Hampshire LV Championship Div 1 at Trent Bridge Loss 3 points

 

Day 3

HAMPSHIRE COMFORTABLY DEFEAT DOGGED NOTTS

Hampshire gained a comfortable116 run victory over Notts on a rain affected third day. When at 18:50 the outstanding Mohammad Abbas (3-48) had Calvin Harrison lbw, a total of 45 balls remained of the day. As Hampshire still had the option of claiming the extra eight overs up their sleeve any concerns they may have had about tomorrow's rainy forecast proved immaterial.

There was a bit of early morning drizzle around but play got under way on time, the day scheduled to last 104 overs.

Hampshire took a wicket off only the ninth delivery of the morning (the 4th over of the innings), Slater (8) was comprehensively bowled losing his off and middle pegs to a moving delivery from Abbas, 19 for 1. Abbott came on from the Pavilion End to replace Barker and with his second delivery he got the ball to shoot up from a length, Young (8) edging through to Brown, 40 for 2 in the 11th over. An unplayable delivery. Notts were in a pickle when rain stopped play at 11:40 on 45 for 2 off 10.5 overs with Hameed on 24 and Clarke on 1. An early lunch was called. 

Play restarted at 13:10 with only 13 overs lost. Fuller came on for the 22nd over from the Radcliffe Road End and with his fifth ball got a delivery to shoot up and find the edge of Hameed’s (30) bat, Middleton taking the catch above his head at third slip, 74 for 3. The out of form Montgomery lasted nine deliveries before edging Fuller to Vince at first slip, 76 for 4 in the 24th over. Moores joined Clarke and Notts started to put up a bit of resistance the pair adding 99 in 26 overs. Skipper Vince rotated his high-class seam attack. Barker replaced Holland for the 31st over. Abbott returned for the 34th over. By this stage the players and spectators were being serenaded to a constant stream of 70s and 80s soul classics coming from a wedding reception in the Boundary’s Edge. The likes of Billy Ocean, Bill Withers, The Drifters and The Real Thing were blasted out at full volume, not ideal if you were “Sitting in the Back row” of the Radcliffe Road lower tier. There are only a limited number of days cricketing days at Trent Bridge. Why permission was granted for such an event during a scheduled first-team game beggars belief and more importantly is an insult to the players and the paying public. If the roles were reversed and Hampshire were trying to the save the game amongst that racket, they would have justifiable rights to complain. At least the truly dreadful Neil Diamond did not make it the DJ’s turntable!

Back to the cricket. A cover driven boundary for Moores off Barker saw Notts pass the 100 mark in the 35th over. The 50 partnership between Clarke and Moores was achieved in 89 balls with a third man boundary by Clarke. Clarke reached his 50 off 91balls in fortuitous circumstances edging Barker between keeper Brown and Vince at first slip, the ball going to the boundary. Rain stopped play at 15:11 with Notts 130 for 4 off 39.4 overs with Clarke on 50 and Moores on 22. Tea was immediately taken and no overs were lost. Luckily for Hampshire the real heavy rain to the north and east avoided Trent Bridge.

The Notts 150 came up in the 46th over via a cover driven boundary by Moores off Abbott. The Hampshire over rate was funeral and to compound matters there was a long stoppage for a ball change, the replacement ball appeared to start hooping. Fuller returned for the 48th over. With the 5th wicket partnership worth 99, Clarke was bowled by Fuller for 67 off 125 balls, 10x4) , the ball nipping back through the gate and removing middle stump 175 for 5 in the 50th over. Abbott returned from the Pavilion End for the following over. A straight driven boundary by Moores off Fuller saw him to 50 off 78 balls. His first championship 50 since he retired hurt for 81 at Grace Road last June. Another glorious cover drive by Moores off Abbott pushed Notts passed 200 in the 55th over. Dawson came on from the Radcliffe Road End in the following over. Holland came from the Pavilion End for the next over. In the 58th over, James was dropped on 8 by keeper Brown off Dawson. A straight driven four by James off Holland brought up the 50 stand with Moores after 66 balls. Holland got the crucial breakthrough bowling Moores (81 off 109 balls, 13x4) with a terrific ball that moved in for 81, 239 for 6 off 63 overs. The 6th wicket partnership between Moores and James adding 64 in 13 overs. Moores had batted very well throughout his innings and had like Young before him had received a peach of a delivery. Abbas replaced Dawson in the 66th over and Barker came on for Holland for the following over. The ever-accurate Abbas bowled James through the gate for 21, 247 for 7 in the 70th over. Fuller and Abbott returned for the 74th and 75th overs. Fuller picked up his fourth wicket having Hutton caught behind by Brown for 9, 263 for 8 in the 76th over. With the doors to the rabbit hutch now open and blue skies above, the end of the match was nigh The new ball was taken with Notts 275 for 8 off 80 overs. Pettman was caught at short leg by Middleton off Abbott for 0, 276 for 9 off 81 overs. Putting forward his case to move up the order, Harrison impressed once more for his 39 off 73 balls (7x4). He was last man to fall. Appearing to get an inside edge to an Abbas delivery, he was nonetheless given out by umpire Warren. Notts 294 all out off 85.3 overs with Paterson 5 not out. Although the odd ball did pop, Hampshire had bowled well and what was now a fairly easy wicket to bat on. Fuller having a fine all-round match had innings figures of 4-59, but all the seamers had bowled well. Hampshire head and shoulders the better team. Thanks to the lottery of the first day of the pitch it was not until Day 2 that they well and truly asserted their authority. Despite a fighting dogged performance today, it was not “A lovely Day” for Notts who looked a poor batting outfit who are well and truly in the relegation mire. Next week's game against Kent will be crucial to which Division they end up in next season. MAG

