Middlesex’s Josh de Caires took career-best figures of seven for 105 as Essex were reduced to 303 for nine on day one of their LV= Insurance County Championship Division One clash.
Nick Browne (59) and Sir Alastair Cook (58) put on a century stand before De Caires, the 21-year-old son of Michael Atherton, took centre stage.
His efforts saw Essex reduced to 169 for five inside 16 overs en route to 303 for nine at the close.
Surrey are set to extend their lead at the top of Division One after taking 17 wickets on the second day at the Oval.
The hosts were all out for 396 and Warwickshire were subsequently bowled out for 161 thanks to Kemar Roach (four for 64) and Dan Worrall (three for 34).
Surrey then enforced the follow-on and the Bears quickly fell to 35 for five as Worrall and Jordan Clark took three wickets each.
Dan Mousley remains at the crease with an unbeaten 60, but Warwickshire closed on 126 for seven, still trailing by 109.
Keith Barker’s five-wicket haul saw Hampshire take control as Somerset were all out for 137.
Kyle Abbott’s dismissal saw Jack Brooks earn his first five-wicket haul of the season as the hosts were all out for 308 in the morning.
Barker then got off to a flying start to dismiss Sean Dickson in the third over and Andrew Umeed top-scored for Somerset with 43, leaving Hampshire to resume on day three on 45 without loss.
Josh Bohannon’s mammoth knock put Lancashire in the driving seat as they lead Northamptonshire by 160 runs.
The 26-year-old batted nearly the entire day to hit 175, his highest score of the season, and shared a partnership of 150 with George Balderson.
Alex Lees and Graham Clark both put on centuries as Durham took advantage against Sussex in Division Two.
Lees earned his fifth Championship century of the season with 103, putting on a 146-run partnership with Scott Borthwick, who scored 56.
The hosts lead by 158 with five wickets remaining and Clark (102*) and De Leede (71*) remained unbeaten at stumps.
A vital final session saw Leicestershire regain control over Gloucestershire on an eventful day two.
From a position of relative comfort overnight, Colin Ackermann’s dismissal saw the hosts collapse from 150 for three to 204 all out with top-scorer Rishi Patel earning 73.
Patel became Luke Charlesworth’s maiden first-class victim and the bowler took three wickets in total alongside Zaman Akhter’s four for 46.
Gloucestershire posted 95 for three at tea, but Leicestershire regained the upper hand through Tom Scriven (three for 43) as the visitors closed on 179 for eight, with a lead of 134.
Jamie McIlroy’s four wickets helped Glamorgan fightback as Worcestershire closed day two on 127 for eight in their second innings.
Eighteen wickets fell on the second day, including Logan van Beek’s four wicket-haul as Glamorgan were reduced to 170 all out, as wicketkeeper Chris Cooke top-scored with 38, but Worcestershire still held the advantage with a first-innings lead of 114.
However, McIlroy returned career-best figures of four wickets for 27 runs as the hosts reached stumps on 127 for eight.
Wayne Madsen missed out on a century in his 200th first-class appearance for Derbyshire as Yorkshire took a 229-run lead at Scarborough.
Madsen hit 93 for the visitors along with opener Mitch Wagstaff, who also posted 52, but they were soon reduced from 173 for three to 247 all out.
Seam duo Matthew Fisher and Jordan Thompson both claimed three wickets each for Yorkshire, who built on their lead in the second innings finishing the day on 179 for two.
Openers Fin Bean and Adam Lyth put on a century stand before James Wharton and captain Shan Masood scored an unbroken half-century partnership to close.
Grenadian 400m icon Kirani James and Antigua's Sir Curtly Ambrose to receive UWI honorary doctorates
Decorated Grenadian quarter-miler Kirani James and West Indies cricket legend Sir Curtly Ambrose are set to be honoured with honorary doctorate degrees from the University of the West Indies (UWI), according to reports. They are among 13 distinguished individuals recognized for their outstanding contributions to the Caribbean region, with ceremonies scheduled across UWI's five campuses from October 12 to November 9, 2024.
Kirani James, renowned as one of the most accomplished 400m runners in history, will receive the honorary degree of Doctor of Laws (LLD). James, who made history as Grenada's first Olympic gold medalist, has consistently excelled on the global stage. He is one of only nine athletes ever to win world titles at the youth, junior, and senior levels and is the first athlete to secure three individual Olympic medals in the 400m, with gold in 2012, silver in 2016, and bronze in 2020. James also boasts three World Championship medals, including gold in 2011.
Beyond his illustrious athletic career, James has demonstrated a commitment to education and community development. He holds a Bachelor's degree in General Business and serves on the Board of Directors of the Windward Islands Research & Education Foundation (WINDREF), where he contributes to the Sport for Health programme. His recognition by UWI not only celebrates his athletic achievements but also acknowledges his broader contributions to Grenadian society and the Caribbean region.
Joining James among the honorees is Sir Curtly Ambrose, the legendary fast bowler from Antigua and Barbuda, who will also be conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws (LLD) degree. Ambrose, one of cricket's all-time greats, terrorized batsmen worldwide during his career, helping to cement the West Indies' dominance in the sport during the late 1980s and 1990s. His remarkable impact on cricket has left a lasting legacy, making him a fitting recipient of this distinguished recognition.
In its official statement, UWI emphasized the importance of celebrating individuals who have made significant contributions to various fields, including sports, culture, medicine, and human rights. "This year's recipients have excelled in advocacy, medicine, tourism, culture, sports, business, education, science, and music," UWI stated, highlighting the diverse achievements of those being honored.
