Hampshire Specsavers CC1 at Rose Bowl, Southampton Loss

Day 4

HANTS DISH NOTTS AN EMPHATIC BEATING

As expected Notts offered little resistance at the Rose Bowl today reaching 240 all out to lose the match by a massive 270 run margin. Captain Steven Mullaney made 50 and Riki Wessels made 69, but once the skipper was out after 48 minutes of play the remaining five wickets were brushed up in 90 minutes in 22 overs as the new ball wreaked havoc. Notts' brittle batting line up and weakened attack were heavily exposed against a fellow relegation candidate. Liam Dawson extracting turn on the wearing pitch gathered 4 for 80 but the pick of the attack was Kyle Abbott, so mediocre at Trent Bridge 3 months ago who finished with 4 for 36. Hampshire bowling out Notts in 93.4 overs without the injured Steyn who was nursing a groin strain.

Play got under way in cloudy conditions with Abbott (Pavilion End) and Edwards (Northern End) opening the bowling. The 50 partnership between Mullaney and Wessels was achieved in 142 balls. A leg glance for four by Wessels off Edwards meant Notts reached 150 in the 68th over. Next over Berg replaced Abbott and then Dawson came on for Edwards. Mullaney got to his 50 with a boundary off Berg it took 135 balls, the floodlights were now on. At 1148 and in the 72nd over Mullaney was caught at first slip by Gareth Berg off Dawson for 50 off 142 balls (5 x 4), 173 for five. Joe Weatherley came on for 77th over and with his third ball Root was caught at first slip by Rossouw for 8, 186 for six. Wessels pulled the first ball of the 81st over bowled by Edwards for four, the new ball was then immediately taken. A sharp caught and bowled chance to Edwards was not taken, Wessels on 49 at the time. Next ball Wessels drove Edwards for four to bring his 50 off 115 balls, he then pulled Edwards for four, 14 off the over. Abbott then came on at the Northern End. Fletcher (4) edged Abbott to Adams at second slip, 209 for seven. Carter lasted five balls before playing on to Abbott for a duck, 209 for eight. A 2 wicket maiden for the South African. Lunch had been delayed as a result of Carter's dismissal. Dawson returned from the Northern End for the 88th over as Abbott changed ends. Wessels fell to his second ball leg before for 69 (134 balls, 9 x 4), 229 for nine. A welcome return to form for Wessels who kept well during the match. Lunch was further delayed 30 minutes but the end came at 1321 when Footitt, going for a wild slog was bowled for eight by Dawson, 240 all out. Notts had lost their remaining 6 wickets in 33.4 overs this morning.

Following their pathetic performance against Surrey last month, this emphatic defeat reinforced the relegation fears everyone had in April. With the champions elect waiting at The Oval next week, things will not get any easier. The three games at Trent Bridge in September will prove pivotal. Notts are likely to be inserted in each of these games, the batting has to improve. The only positive to take from this fixture was the determined batting of Brathwaite who seem to value crease occupation. If he and Libby could see off the new ball it will allow the Notts stroke makers to potentially score runs instead of being cannon fodder to opposition bowlers with a barely used ball in their hands. MAG

Day 3

HAMPSHIRE HEADING FOR HEAVY WIN

In spite of some belated fight from Notts

Rearguard innings from Kraigg Brathwaite and Steven Mullaney ensured this match goes to the last day as Notts closed on 128 for 4 still requiring a very distant 383 runs for victory. Hampshire batted longer than expected not declaring until 1410 whilst adding 146 runs to their overnight total in 34 overs. Jake Libby lasted 13 overs before being bowled by Kyle Abbott to a ball that kept low. Nash once again failed to impress lasting 5 balls before falling leg before. Patel was dismissed to a daft shot off Fidel Edwards. Brathwaite impressed gritting it out for 123 balls to record a championship best 48 before falling to a slip catch off Dawson. Mullaney and Wessels remained unparted for the last 20 overs to give Notts a flicker of hope. Wessels was badly dropped by Edwards and so far has batted 69 balls and his skipper 101 balls. It would though be a minor miracle if Notts bat out tomorrow with the new ball due in 20 overs time.

