Relegation fight looms for Lancs
LANCASHIRE and Hampshire played out a high-scoring Specsavers County Championship draw at Emirates Old Trafford, with both now facing the prospect of a relegation fight later this summer.
The players shook hands at 4.50pm to confirm the result when the visitors declared on 237-5 in their second innings, leading by 277.
Opener Joe Weatherley’s unbeaten 126 off 260 balls represented his maiden first-class hundred.
Lancashire took 11 points from the match and Hampshire 10.
This draw means that both sides leapfrog Yorkshire.
Lancs coach Glen Chapple said: “I thought the lads fought really hard over four days and got themselves into a position to put them (Hampshire) under pressure. Dane Vilas and Alex (Davies) batted really well – Clarky (Jordan Clark) as well.
“We established partnerships. The lads have been working hard and we can’t fault their effort. We had youngsters coming in. It’s not our full-strength team and we played well. I thought the energy levels on such a hot week were fantastic. I really feel for Has (Haseeb Hameed) at the moment. He’s been working hard in the nets and he’s been playing well. There’s going to be mental challenges after the start he’s had but we encourage him to keep working hard.”
At the start of day four, James Vince’s side resumed on 66-2 – a lead of 106. Hampshire added only 69 as the bowlers continued to work hard.
All-rounder Jordan Clark made the breakthrough in the 12th over of the day – Sam Northeast bowled for 10. Lancashire had an early lbw decision against Weatherley adjudged not out. In all he batted for six and a quarter hours, with Hampshire’s second innings starting late on day three. This was his second century for the county.
First innings centurion Rilee Rossouw will be heading into that aforementioned final with 120 not out and a single behind him – lbw Jordan Clark on day four.
After tea, Weatherley and Ian Holland (26 not out) batted through, sharing an unbroken 73 for the sixth wicket to advance from 164-5 following the departure of Rossouw.
Lancs have yet another relegation battle next up when they welcome Yorkshire to Emirates Old Trafford at the end of July for the first of two vital Roses clashes.
That will be their final Championship match at the venue this season as the club will be relaying the outfield ahead of next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup and the Ashes Test.
With the Vitality Blast on the horizon, Hampshire will have to wait until August 19 to play Championship cricket again when they will take on Nottinghamshire at home.