Match report day 2: Warwicks v Lancs in Championship 2004 by Neil Adams

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Scorecard:

Warwickshire v Lancashire

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Summary of day 2

Mal Loye scored a very timely century on the second day of this match to restore not only his personal confidence, but that of the team as well. He was ably supported by Dinesh Mongia who was on debut for Lancashire. Together the pair added 137 for the fourth wicket at stumps to leave the visitors exactly 200 runs behind Warwickshire with two days remaining to be played.

 

Earlier in the day, Peter Martin wrapped up the hosts innings with just the fifth ball of the day. Tahir (26) was clean bowled leaving Warwickshire 499 all out. As the storm clouds gathered in the distance, Chilton and Swann took to the crease. One could sense the pressure which each player was under. Lancashire could not afford another tame collapse. In the fourth over, Chilton despatched Carter for 3 consecutive boundaries. Unfortunately, Chilton attempted another aggressive stroke with the last ball of the over, only to be caught at second slip by Mark Wagh for 13 (19-1). His slow walk back to the pavilion spoke volumes.

 

The heavy cloud burst arrived shortly after midday. With very little cover available at the ground, spectators were left hiding under their umbrellas. The umpires elected to take an early lunch. Play resumed at 2.10pm after further light rain fell during the interval. Alec Swann's innings of 20 was painful to watch. He faced a total of 86 balls and struck just three boundaries. However, he did combine with Mal Loye to add 74 for the second wicket before being put out of his misery by a leg before decision by Nigel Cowley (93-2). Gentle rain and bad light combined to force the players from the field shortly after 3pm. A further 7 overs were deducted from the days allocation.

 

At tea, Lancashire found themselves on 144 for 2 - still trailing by 355. Six overs into the final session of the day, Law (44) was caught by Tony Frost down the leg side (162-3). Once again, Law reached forty but failed to go on and make a big score - very frustrating. Dinesh Mongia started his innings very nervously. He survived a drop by Dougie Brown at first slip with just 4 runs to his name. He was not to know that umpire Sharp had called for a no-ball. Mongia gained in confidence and played shots all around the wicket. Mal Loye reached his century in the 66th over of the innings from 167 balls.

 

Mongia received a standing ovation from the visiting supporters upon attaining his half century from 73 balls. One run later, the 100 partnership was brought up - 262 for 3. In the final over of the day, Mal Loye hit four boundaries from the bowling of Mark Wagh to finish unbeaten on 125 from 200 balls. Mongia returned to the dressing room with 70 runs to his name from 97 balls - well done lads!

 

Key Notes of the Day

• Tahir bowled Martin 26 (Middle stump) - 499 all out in the 105th over - Pretorius 1*
• Chilton caught Wagh bowled Carter 13 (Second slip) - 19 for 1 in the 4th over - Swann 2*
• Rain stop play 12.09pm - 45 for 1 in the 14th over - Swann 8* Loye 20*
• Play restarts at 2.10pm - 21 overs lost
• 50 for 1 in the 16th over - Swann 9* Loye 22*
• 50 partnership - 63 for 1 in the 18th over - Swann 17* Loye 26*
• 50 Loye from 71 balls (10 x 4) - 92 for 1 in the 27th over - Swann 19*
• Swann lbw bowled Bell 20 - 93 for 2 in the 29th over - Loye 50*
• Rain & bad light stop play 3.05pm - 94 for 2 in the 30th over - Loye 50* Law 1*
• Play restarts at 3.35pm - 7 overs lost
• 100 for 2 in the 32nd over - Loye 51* Law 5*
• 50 partnership - 143 for 2 in the 42nd over - Loye 65* Law 30*
• Tea - 144 for 2 from 42 overs - Loye 66* Law 30*
• 152 for 2 in the 44th over - Loye 68* Law 36*
• Law caught Frost bowled Tahir 44 (Leg side) - 162 for 3 in the 48th over - Loye 70*
• Mongia 4 dropped by Brown at first slip from a no-ball - 172 for 3 in the 52nd over - Loye 73*
• 202 for 3 in the 59th over - Loye 87* Mongia 14*
• 50 partnership - 212 for 3 in the 61st over - Loye 93* Mongia 16*
• 100 Loye from 167 balls (16 x 4) - 239 for 3 in the 66th over - Mongia 34*
• 251 for 3 in the 67th over - Loye 106* Mongia 41*
• 50 Mongia from 73 balls (8 x 4 & 1 x 6) - 261 for 3 in the 69th over - Loye 107*
• 100 partnership - 262 for 3 in the 69th over - Loye 107* Mongia 51*
• Close of play - 299 for 3 from 76 overs - Loye 125* Mongia 70*
• Warwickshire 6 points, Lancashire 5 points

 

(Article: Copyright © 2004 Neil Adams http://www.cricketimages.co.uk/adams-report/intro.html)