In bright sunshine, Milnes (Pavilion End) and Carter (Northern End) bowled the first eight overs of the day, before Milnes was replaced by Brathwaite bowling gentle off spin. The new ball was taken by Luke Fletcher after 81.2 overs. Mark Footitt then replaced Brathwaite who had bowled two overs. A boundary for Alsop off Footitt brought up the 50 stand with fellow left hander Rossouw in 98 balls. The run rate was increasing, the 300 was achieved in over 84, 65 runs coming in the first hour of play. Rossouw playing back to a delivery was leg before to Fletcher for 36, 319 for 5, the fifth wicket had added 75. Tom Alsop fell for 99 being caught low down to his right by Carter in the gully off Footitt. He faced 196 balls with 10 fours and 1 six, 327 for 6. Footitt picked up his third wicket when Berg (9) drove him to Brathwaite at cover, 336 for seven. Hampshire added a further 14 runs before lunch going to the interval on 350 for seven. They have scored 97 for three off 26 overs, Notts bowling 11 overs in the last hour before lunch.

Declaration?

Hampshire had another 30 minutes batting after lunch which was all rather futile. They finally declared on 399 for 7 declared. Dawson on 36 and Abbott on 28. Footitt 3 for 69. The Notts target was 511 off a minimum 156 overs.

Falling for the trap

Edwards without the menace of the first innings bowled a four over spell from the Pavilion End and then made way for Kyle Abbott. After five overs from Berg, Dawson came on from the Northern End. A full delivery from Abbott kept low and bowled Libby for 15, 31 for one in the 13th over. Nash failed to justify his surprise selection by being given trapped leg before to Dawson for a five ball 2, 34 for two. Abbott bowled a testing spell of 6 0 12 1 as Edwards returned and he picked up Patel (9) who fell to a terrible shot hitting a short ball straight to Rossouw at short mid wicket, 53 for three. Hampshire had positioned two short mid wickets and he was well and truly caught in the trap. Weatherley bowling off spin replaced him with two overs left to tea. Notts 58 for three off 28 overs at tea Brathwaite 31 and Mullaney 1.

Abbott and Dawson were bowling in tandem after tea. Abbott bowled 5 4 4 0 in his spell his last ball edged for four by Mullaney through the slips. Berg replaced him. With 21 overs left, Brathwaite was caught at second slip by Berg off Dawson for 48 (123 balls, 4 x 4), 85 for 4. A valiant effort on his debut, clearly a man who values his wicket. Berg had a four over spell as Edwards returned to bowl. The Notts 100 came up off the last ball of 48th over as Mullaney hit for a boundary through backward point. Wessels skied one off Dawson on 12 but Edwards grassed the easy chance in the covers. Mullaney (29 not out ) and Wessels (19 not out) were still there at the close with Notts 128 for 4 off 60 overs. MAG

Day 2

VINCE TAKES GAME AWAY FROM NOTTS

FLETCHER AND ROOT SAVE THE FOLLOW-ON BUT EDWARDS SNUFFS NOTTS OUT BEFORE LUNCH

At the close of play on day 2 Hampshire are in a position of total domination leading by 364 runs with six second innings wickets still standing. Two Hampshire men have stood head and shoulders above the other 20 players on show. James Vince followed his 74 yesterday with a sublime 147 today and Fidel Edwards has extracted pace and bounce out the wicket that no other bowler has matched. Edwards always saves his best for Notts taking 6 for 50, the Notts line up not being to handle his speed. Expect Hampshire to target a lead of 500 as Dale Steyn has gone lame. Notts face a near hopeless task. Thanks to the long handle from Fletcher the follow on was avoided. Root batting too far down at eight chipped in with a cameo of 36 leading to deficit of 111 after the first innings. But Notts with a much weakened bowling line up could not prevent Hampshire piling up the runs on a pitch that appeared to be easing with Vince and Alsop adding 171 for the 4th wicket in 45 overs to close the door on Notts. It will be interesting to see whether Notts will rejig the misfiring batting line up as another championship game passed by with no batting points obtained. Relegation is now a real threat.

