Late Flurry of Wickets Boosts Hosts as Liam Dawson Remains Unbeaten on 46
In a thrilling day of County Championship action at Emirates Old Trafford, Hampshire’s Fletcha Middleton continued his impressive season with a century, but a late collapse saw Lancashire fight back to leave the match evenly poised.
Middleton’s 109 and a solid 75 from Nick Gubbins had Hampshire well-placed at 330-9 by the close, but Lancashire’s bowlers, led by Tom Aspinwall and leg-spinner Luke Wells, who both claimed three wickets, fought back impressively in the final session.
“Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Hampshire made a solid start, with Middleton and Gubbins putting on 151 for the second wicket.”
Middleton reached his century off 173 balls, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that saw Hampshire lose six wickets for just 14 runs.
Aspinwall and Wells were the pick of the Lancashire bowlers, with Aspinwall finishing with 3-96 and Wells 3-69 from his 19 overs. The hosts will be pleased to have made such a strong comeback after being dominated for much of the day, and will look to make further inroads on the second morning.
Liam Dawson, unbeaten on 46, will be crucial to Hampshire’s hopes of posting a competitive total, with the visitors still looking to secure their place in the Vitality County Championship. The match promises an intriguing second day, with both sides eager to gain the upper hand.
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