for 133 in the 29th over with captain Andrew Hall top-scoring with 44 not out and Chris Wood taking three for 34.

Tomorrow’s Fixtures (Start times in brackets where applicable)

Day One, LV=CCD1, Lancashire v Nottinghamshire at Southport

The home side have added Luke Procter, Simon Kerrigan and Junaid Khan to the eleven that beat Yorkshire on Saturday. Meanwhile, Karl Turner could replace the struggling Neil Edwards at the top of the order for Nottinghamshire, while Graeme White is set to retain his place as the second spinner.

Day One, LV=CCD1, Worcestershire v Somerset at New Road

Jack Manuel will replace James Cameron for the Pears as they look to avoid relegation. Somerset are likely to be unchanged from their victory over Durham.

Group B, CB40, Warwickshire v Hampshire at Edgbaston (1640)

The home side are allowing free entry to celebrate the opening of their new stand. Hampshire have rested Neil McKenzie and are likely to rest Dominic Cork.

Group C, CB40, Gloucestershire v Essex at Cheltenham (1345)

Matt Walker (chest infection) and James Foster (ankle) are both ruled out for Essex meaning that Ravi Bopara will once again skipper the Eagles.

County News in Brief

Andrew McDonald will not be returning to Grace Road next year as he has not played enough international cricket in the last five years to qualify for a work permit.

Jack Brooks looks set to sign to a new contract with Northamptonshire despite as many as five other counties showing an interest in him. Meanwhile, Worcestershire are believed to be trying to tempt David Lucas away from Wantage Road.

Worcestershire have confirmed that they will not be renewing the contracts of Chris Whelan or David Wheeldon.

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