Day 2

NOTTS LANGUISHING IN A HOLLAND DAZE

Ian Holland unbeaten century follows Notts first hour abysmal capitulation

Just like at Taunton a month ago, Notts had a woeful day 2 with the opposition closing the day in a situation of complete dominance. First thing in the morning, Notts' long tail was once again exposed with Notts losing their last 5 wickets for 5 runs in 35 balls. As expected the wicket started to ease. Hampshire 89 for 4 at one stage eventually declaring on 344 for 5. Opener Ian Holland followed up his 4-19 with 138 not out (off 251 balls, 17x1, 1x6). He shared stands of 150 and 105* for the fifth and sixth wicket respectively with Liam Dawson (82 off 111 balls, 9x4, 1x6) and James Fuller (52 not out off 42 balls, 4x4, 1x6). The Notts bowling attack offered very little from mid afternoon onwards against their much superior opponents.

The morning started with yet another spectacular Notts collapse after they had added eight in the opening three overs. In the 33rd over Moores (30) completely missed the ball attempting an expansive drive off Abbott and was comprehensively bowled, 95 for 6. Eleven balls later, James (2) lost his off stump to Abbas, 98 for 7 off 34 overs. Hutton (4) fell in the following over, caught by keeper Brown off Abbott, 98 for 8. Off the last delivery of the following over, Harrison, against his former county, had his stumps splattered by the excellent Abbas for 0, 98 for 9. Pettman (1) was the last man to fall inside edging Abbas (3 for 34) to Brown who took his 6th catch of the innings. Notts 100 all out off 37.5 overs had lost their last 5 wickets with 5 runs. Holland (4-19) who did not bowl today was well supported by Abbas (3-34) and Abbott (2-27). Hampshire 88 for 7 just after tea on Day 1, incredibly led by 66 on first innings.

Hutton (Radcliffe Road End) and Pettman took the new ball but failed to make an early breakthrough. Paterson replaced Pettman for the 8th over and with his second delivery luckily bagged Middleton (6) the ball striking the pads and gently rolling back onto the stumps, 12 for 1. James came on for the 14th over to allow Paterson to change ends. After having a good leg before shout turned down by umpire Warren and then being hit for four he removed Gubbins (10) leg stump with his fourth delivery from the Radcliffe Road End, 31 for 2 in the 15th over. Hampshire 44 for 2 off 19 overs at lunch with Holland on 22 and Vince on 3. They were now well in control.

In the 27th over, Paterson dismissed Vince (15) who edged to Harrison at 2nd slip who took the catch diving to his right, 63 for 3. Hutton returned for the 35th over and once again Russell Warren turned down a very close lbw shout, Brown the fortuitous batter this time. The Hampshire stumper fell to the third ball of the over though, driving carelessly straight to Hameed at mid-off to depart for 16, 89 for 4. This was high point of the day for Notts, Hampshire adding a further 255 in 51 over for the loss of a solitary wicket, taking advantage of some mediocre Notts bowling and the short Bridgford Road boundaries.

Harrison came on for the 40th over but after conceding five runs in his opening over changed ends. James returned and a boundary through point saw Holland to 50 off 116 balls. Hutton replaced James for the 50th over. Hampshire reached tea on 171 for 4 off 53 overs with Holland on 69 and Dawson on 37.

