| Scorecard: | Lancashire v Worcestershire |
Ironically, night watchman Keedy was the first player to be dismissed during the day. A very thin tickle to the keeper (209-4). Sutcliffe was tempted by a wide ball from Hall 7 overs later and was also caught behind. He made 95 excellent runs in extremely difficult batting conditions (225-5). Glen Chapple, who was forced to bat at number 5 due to Mal Loye's injury, blasted a quick-fire 38 before receiving an unplayable lifting ball from Matt Mason. Rhodes gratefully snapped up his third catch of the session (264-6). One already sensed that Lancashire might have sufficient runs on the board to attain victory.
Dominic Cork suffered another failure with the bat. This time he only managed one run before being clean bowled by Andy Bichel (265-7). Cork's role in this match was in direct contrast to that at Lords where he captured 7 wickets. On this occasion he only bowled 4 overs in the entire match. Mal Loye was Lancashire's eighth man out for 20. His innings was highly commendable considering the pain which he was suffering. Mark Chilton acted as his runner for the second time. Peter Martin fell leg before wicket 2 overs before lunch for just 2, leaving Lancashire on 298-9.
Lancashire set Worcestershire a winning target of 347 from a minimum 164 overs when Anderson edged to Hick at second slip shortly after the resumption. Hegg remained unbeaten on 21. The visitors started their innings well, reaching 22 without loss from just 7 overs. James Anderson switched ends to bowl from the Stretford end for the first time in the match. The impact was immediate and devastating. Peters was smartly caught by Chilton in the gully (22-1). Hick, who smashed Anderson's first ball for four, was completely outwitted by the speed of the following three deliveries. It was no surprise when he edged to Hooper at second slip (26-2). Four overs later, Smith offered a simple catch to Keedy at cover point (40-3).
With the score on 61, Kadeer Ali found an outside edge to Cork standing at first slip (61-4). Andrew Hall was beaten by a delivery from Chapple which nipped back to leave him pinned in front of his stumps (72-5). The writing was well and truly on the wall. Only Stephen Moore showed any resistance. However, on 45, Moore danced down the wicket to Keedy and was easily stumped by Hegg (90-6). Worse followed in the final over before tea. Andy Bichel's thin edge to Hegg from Keedy's delivery left Worcester on 112 for 7.
Lancashire captured the last three wickets within the space of seven overs after the break. Keedy accounted for Rhodes and Mason, while Anderson dismissed Nadeem Malik. Gareth Batty remained unbeaten on 31. Lancashire's margin of victory (219 runs) was truly amazing considering the home sides' score of just 187 in their first innings. Lancashire moved 13 points clear at the top of the table - a great feeling!
Keedy finished with 9 for 82 and Anderson finished 10 for 81
(Article: Copyright © 2004 Neil Adams http://www.cricketimages.co.uk/adams-report/intro.html)