The UWI graduation ceremonies will take place across its campuses in Antigua, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and globally via the UWI Open Campus, each marking the contributions of the honorees in their respective fields. James' recognition will take place on November 9 at the Global Campus, while Sir Curtly Ambrose will be honoured at the Five Islands Campus ceremony in Antigua on October 12.
Junior Murray chronicles his journey in new autobiography "Windball to Windies"
Former West Indies wicketkeeper-batsman Junior Murray has released his long-awaited autobiography, "Windball to Windies," offering an intimate glimpse into the highs and lows of his cricket career and personal life. The Grenadian cricketer, who was a mainstay of the West Indies team in the 1990s, uses the book to reflect on his rise from humble beginnings to the international stage, providing readers with a candid account of the challenges and triumphs he faced along the way.
According to Caribbean sports writer, Michael Bascombe, in this 13-chapter memoir, Murray takes the reader on a journey from his early days playing windball cricket in Grenada to his elevation to the West Indies team. He gives detailed insights into the individuals who influenced his career, from school coaches to international mentors, painting a picture of the hard work and dedication that went into achieving his dreams. Among the highlights is his recollection of the unforgettable Adelaide Test match and the warm homecoming he received after the tour of Australia, a moment that Murray describes as a turning point in both his career and personal life.
"Windball to Windies" does not shy away from the difficult moments, either. Murray delves into the intricacies of team selection, his struggles with form, and his eventual departure from international cricket, offering a raw and unfiltered perspective on the pressures of representing the West Indies. He also discusses the founding of the Junior Murray Cricket Academy, revealing his passion for giving back to the sport by nurturing the next generation of cricketing talent in the Caribbean.
The book’s foreword is written by Mr. Victor Ashby, the former principal of Grenada Boys' Secondary School (GBSS) and a significant figure in Murray's development as a cricketer. Ashby's influence on Murray's decision to pursue cricket is a central theme in the autobiography, with Murray expressing his gratitude for Ashby's unwavering support during his formative years. "I thank you for your vivid recollection of my school days, the decisive moment when I chose cricket over football, and your leadership role in that process," Murray writes, underscoring the importance of mentorship in his journey.
The release of "Windball to Windies" coincides with Grenada's 50th Independence anniversary, adding a layer of significance to Murray's story. He reflects on how his cricketing journey mirrors the nation's broader narrative of resilience and progress. In a nod to the theme of Grenada's Golden Jubilee, "One People, One Journey, One Future," Murray acknowledges that his personal story is just one part of Grenada's rich tapestry of history and culture. "My cricket story is one of the many stories in the intriguing journey of our people," he states, highlighting how his experiences have been shaped by the island’s growth and spirit.
While the autobiography is currently available, Murray has announced plans for official book launches in Grenada and within the Caribbean diaspora. These events will offer an opportunity for fans and readers to connect with the former cricketer, who hopes to inspire and share his experiences with those who have followed his career. Through "Windball to Windies," Murray not only chronicles his own journey but also pays homage to the sport that has given him so much, cementing his legacy as both a player and a mentor.
Cornwall's five-wicket haul seals playoff spot for Barbados Royals
Recalled Rahkeem Cornwall starred with a five-wicket haul as Barbados Royals crushed St Kitts & Nevis Patriots by nine wickets at Kensington Oval to book a spot in the Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League (CPL) playoffs.
Enjoying the spin-friendly surface, Cornwall claimed 5-16 as the Patriots batting order lost 7-31 and were bowled out for 110 in the last over to fall well short of a competitive total.
In-form opener Quinton de Kock (59 not out off 38 balls) was unstoppable as the Royals mowed down the target in the 12th over.
The Royals (5-1) cemented their spot at the top of the CPL ladder, while the Patriots’ (1-7) bid for a playoffs berth is all but over.
After a delayed start due to a wet pitch, the Royals elected to bowl and it proved the right move. The Patriots struggled in the PowerPlay leading to a frustrated Evin Lewis, a centurion earlier in the tournament, holing out in the fourth over.
Skipper Andre Fletcher finally broke the shackles with a targeted assault on Jason Holder before a rush of blood saw him charge down the pitch at Cornwall’s first ball only to miss the shot and be stumped.
Cornwall was recalled after three straight ducks with the bat, but continued to make an immediate impact with the ball after luring Mikyle Louis into a false shot.
He couldn’t complete a hat-trick, but soon claimed his third wicket with the scalp of Wanindu Hasaranga as the Patriots crashed to 61-6 at the midpoint.
Cornwall wasn’t nearly done after dismissing Odean Smith then completing his five-wicket haul when Ryan John was brilliantly caught by Alick Athanaze in the deep.
The Patriots were in major danger of being dismissed for a total under 100, but Joshua da Silva and Anrich Nortje joined forces in a 39-run ninth partnership – the best of the innings – to avoid that ignominy.
But the Patriots were unable to take early wickets as de Kock and Kadeem Alleyne made it look easy with an opening stand of 57 in the powerplay. After smashing a ton against Guyana Amazon Warriors, de Kock continued his rich form with sublime shots around the wicket.
He capitalised after being given out lbw to Kyle Mayers in the fifth over only for the decision to be overturned on review. The Patriots finally ended the stand when Alleyne on 25 was hit on the pads by Hasaranga, who surprisingly had been held back until the sixth over.
But de Kock rolled past another half-century as the Royals emphatically booked a playoff berth.
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