Hampshire pulverised the Notts bowling after tea, adding 173 in 33 overs. Dawson who reached his 50 in 74 balls was dropped on 56 by Harrison at slip off Paterson. Dawson then proceeded to hit two boundaries and a pulled six over square leg off Paterson in the same over. Dawson finally fell for 82, Harrison this time holding on to the slip catch, Pettman the bowler, 239 for 5 in the 71st over. Fuller hit the first ball he faced from Pettman for 6 over long off to signal Hampshire intentions of an evening declaration. Harrison replaced James for the 74th over. Holland reached his 100 off 224 balls with a single off Harrison. Light rain stopped play at 1757 with Hampshire 275 for 5 off 77 overs with Holland 105 not out and Fuller 17 not out.

Play resumed 1814 with four overs lost. Montgomery bowled the 78th over with Harrison bowling from the Radcliffe Road End. Holland on 114 was dropped on the square leg ropes by Paterson off Montgomery. The new ball was surprisingly taken by Hutton and Paterson was taken with Hampshire 302 for 5 off 80 overs. Forty-two more runs were added in 6 overs. Holland hit Paterson for 6 over point. Fuller reached his 50 off 41 balls. Hampshire finally declared at 344 for 5 off 85 overs with Holland on 138 and Fuller on 52. Paterson by far the best bowler with 3-65.

Notts required 411 to win off 202 overs and had two overs to bat in somewhat indifferent light with the floodlights on. Slater 8 not out and Hameed on 1 saw off Barker (Pavilion End) and Abbas when stumps were drawn at 1859 with Notts on 11 for 0. Hampshire will be very confident of victory against Notts tomorrow having completely outplayed their opponents since just after tea yesterday.

For the doomsayers out there, Notts all-time record championship defeat at Trent Bridge is by 365 runs against Kent in 1899. The record ever defeat against Hampshire stands at 338 runs at the Rose Bowl in 2001. Tomorrow will consist of 104 overs making up for the overs lost during this fixture. Notts will hoping for some early rain tomorrow prior to the promised deluge on Saturday. MAG

Day 1

FULLER AND HOLLAND PUT HAMPSHIRE ON TOP

after a truncated day that saw 15 wickets fall

An eighth wicket partnership of 73 between James Fuller and Felix Organ so far has proved to be the difference between the two sides on a green bowling friendly conditions at Trent Bridge today.

After early morning rain, play commenced at 13:10 with 16 overs lost in the day. Toby Pettman became the 670th player to appear in first-class cricket for Notts coming into the team to replace the injured Jake Ball.

Notts won the toss and put Hampshire in and were immediately rewarded removing both Hampshire openers before a run was scored. Hutton (Radcliffe Road End) dismissing Holland with the 5th delivery of the match caught at second slip by Harrison, 0 for 1. Pettman picked up a wicket with his sixth delivery having Middleton caught by James at mid-wicket, 0 for 2. After a spell of 4 overs one for six Pettman was replaced by Paterson. Gubbins and Vince were given a thorough workover by Paterson and Hutton.

Toby Pettman switched ends for the 15th over with Hutton deserving more than one wicket to his name in his 7-over opening burst. James came on from the Pavilion End for the 24th over. In the 26th over with Gubbins and Vince having put on 68 for third wicket, James took 2 wickets in 3 balls. Vince (22) and Brown (0) both falling to leg before decisions, 68 for 4, Paterson returned for the 33rd over.. Dawson (2 off 26 balls), all at sea throughout his innings, was caught behind by Moores off James, 82 for 5 in the 34th over. In the following over, top-scorer Gubbins played on to his middle stump from a yorker by Patterson for 49. Left-hander Gubbins played the best and most assured innings of the day. Tea was immediately taken with Hampshire 84 for 6 off 34.1 overs with Fuller 2 not out.



Barker (4) lasted four balls before fending Paterson to third slip where Montgomery took a sharp catch, 88 for 7. Fuller decided, perhaps sensibly given the conditions, to go on an all-out attack and it worked with his partnership with Organ adding 73 in 12 overs. This 55-minute segment of play turned out to be most significant of today. Fuller put bat to ball to good effect surviving one difficult skier to Montgomery in the deep when on 9. He registered consecutive fours off Paterson in the 41st over and repeated this off the next over bowled by James.

