The race for the LV= County Championship has reached ‘squeaky bum’ time – and Lancashire coach Peter Moores believes it is now down to whichever side holds their nerve.
The Red Rose go into the final four matches of the campaign in second place, behind leaders Durham, after their clash with Warwickshire finished in a nail-biting draw at Aigburth yesterday.
Having set the visitors – who started the match in third place – 290 to win in 75 overs, Lancashire had them reeling on 217-8 at the close of play.
If Durham’s clash with Nottinghamshire finishes in a draw today – as expected – Lancashire will be six points behind on 177, with Somerset a further six points adrift.
Warwickshire are now fourth on 168, but they have a game in hand.
Lancashire now face struggling Worcestershire home and away, host bottom-of-the-table Hampshire at Liverpool, before finishing the campaign with a potentially decisive clash at Somerset.
“The title will depend on who holds their nerve,” said Moores. “I don’t think we need to win all four of our remaining games. If we win two we will be in with a shout, three and we will be in with a very big chance and if we do win all four we will definitely finish top.
“We have won seven games this season, normally if you win 10 it is enough to take the title and often it would take less than that.
“We have been up there all the way through, we have shown a lot of fight and character.
“We will go very hard in these last four games.”
Lancashire, deciding to bat on in a bid to get a lead of over 300 to defend on what was still a decent batting track, added just six to their overnight score before being bowled out for 380 yesterday.
And Warwickshire set off like a steam train in their run-chase, with Varun Chopra and big-hitting Neil Carter – who was promoted up the order – racing to 50 in just the 11th over.
But a rain delay, which knocked eight overs off and made it 25 lost on the day, made the task even harder and Lancashire pounced, claiming four quick wickets.
Blood
Mahmood, who bowled 20 no-balls in the game, struck first as Carter went for 25 caught by Tom Smith at slip.
Kyle Hogg accounted for Chopra for 46 and when Gary Keedy claimed Will Porterfield and James Troughton, Warwickshire were 92-4 and the Red Rose could smell blood.
A 68-run stand between Laurie Evans and Tim Ambrose, however, looked to have made the game safe for the visitors.
But there was still time for some late drama. Rikki Clarke went with just six overs left, and when Chris Woakes and Jeetan Patel both fell to Steven Croft in the penultimate over, a Lancashire win was on.
But Ambrose, who finished unbeaten on 66, saw off the last over from Keedy – who claimed 3-53 – to secure a draw.
“It was a great game,” said Moores. “Both sides got stuck in and had opportunities to win it and it is a shame we didn’t have another session.”
Lancashire continue their bid to qualify for the semi-finals of the CB40 tonight when they take on Gloucestershire at Old Trafford.
What do you think? Have your say.
Lancashire face test of nerve
August 05, 2011
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The last day of county championship games should continue until bad light stops play if there is a chance of getting a result. Forget the "purists" and work out next-day scheduling and then there is no viable reason why this should not happen.
Lancs have been let down with low batting points recently. It could come back and bite them.
Does it not sadden you that there are so few comments on our Lancs boys, whilst hundreds of one brain celled footie supporters on the footie site!!!
Soccer is always going to be more popular and attract more comment than cricket but it is a pity that more people don't comment. However the fans that do post their views are knowledgable and care about the county. As one of them rightly said, many - and I include myself - do tend to moan ! This is borne of frustration at our lack of trophies over the last ten years and the innumerable near misses and semi-final defeats. It is a testamant to the improvement and team spirit that we are berating the lack of batting points for possibly missing out on the Championship. At the start of the season the experts said we were relegation candidates. Our poor batting is the reason we are not well clear at the top. Compare our "haul" to that of our rivals.
Durham (-15), Somerset (-13), Warwickshire (-5 and they also have a game in hand). These lost points almost represent an extra win !
I think we should persevere with the core of the present side. However we do need to sign a top class middle order batsman to replace Mark Chilton. He is simply not good enough to bat at number 4.