In a round of staggering collapses, batting sides continued to strap on their roller skates and head to the ice rink. At Grace Road, Leicestershire were rumbled for 145, a 377 run-victory that puts Somerset back on the top of the table, that longed-for first title still in reach. Somerset set Leicestershire 523 to win after waiting for New Zealand signing Henry Nicholls to reach his first Championship century.
Craig Overton (four for 33) and Jack Leach (three for 30) then stormed through Leicestershire’s defences. The most entertaining moment for a loyal crowd was when a runaway husky frolicked on the pitch. At Trent Bridge, defending champions Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 104 by a rampant Hampshire attack.
Seventeen-year-old Manny Lumsden, bowling with fire and bounce, sprung out five for 36, including top scorer Joe Clarke for 37. Hampshire, set 178, were soon batting on a see-saw of their own against Olly Stone (three for 15) and Dillon Pennington (three for 18). They had stumbled to 61 for six when bad light brought temporary respite.
At Headingley, Essex fell foul of Kuldeep Yadav, whose six for 50 has almost ensured Yorkshire’s Division One spot next season. At one stage Essex were 26 for five following on, but Paul Walter’s 48 and George Bell’s 28 ensured they passed 100. Kuldeep can tuck career-best match figures of 10 for 120 into his wallet.
Sam Cook, who arrived late, unwanted at the Test, didn’t bowl a ball. Northamptonshire took 20 points from their six-wicket victory over Worcestershire, leapfrogging promotion challengers Kent. They had a more difficult day at the County Ground against Derbyshire, who have set the visitors 434 to win after half centuries for Brooke Guest, Luis Reece and the in-form Martin Andersson.
Elsewhere, an unbeaten maiden first-class 50 from Rocky Flintoff gave Lancashire a glimmer of hope for their first win since April. They trail Gloucestershire by 128 runs with four wickets remaining.
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