Cricket Enthusiasts Captivated by Tight Encounter at Wantage Road
In a low-scoring affair at Wantage Road, Sussex’s bowlers staged a late fightback to keep Northamptonshire within reach of victory in the Vitality County Championship Division Two clash.
Set a challenging target of 284 to win, Emilio Gay’s gritty 67 had given the hosts hope of securing their first win of the season. However, the dismissals of Gay and captain Luke Procter in quick succession left Northamptonshire on 137 for 4, still needing a further 147 runs.
Earlier, Sussex were bowled out for 237 in their second innings, with Procter delivering a season-best performance of 4 for 45. Ben Sanderson also chipped in with 3 for 44 as the visitors sought to build on their slender first-innings lead.
“The opening day had seen 22 wickets fall, and the see-saw battle continued on day two.”
Tom Alsop’s early dismissal was followed by further strikes from Sanderson and Raphy Weatherall, but James Coles and Oli Carter steadied the ship for Sussex.
Procter then struck to remove Coles, and Broad added two more wickets just after lunch. Despite a late flourish from John Simpson (40) and Nathan McAndrew (22), Procter and Sanderson managed to wrap up the Sussex innings.
Northamptonshire’s chase got off to a shaky start with the loss of Ricardo Vasconcelos, but Prithvi Shaw and Gay added a valuable 69-run partnership. However, the visitors fought back with the dismissals of Shaw and Gay, leaving the home side facing an uphill task.
With the match delicately poised, the final day promises to be an enthralling affair as Northamptonshire seek to pull off a come-from-behind victory, while Sussex aim to consolidate their position at the top of the Division Two table.
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