Ahmed Takes Maiden Second XI 5-Fer
Thu 5 May 2022
By Pete Johnson
It was yet another dull grey day when we arrived at Nottingham for Day 3 of the SEC between Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Additionally, there was a large metaphorical black cloud hanging over the nearby City Ground, home of Nottingham Forest FC, following their result at Bournemouth.
Scott Steel had been called into the Leicestershire 1st XI squad overnight, he was replaced by LCCC Academy member Kieran Pell. Also, Nottinghamshire skipper Matthew Montgomery had withdrawn from the side through injury, Jake Ball taking over the captain’s role.
Leicestershire put themselves in a strong position on day three thanks to the efforts of two fine young 17-year-old prospects. Nottinghamshire were dismissed for 352 in their first innings, Rehan Ahmed taking his first 5-fer for the 2nd X1. Leicestershire ended the day on 98-0 in their second innings with Sam Wood 54*, making his maiden half century for the 2’s.
The fine efforts of these two young Foxes is also an endorsement to many members of the Leicestershire coaching staff, who have devoted countless hours of tuition to assist in the development of these talented youngsters.
Overnight rain had fallen in the local area, but a prompt start at 11.00am was achieved thanks to the hard work of the groundstaff. Spectators were in single figures, but a Leicestershire carload were in attendance, albeit that only two of the seats in their car were occupied on the journey north!
Nottinghamshire resumed on their overnight 192-3, trailing Leicestershire by 319 runs. Dane Schadendorf 57* Zak Chappell 9*. Schadendorf and Chappell progressed smoothly posting a 50 partnership from 86 balls when the score reached 232-3 from 62.1 overs.
Chappell went to his 50 (7x4/1x6) 75b, the score 265-3 from 68.2 overs. Chappell brought up his 50 with a monstrous maximum off Ahmed that cleared the pavilion, and landed on the adjacent rugby field. Chappell had made (64) 88b when he was bowled ‘through the gate’ by Nat Bowley. Nottinghamshire 280-4 from 71.2.
Schadendorf went to his 100 (17x4) 69b when he guided Bowley down to the ropes at third man. I wonder if anyone has checked the third man area on all cricket grounds to see if Lord Lucan may be there?
Leicestershire then turned the screw in the 40 minutes left before lunch. In the next over left-handed Ben Martindale (0) 7b went caught and bowled by Ahmed. Matt Carter (6) 6b was bowled middle and off by Ahmed. Schadendorf (101) 170b went caught at short mid-wicket by Abidine Sakande off Ahmed. Nottinghamshire 300-7 from 76.6 overs.
A fitting reward for Ahmed who had not let an early assault on his bowling deter him, picking up 4 of the 7 wickets to fall in the innings. Rain took the players from the field at 12.56pm, and lunch was taken. Nottinghamshire 305-7 from 79 overs. Sam King 6* Andrew Neal 0*.
The Robin Hood County 206 in arrears. Persistent rain, followed by a ‘mopping up’ operation’ by the groundstaff, delayed the restart of play. During the break, an early tea was taken, play finally getting underway again at 3.30pm, with 17 overs having been lost. 50 overs remained in the day.
A two-and-a-half-hour break in play did come with its advantages to your esteemed scribe. The food on offer at Notts Sports Club is very much of the healthy, and nutritional variety, diligently prepared with people of athletic persuasion in mind, not conducive to one like me whose figure is built for comfort not speed. I grasped the opportunity to visit a nearby fast-food outlet during the prolonged break in play, where the delicacies on offer are much more suited to my finely honed physique!!
Back to the cricket. It took Leicestershire 39 minutes to take the remaining three Nottinghamshire wickets. Andrew Neal (10) 19b was bowled by Nat Bowley. Neal, going onto the back foot, and being beaten by a quicker delivery from Bowley.
Jake Ball (9) 18b then fell victim to a ‘three card trick’ by Ahmed. Ahmed took the short leg out, then with his next delivery enticed Ball down the wicket, ‘keeper Sam Bates whipping off the bails to stump Ball who was yards out of his ground. 5-120 for Ahmed from 26 overs.
At times Ahmed took a bit of ‘tap’ from the aggression of some of the Nottinghamshire batters, but stuck to his task well, and fully merited his first 5 fer for the 2nd XI. I strongly suspect Ahmed will have countless more 5 wicket hauls if his development continues at such a pace.
Leicestershire wrapped up the Nottinghamshire innings when Sam King (31) 47b was pinned in front by Bowley. A fine spell of bowling too from 21-year-old Bowley who picked up 3-60 from 20 overs. Nottinghamshire 352 all out. James Hayes 1*. Leicestershire leading by 159 runs. Leicestershire did not enforce the follow on.
Sam Wood and Nick Welch opened the innings, and 35 overs remained in the day. Wood, opening the innings for the 2nd XI for the first time, took on the responsibility with aplomb, showing maturity that belied his tender years. Welch taking the role of ‘father figure’, guardian, mentor, and guiding light.
Wood and Welch brought up their 50 partnership after 12.4 overs, during which Welch, the Harare Hurricane, had despatched seamer Toby Pettman for a huge maximum. Wood went to his 50 (7x4/1x6) 71b when he drove spinner Calvin Harrison straight down the ground to the ropes.
A great effort from Wood who had comfortably dealt with the seam bowlers Ball, and Chappell, both of whom are seasoned, and vastly experienced campaigners. Solid, reliable support given by Welch. At 5.57pm the players left the field as a result of bad light.
At 6.15pm the umpires abandoned play for the day. A further 11 overs having been lost. Leicestershire 98-0. Wood (54*) 84b, Welch (39*) 61b. Leicestershire leading by 257 runs going into the final day. Nottinghamshire 5 points, Leicestershire 7 points.
The ‘Scoring Den’ at Notts Sports Club became somewhat heavily populated on day three. In addition to the Nottinghamshire scorer’s husband, who is graciously operating the electronic scoreboard, the Nottinghamshire Video Analyst, Holly, is now sharing a table with yours truly. I shall have to be at the ground at first light in the morning to ensure that I can get a flipping seat in my accustomed position!
A full scorecard can be viewed HERE
