Notts Rescued by the Rain

With a great deal of help from the weather Notts saved the game against Somerset at showery Trent Bridge today.

A heavy shower at 1030 delayed the start until 1120, but Notts lost both openers in the opening four overs as the ball started to swing in the overcast conditions. Edwards edged Trego to Kieswetter to depart for 26 and in next over Hales (29) edged Meschede to slip as Notts were struggling on 62 for two. Kirby meanwhile was off the field so Somerset with Trescothick out for two weeks had two subs on. The rain returned after 20 minutes but it was only a brief stoppage and when the players returned, Patel who never looked in was leg before to Trego for 11 as Notts were then now 85 for three, with defeat now a possibility. 

Taylor and Lumb saw Notts safely to lunch with the score standing at 99 for three.

A heavy hail shower at 1335 just as lunch was ending ensured that the players were off the field until 1500. The players returned to the field for three overs and one run was added until another brief shower came and with an early tea taken play resumed for the final time at 1550. Slow left armer Dockrell beat Lumb in the flight as he departed bowled for 23 an innings which lasted 74 balls. The pitch and overhead conditions had eased somewhat and with blue sky finally appearing it was almost felt that summer was here but the temperature remained at just nine degrees. A St George’s parade passed the ground which included bagpipers (work that one out!!) as the game petered out. Trego’s long spell at the Radcliffe Road finally ended and James Taylor (38 not out) and Read (32 not out) saw Notts safely to close as players shook hands at 1710 with Notts 169 for four, still 114 runs in arrears.

Notts who had badly missed Adams had been completely outplayed over the four days but obtained three points from a fortuitous draw. Expect the Kiwi to come in for Mullaney at New Road, but will the DofC be brave enough to drop the hapless Edwards for Turner? MAG