Play got under way on time under heavy cloud cover and with the floodlights on; due to the time lost yesterday it was a 100 over day. Patel (6) was plumb leg before to Edwards in the third over of the morning, 44 for 5. Wessels was dropped at first slip low down by Weatherley off Edwards when on three. Dale Steyn bowled a four over spell from the Northern End and was replaced by Gareth Berg. Kyle Abbott then took over from Fidel Edwards. Wessels (11) was struggling throughout his 22 ball stay and was leg before to Abbott's second ball, 78 for 6. A poor swipe outside off stump saw Mullaney depart caught behind off Berg for 38. 

82 for seven.

A straight driven four by Fletcher off Abbott saw Notts past 100 in the 32nd over. In the same over Fletcher on 17 was dropped by Weatherley at slip off Abbott a sharp chance above his head. Fletcher was going for his shots, hitting Abbott for a leg side six. Steyn went off injured mid over his over being completed by Dawson. Edwards came back from the Pavilion End and a four through third man off him by Fletcher saw Notts avoid the follow on at 1238. An agricultural heave next ball saw another boundary through mid wicket bringing the 50 partnership with the Bomber contributing 43. Fletcher (43 off 35 balls 7 x 4 1 x 6) then trying the same shot was caught on the mid wicket ropes by Dawson off Edwards, his fifth wicket, 133 for eight. Edwards picked up his sixth wicket comprehensively bowling Carter for a duck, 148 for nine. Lunch had been delayed when Root hit Dawson for six over mid wicket. Abbott returned for a new spell and with his first ball Root (36 off 47 balls 3 x 4 1 x 6) drove him straight to Edwards at extra cover. Notts 166 all out. Edwards always a menace against Notts 16 2 50 6. Hampshire led by 111 runs. Lunch was taken between the innings at 1318.

Fletcher (Pavilion End) and Footitt (Northern End) opened the bowling. With his fifth ball Footitt comprehensively bowled Jimmy Adams for a duck, 0 for 1. Fletcher only bowled two overs and then on came Milnes. With Milnes' third ball Weatherley was leg before for 18, 24 for two. Consecutive fours for Vince off Milnes saw Hampshire reach 50 in the 15th over. There was a double bowling change, Mullaney came on from the Northern End and Carter from the Pavilion End. Vince hit Carter for a six over mid wicket. Wessels standing up to Mullaney held a snick from Northeast to dismiss the former Kent man for 12, 73 for three. The home side then gained complete grip on the game. Vince got to his 50 off 65 balls with a cover driven four off Mullaney. The Hampshire 100 came up in the 29th over. Patel had a twirl from the Northern End. Hampshire got to tea at 1615 on 115 for three with Vince on 77 and Alsop on 7.

After tea Hampshire added a further 138 losing just a solitary wicket. The 150 was achieved in the 48th over. Footitt returned from the Pavilion End and Vince got to a fine ton off 139 runs via a cover drive for four. The 100 partnership between Vince and Alsop took 192 balls. The 200 came up in the 59th over. Alsop reached his 50 off 112 balls with a six over long on off Matt Carter. Milnes returned from the Pavilion End as the runs continued to accumulate. Then suddenly a wicket Vince lost his off stump to the Plumtree man, Vince 147 off 195 balls with 18 fours and one stump, 244 for 4. Vince was batting on a different planet to everyone else The 250 came up in the 69th over as stumps were drawn at 1836 with Hampshire on 253 for four after 70 overs with Alsop on 63 and Rossouw on 6. 

