Weatherley’s hundred foils Lancashire

At Emirates Old Trafford Lancashire (411) drew with Hampshire (451 and 237-5 dec)

Joe Weatherley struck a maiden first-class century as Division One strugglers Lancashire and Hampshire played out a high-scoring Specsavers County Championship draw at Old Trafford.

The players shook hands at 4.50pm to confirm the result when the visitors declared on 237 for five in their second innings, leading by 277, with opener Weatherley batting the whole day for an unbeaten 126 off 260 balls. His century came off 210 balls and contained 10 fours.

Lancashire took 11 points from the match and Hampshire 10, leaving both sides set for a relegation battle in the second half of the season.

This draw meant the pair leapfrogged Yorkshire to leave the White Rose county second bottom in Division One after they suffered a seven-wicket defeat to leaders Surrey. But Yorkshire, with a game in hand of both, are only four points behind Hampshire and three adrift of Lancashire.

At the start day four here, James Vince’s side resumed on 66 for two – a lead of 106. An attritional morning saw Hampshire add only 69 as bowlers continued to work hard. All-rounder Jordan Clark made the breakthrough in the 12th over of the day, bowling Sam Northeast 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, with his first coming against Kent in the Royal London One-day Cup.

The 21-year-old had scored three first-class fifties heading into this game, including one against Surrey two rounds ago.

Tom Alsop and first-innings centurion Rilee Rossouw went in quick succession, bowled by Steven Parry and trapped lbw by Clark respectively.

But after tea, Weatherley and Ian Holland (26 not out) batted through the final session, sharing an unbroken 73 for the sixth wicket.

Lancashire have yet another relegation battle next up when they welcome Yorkshire to 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 re-laying the outfield ahead of next year’s ICC Cricket World Cup and the Ashes Test.