Harrison came in for the 44th over and Organ joined the fun with consecutive boundaries off the leg spinner. Hutton returned for the following over and Fuller hit him for six over square leg. The eighth wicket partnership had reached 73 when Hutton removed Fuller (46) who going for a drive edged him to sole slip Harrison, 161 for 8 in the 47th over. The last three wickets tumbled in 10 balls. Abbott was brilliantly caught two-handed by the diving Young at backward point going to his left off Paterson, 166 for 9. The innings ended the following over when Organ (26) skied Hutton to Clarke at mid-off, who took a steepling catch, 166 all out off 48.2 overs. Three apiece for Paterson (3-56), Hutton (3-40) and James (3-38) and one on debut for Pettman,

Barker (Pavilion End) and Abbas shared the new ball. Hameed (2) lasted 11 deliveries before edging a Barker delivery on the front foot to keeper Brown, 5 for 1 in the 5th over. After a 4 over spell from Barker, Abbott came on from the Pavilion End. Slater and Young were looking fairly solid, but sadly Notts were lost 3 wickets in 11 balls in the evening sunshine, all to USA international Ian Holland. He came on in the 15th over and Young (13) played on to his fourth delivery, 47 for 2. In his next over he removed Slater and Clarke who both departed to poor shots. Slater who failed to move his feet and was caught behind by Brown diving in front of first slip for 31, 52 for 3. Two balls later, Clarke fell to the same combination for a 6-ball duck. Clarke also leaden footed playing with his bat well away from his body, 53 for 4. Abbott returned for the 18th over. Montgomery and Moores had a mini partnership of 29 in 8 overs. But in the 25th over, Montgomery (6) was given out by umpire Warren “caught behind”, although it looked like it came directly off his pad. Fourth seamer Holland had picked up fourth wicket (for 19), 84 for 5. Night watchman Hutton survived the last 25 deliveries of the day as stumps were drawn at 19:23 with Notts struggling at 87 for 5 off 29 overs with Moores on 24 not out and Hutton 1 not out.

Why Notts decided to put out a sporting wicket and deny themselves precious batting points against, on paper, a superior outfit seemed somewhat bizarre. Fifteen wickets had fallen during the day with a wicket being taken at a mean rate of one every 31 balls. Notts will hope for some late order runs on a wicket which is likely to get easier to bat on as the match progresses. MAG

Notts have announced a 12 man squad for the forthcoming match at Trent Bridge. No Steven Mullaney means Haseeb Hameed gets the opportunity to show his captaincy credentials at HQ.

Haseeb Hameed 

Ben Slater

Will Young

Joe Clarke

Matt Montgomery

Tom Moores

Lyndon James

Calvin Harrison

Brett Hutton

James Hayes

Dane Paterson

Toby Pettman

Barring any last minute additions to the squad, there will be at least one debutant for Nottinghamshire.

18/07

From the frying pan of the Oval against all conquering Surrey, into the fire of Trent Bridge against the relentless bowling attack of Hampshire, Notts beleaguered warriors march wearingly on this month towards "the summer break".

Casualty numbers were high at the Oval but we weren't overwhelmed and left there with a commendable draw, and had it not been for a dubious umpiring decision, who knows, we might even have been able to push for an unlikely victory.

That was last week and since then Surrey have shown their vulnerability again, crashing out in the semi-finals at Finals' Day, in a low scoring encounter. This week we face the other losing semi finalists from Saturday, who would argue they lost out because of the weather, the toss, the DLS bias and umpiring inconsistency with attitudes regards to rain. They didn't look happy about it on the TV.

Hampshire's Mohammad Abbas and Kyle Abbott don't play in the T20 but have 58 wickets between them in the Championship so far. James Vince and Nick Gubbins have both scored in excess of 600 runs each so far and add in the runs of Liam Dawson and Fletcha Middleton, then you have well in excess of 2000 runs in 2023.

But, we all know batting at Trent Bridge can be an all new ball game. Have Notts got the bowlers currently fit to worry a Division 1 batting unit though?

The short answer is that we haven't been informed, and as is often the case with Pravda, no news means bad news.

Elsewhere on this blog you'll see the list of casualties stacking up; so will we see another debut this week after Will Young's superb debut last week?

If Lyndon James needs resting, then that might open the door to a Tom Loten Notts debut. Tom's inclusion wouldn't alter the balance of the side. You could argue that if Steven Mullaney's niggle hasn't been shaken off, then he could fill his role too. Loten has shown some good form and resilience with the bat recently for the Seconds.

To win games, you have to take wickets, usually 20 and with Brett Hutton (41) and Dane Paterson (31) we have two of the most prolific wicket takers in Division 1 in 2023 but both have huge question marks against their names as to their current fitness / injury status. 

We await the squad news with bated breath.