Rain Dominates Third Day At Lady Bay
Thu 11 May 2023
By Pete Johnson
Only 17.1 overs’ play was possible in the day, during which time Nottinghamshire progressed from their overnight 177-4 to 212-6, as rain once again affected the action at Lady Bay.
Overnight changes to both sides had been made when we arrived at Notts Sports Ground, for day three of the SEC between Nottinghamshire and Leicestershire. Tom Loten, Liam Patterson-White, and Ben Martindale having all joined up with Nottinghamshire’s 1st XI squad. Byron Hatton-Lowe and Matthew Weston having been called in as replacements.
Leicestershire having one overnight change, Scott Steel having been replaced by Utham Ramji. A member of LCCC Age Groups, who is a leg spin bowler, Ramji’s making his debut for Leicestershire 2nd XI.
Tom Loten 55* (1x4) 137b was retired not out, as he had joined up with Nottinghamshire 1st X1 Squad. Loten’s fine innings of application, and tenacity, had yesterday been greeted with knowledgeable nods of approval from all aspiring ‘Brigadier Blocks’ who were amongst the small band of artisan’s around the boundary edge.
Sam King joining Calvin Harrison (74*) 137b at the crease when play commenced on time at 11.00am. Nottinghamshire resuming on their overnight 177-4 (62 overs). Leicestershire had success in the second over of the morning when King (0) 5b was trapped in front by Roman Walker. Travis Holland joined Harrison at the crease.
Hishaam Khan had replaced Mike Finan at the River End, and had an immediate success when he switched to the Radcliffe Road End after having bowled 3 overs from the River End. Khan had Harrison (90) 180b caught in the short mid wicket/ short mid on area, having purposely positioned two fielders there. Zen Malik snaffling the catch. Nottinghamshire 211-6 from 77.5 overs.
At 12.17pm rain began to fall, and the Umpires took the players from the field. Nottinghamshire 212-6 from 79.1 over’s.
It came as somewhat of a relief to yours truly when play was halted as repair/building work was being carried out on the Pavilion by contractors. The silence was deafening as the noise from drills, and hammers abated as the elements prevented any further repair/building work to be carried out. I may bring my ear defenders tomorrow.
An early lunch was taken at 12,40pm. It was still raining at the conclusion of the interval at 1.25pm. The umpires carried out an Inspection at 1.59pm which resulted in play being abandoned for the day.
A nugget of information from yesterday’s proceedings. A Nottinghamshire-based referee, who referees in the Premier League, and who is also a qualified local league umpire, was on the ground on day two. Answers on a postcard please as to who it was. Amazing the amount of waffle that you can get in when only 17.1 overs were bowled in the day!
A full scorecard can be viewed HERE.