The bowling offered little threat with no chances being missed. Not a good day for Notts can some pride be savalaged tomorrow? MAG
Day 1

NOTTS NEMESIS FIDEL EDWARDS WREAKS FAMILIAR HAVOC

As Notts "stutter" to 39-4 at stumps

ON A ROLLERCOASTER DAY FOR NOTTS' FORTUNES AFTER HAMPSHIRE WERE SAVED BY DAWSON AND ABBOTT 133 RUN EIGHTH WICKET PARTNERSHIP

Hampshire finished the opening day at The Rose Bowl well in control with Notts 39 for four, 238 runs behind Hampshire first innings total of 277. Earlier at 1510, Hampshire were 137 for seven, but a crucial eighth wicket stand of 133 runs between Liam Dawson (72) and Kyle Abbott (60 not out) turned the game in favour of the home side. Notts lacking a spearhead to finish Hampshire off on a slowish pitch.

Hampshire's innings was a curate's egg as it contained a stand of 75 for the fifth wicket between Vince (75) and Rossouw and a eighth wicket stand of 133 between Dawson (72) and Abbott (60 not out), but precious little else. Notts took wickets in clusters. Taking wickets 2, 3 and 4 via 3 wickets in 5 balls by Mullaney all bowled. Wickets 5, 6 and 7 were taken in 9 balls with two scalps for Fletcher and one for Carter. Finally the last three balls fell in 17 balls. Mulllaney got the ball to swing straight after lunch, Fletcher and Carter both bowled well on the slow deck. Milnes was steady but lacked any wicket taking threat. Footitt after a good opening spell was a disappointment lacking consistent pace and control. Notts without Ball, Gurney and Broad could offer no bowler with any real consistent speed. With 15 overs to bat, Edwards filleted the brittle Notts top order. Two of Mullaney, Wessels, Patel and Root will have to get big scores tomorrow for Notts to remain in the game.

A much changed Notts inserted Hampshire after an uncontested toss. Kraigg Brathwaite was making his Notts debut and there was a seasonal debut for Mark Footitt preferred ahead of Harry Gurney. Chris Nash surprisingly returned after a six week absence due to a shoulder injury, looking out of form for the seconds last week. Wessels took over behind the stumps as Tom Moores had a leg injury. Play got under way 45 minutes late due to very light drizzle with Fletcher (Pavilion End) and Footitt (Northern End) opened the bowling. In the tenth over, Footitt got Weatherley (9) to edge to keeper Wessels, 24 for one. After six overs for 14 Fletcher was replaced by Matt Milnes. After a good spell of 7 overs 1 for 22 Footitt made way for the skipper. Hampshire got to lunch on 57 for one off 18 overs with Adams on 22 and Vince on 20.

The second session proved a lot more eventful, Mullaney got the ball to wobble straight after lunch. In the second over after the interval Jimmy Adams was bowled by Mullaney on 22, 58 for two. Lightning struck twice two balls later as Sam Northeast was bowled for a duck, 58 for three. Mullaney hit the stumps for the third time in five balls as Alsop also fell for a second ball duck, 62 for four. The sun was now beating down as James Vince got a flurry of boundaries off Milnes and Mullaney to get to his 50 in 68 balls. Footitt replaced Milnes from the Pavilion End as the Hampshire 100 came up in the 29th over via a wide from the left armer. Fletcher then replaced Mullaney who had bowled 7 1 28 3, having conceded 20 in his last two overs. A square driven four by Rossouw off Footitt brought up the 50 partnership for the fifth wicket off 59 balls. Matt Carter replaced Mark Footitt who proved expensive in his second spell bowling 3 0 23 0, Vince tucking into him. Fletcher beat the bat on a few occasions and finally found the edge as Rossouw (13) edged in to the safe hands of Carter at first slip, 137 for five. Next over Carter removed the main man Vince for 74 (off 96 balls with 11 fours) via a catch caught at the second attempt by Mullaney at first slip, 137 for six. For the third time in the innings a Hampshire batsman fell for a two ball, Gareth Berg plumb leg before to Fletcher, 137 for seven. Matt Milnes replaced Fletcher from the Northern End, Fletcher had bowled 7 1 26 2 in his fine spell. Samit Patel came on and a long hop was deposited for six by Dawson over mid wicket bringing up the 50 stand for the eighth wicket with Abbott in nine overs. Hampshire went to tea on 193 for seven off 49 overs, Dawson on 28 and Abbott on 26. Hampshire had scored 136 for 6 wickets in the session.

