Former Bears Left-Armer Propels Hampshire to First-Innings Lead with Ninth Five-Wicket Haul
Keith Barker, the former Warwickshire left-arm seamer, showcased his skills against his former team, picking up 6 for 74 to help Hampshire establish a 132-run lead on the second day of their Vitality County Championship match at Edgbaston.
Barker, who bagged 14 five-wicket hauls during his time with Warwickshire, added his ninth such feat for Hampshire, outclassing the home team’s batters in the Birmingham sunshine. Alongside Kyle Abbott’s 3 for 64, Barker’s brilliant swing bowling dismissed Warwickshire for 254 in reply to Hampshire’s 298.
“Barker’s brilliant swing bowling dismissed Warwickshire for 254 in reply to Hampshire’s 298.”
Despite solid performances from young batters Jake Bethell (69) and Dan Mousley (57), Warwickshire struggled to match the visitors’ first-innings total. Hampshire then consolidated their advantage in the final session, reaching 88 for 2, with Fletcha Middleton scoring an unbeaten 58.
The match has been a battle of attrition, with the seam bowlers finding assistance from the conditions. The long boundary on the Pershore Road side of the ground has resulted in a “festival of threes,” with 15 such runs scored already.
As Hampshire look to extend their lead, Warwickshire will be hoping to fight back and keep the contest alive, providing an intriguing second half to this engaging County Championship fixture.
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