The second round of county championship fixtures got underway at 11AM today. I had a commitment which disrupted the morning session for me. This post looks at developments so far.
SURREY v HAMPSHIRE
Surrey drew at Chelmsford in the first round of matches, while Hampshire won their match, Hampshire have lost two old faces from previous years, Mohammad Abbas, who they decided was a spent force, and James Vince who has decided to go full-on cricket mercenary and to base himself in Dubai, while a third veteran, seam bowling all rounder Keith Barker is out for at least the first half of the season. Tom Prest is being given first shot at the vacated middle order slot, while Sonny Baker and Brad Wheal are both featuring as pace bowlers. Hampshire intended to have Jack Edwards as overseas player, but that has fallen through, and they have signed Brett Hampton, a 33 year old New Zealander with no international experience, instead. Hampshire won the toss and bowled, and started excellently with Brad Wheal and former Protea Kyle Abbott each taking an early wicket with the new ball. Hampton came on first change and has not been all that impressive, though he was gifted the wicket of Ryan Patel late in the afternoon session. Baker, the youngster, has been economical but has yet to take a wicket, Wheal is leading the way three wickets and Abbott has two. Dom Sibley has been batting right from the start and is currently on 82 not out in a Surrey score of 218-6. Hampshire have fared well, but they need Surrey all out before the close if they are to claim that their decision to bowl first has worked. As I type Jordan Clark has fallen to the left arm spin of Liam Dawson, edging an attempted cut through to Ben Brown behind the stumps to make it 218-7. Matthew Fisher has just given Baker has first wicket, by way of a return catch, and it is 227-8, with Sibley 83 not out. Roach has just joined the clatter of wickets, bowled by Dawson to make it 233-9. Sibley is 84 not out.
SUSSEX v SOMERSET
I also have an eye via cricinfo on the match at Hove, where Sussex, whose delayed second innings declaration against Warwickshire last time out condemned that match to be a tame draw (see this post) are taking on Somerset. Sussex chose to bat, and are currently 263-9.
PHOTOGRAPHS
My usual sign off…
aspiblog 