In what is turning into the worst English summer in memory, the weather was once more the victor, as consistent rain ruined Yorkshire’s County Championship with Hampshire. Over the four days of play only 106 overs were able to be bowled at the Rose Bowl, as Yorkshire had to settle for a draw and a paltry 7 points, in their bid to achieve promotion back to the top division at the first attempt.
After two days of miserable weather which enabled virtually no play, Yorkshire cracked on with their innings on day three, amassing 350-9 in 94 overs. This was accomplished primarily due to a superb innings by youngster Joe Root. 21 year old Root produced a career best knock of 222 not out, spanning over two days.
The Sheffield born youngster opened the batting, but saw a series of partners depart without significantly troubling the scorers, as Yorkshire slumped to 108-6. Root was then ably supported by Azeem Raziq (29) and Steven Patterson (37), as Yorkshire launched a recovery.
However when new signing Steve Harmison departed as the ninth man out, Yorkshire still only had 292 on the board, but Root did not panic as he stroked multiple boundaries and dominated the scoring, in an unbeaten 58 run partnership with Moin Ashraf, which saw Yorkshire claim four batting points before they declared.
In response Hampshire ended day three well moving onto 39 without loss, as former England seamer Harmison, on loan from Durham, and his counterparts were unable to make an early impact. The rain then returned on day four, as once more the weather prevailed, washing out the final day’s play.
Yorkshire now face a crucial clash with table topping Derbyshire at Chesterfield, starting on Wednesday and will be hoping that the weather improves by then. As well as the weather they’ll have to be aware of a young Derbyshire side which has flourished in the County Championship this year.
Australian Usman Khawaja stroked a century in the CB40 yesterday against the Unicorns, and coupled with Wayne Madsen, Wes Durston and Dan Redfern, Derbyshire have a potentially formidable batting unit. The bowling is no slouch either, as former Yorkshire spinner David Wainwright has excelled at his new county, and been well supported by seamers Tony Palladino and Tim Groeneweld. An exciting game lies in store, if the weather improves.
Things could be worse though, just take a look at New Road, Worcestershire’s ground, which is once more submerged in water. New Road traditionally struggles with rainfall, and this is not the first time that the ground has fell foul to flooding. Cricket in general has been washed out this summer, as the ghastly British weather wins the battle.
