Apple Carts upset

 posted by John Winn

When the new format for the county championship was unveiled last November I saw it very much as a temporary measure which would see us through another summer's cricket before things could return to normal in 2022. To my surprise, but I know I am not the only one, I very quickly grew to like it and it would be my wish, if the ECB ever thought of consulting county members, that it continue next year. 

Today marks the last day of play before the competition draws breath, quite why I am not sure, to allow T20 to begin with three matches on Wednesday. The red ball will be put away until the final two rounds of phase one are played in July but despite this interruption there will be plenty to look forward to when it resumes on Independence Day with eight matches. In Group 3 Northamptonshire v Yorkshire has already provided us with an historic finish when, at the end of April the white rose triumphed by a solitary run and the two will meet again next month at Wantage Road. It is hard to see Northants getting anything more than a draw from today's play at Canterbury for this match has been more rain affected than any other in this round and Kent who have had a pretty miserable season probably surprised even their most ardent followers by rattling up 330 for 5 yesterday. 

A week ago following their victory in the Roses match Lancashire were the only unbeaten team in the country but were brought down to earth in a low scoring match in Cardiff. They will remain top of the  group whatever the outcome at Headingley today but Sussex will need to bat until after tea to avoid defeat and a win for Yorkshire will go a long way towards insuring qualification for the top six when the competition enters its next stage at the end of August. Yorkshire entertain Lancashire at Scarborough in the last round of matches beginning on July 11th. The ticketing arrangements for this match were a popular topic of conversation at Headingley on Thursday and Friday with rumours that Scarborough CC have already sold 1200 tickets which if current limits on attendance remain in force will not leave that many for the rest of us. 

Turning to Group 1 it seems to be a case of two into four won't go. Warwickshire have a nine point lead over Durham and a further four point advantage over Essex. Durham will have enjoyed their journey home from Worcester last night but they will return to the West Midlands on July 4th when they are due at Edgbaston. Essex are in action today and are still 113 runs behind Notts' first innings with seven wickets down. Will Notts gamble and go for the win? A match to keep an eye on via radio or the excellent streaming service which has generated so much interest in this year's competition. 

In Group 2 it is Gloucestershire who have hit a sticky patch. They had the worst of the rain ruined game at Bristol last month, got hammered at The Oval and yesterday provided Leicestershire with their second win of the campaign. Their last two games, against Middlesex and Hants are at Cheltenham which should improve their prospects of getting back to their early season form. Somerset v Hampshire enters its fourth day at Taunton this morning with Somerset in a strong position. A lead of 372 suggests an overnight declaration and another intriguing day in store.