Mulllaney (North End) and Milnes (Pavilion End) opened the bowling after tea but a wicket was not forthcoming. Mullaney switched ends as Fletcher came on from the Northern End. Fletcher only had a three over spell as Footitt returned and Dawson reached his half ton off 69 balls. A single off Footitt brought up the 100 partnership in 157 balls. The Hampshire 250 came up in the 68th over. A single for Abbott off Carter saw him to 50 in 95 balls. A wicket finally came as Dawson danced down the pitch to Carter and bowled for 72 off 108 balls (5 x 4, 1 x 6), 270 for 8. The eighth wicket had added 133 off 35 overs. Dale Steyn lasted four balls as Carter tossed one up and he edged to Mullaney, the fourth duck of the innings, 270 for 9. Brathwaite ran out Edwards for 1 via a throw from the covers, 277 all out. Abbott 60 not out off 113 balls (7 x 4). Matt Carter 3 for 34 and Mullaney 3 for 43.

Notts had 15 overs to face with a new opening pair of Brathwaite and Libby. The opening bowlers were Steyn (Northern End) and Edwards (Pavilion End). There was a long stoppage as Brathwaite requiring a different helmet was a given choice of multitude of replacements brought out by physio Jamie Pipe. Then the collapse came, Brathwaite (5) lasted 21 balls before edging Edwards to Adams at second slip, 21 for one. Next over Nash (1) edged Berg to keeper Alsop, 22 for 2. Libby (16) then chopped on to Edwards, 24 for three. Night watchman Milnes lasted six balls before bowled by Edwards for two, 25 for four. With three overs remaining Dale Steyn came on from the Northern End. Abbott returned from the Pavilion End, but Patel (6 not out) and Mullaney (8 not out) stayed firm as Notts limped to the close at 1922 on 39 for four. MAG

The Nottinghamshire XI

Kraigg Brathwaite
Jake Libby
Chris Nash
Samit Patel
Steven Mullaney
Riki Wessels
Billy Root
Luke Fletcher
Matt Carter
Mat Milnes
Mark Footitt



Following the heroics of the last eight days and after a break of 27 days, it's back to the "grind", the bread and butter stuff of the County Championship on Sunday.

The last time Notts played a CC1 match away from Trent Bridge it was to upset the form books and most's expectations in beating reigning champions Essex. This game sees Notts sitting third in the table, two places lower than at the time we beat Hampshire at Trent Bridge at the beginning of May. Hampshire are one of the teams that we must aim to beat, to accumulate points to maintain our division one status. Yes we are in a healthy position now but with four matches in September at the Bridge we still can't afford a Mick Newell September run-in or to continue our dismal home form of 2018 (Hampshire game apart).

Since last the sides met, we don't have Ross Taylor but neither do they have Hashim Amla - both were influential players in that encounter. (see MAG's reports)

http://nottsview.blogspot.com/2018/05/hampshire-specsavers-cc1-at-trent.html

Notts will be without Stuart Broad also; good luck to him at the Trent Bridge test starting today Saturday.

Matt Carter should be reinstated to the eleven from the squad below, which does include new signing Kraigg Brathwaite (try saying that without a northern accent).

Riki Wessels keeps wicket as Tom Moores is absent. Luke Wood is back from work experience at Worcester, so how many left armers will be picked, Woody can bat a bit but the other two can't!

Jake Libby, 
Chris Nash, 
Steven Mullaney (c), 
Mark Footitt, 
Riki Wessels (wk), 
Harry Gurney,
Luke Wood, 
Matt Milnes, 
Luke Fletcher,
Matt Carter,
Samit Patel, 
Will Fraine, 
Billy Root,
Kraigg Brathwaite.


Who will be the Notts scorer as the top two are on Test duty?