All six teams from Group 2 were in action on Day 1 of the fifth round of the County Championship. Marcus Harris and Samuel Evans added 195 runs for the second wicket and gave early advantage to Leicestershire against Surrey. Middlesex’s Robbie White notched his fourth successive fifty despite lack of support from the other end. Hampshire were bowled out for 79 against Somerset.
Let’s take a look at all the action from Group 2 of the County Championship.
Middlesex v Gloucestershire, Lord’s
Middlesex 210 (White 76*; Payne 5-31) lead Gloucestershire 19/1 (Dent 10) by 191 runs
Robbie White’s unbeaten 76, his fourth consecutive fifty, propped Middlesex up to a respectable total of 210 after the rest of the batters found David Payne and his support cast too hot to handle at Lord’s.
Once again White missed out on his maiden century, this time after running out of partners at the other end. He hit ten boundaries and took 149 balls to reach 76 not out.
David Payne returned 5-31, his maiden five-for this season, while Ryan Higgins and Matt Taylor claimed two wickets each.
In reply, Gloucestershire finished the day on 19/1. Skipper Chris Dent paid up for hurrying for a single that was not there in the first place.
Leicestershire v Surrey, Grace Road
Leicestershire 306/6 (Evans 112, Harris 101; Virdi 3-100) vs Surrey
Marcus Harris (101) and Samuel Evans (112) forged a 195-run partnership for the second wicket to help Leicestershire build a solid foundation versus Surrey on Day 1.
Aman Virdi provided Surrey with a crucial breakthrough after getting the better of Harris soon after he reached his century. Virdi struck again to complete his 100 First-class wickets by getting Evans caught at the short leg.
After hours of toil, Surrey managed to get five wickets in a brief period in the third session to crawl back into the game. Virdi picked up his third wicket when night-watchman Edward Barnes missed the line of the ball. With Harry Swindells unbeaten on 25, Surrey finished the day at 306/6.
Hampshire v Somerset, Southampton
Hampshire 79 (Weatherley 20; Gregory 4-26) trail Somerset 142/5 (Abell 52*; Abbott 2-35) by 63 runs.
Tom Abell’s half-century put Somerset in the front as they ended the day on 142/5, a lead of 63 runs against Hampshire.
Keith Barker struck in his second over of the innings, pinning Tom Lammonby on the pads, while Mohammad Abbas dismissed Edward Byrom in the next over, reducing Somerset to 11/2. Tom Abell held the innings from one end and he is still unbeaten on 52.
Earlier in the day, spirited performances from the Somerset pace attack bowled out Hampshire for just 79. Lewis Gregory (4-26) was the pick of the bowlers, while Josh Davey and Craig Overton picked two wickets apiece.