Match report day 4: Lancs v Warwicks in Championship 2004 by Neil Adams

Scorecard:

Summary of day 4

Overall, both sides will have been pleased with a draw from this encounter. Warwickshire developed a lead of 44 points at the top of the table, while Lancashire gained 12 vital points in their bid to avoid being sucked into the relegation battle. Considering Lancashire lost the toss and played the game with only 18 wickets, they must have been delighted with the outcome. However, the final day did have a few scary moments after Warwickshire declared in the afternoon.

Lancashire desperately required early wickets on the final morning if they were to convert the game into a victory. A number of chances went begging in the first hour (See key notes below). Tahir and Brown both fell within one run of each other offering a slim hope to the hosts. However, Ian Bell marched on his way toward 150 before the lunch interval to effectively put Lancashire out of the game. Warwickshire scored quick runs after the interval, but never offered Lancashire the slightest chance of a run chase when they declared on 353 for 7 at 2.25pm.

Two wickets inside the first eleven overs of Lancashire's reply set the nerves jangling. Sutcliffe (50) fended at a wde ball and was caught by Frost as he moved across in front of first slip (21-1). Chilton (20) recklessly shouldered arms in the 11th over and lost his off stump (34-2). Hooper and Mongia guided Lancashire through to tea without any further losses (61-2). However, a minimum of 35 overs remained (Probably more) and the game was far from over. After the break, Hooper (11) flashed at a wide ball from Carter and was caught by Trott at first slip just above his head (61-3). Warwickshire sensed victory and Lancashire explored the true feelings of not having Mal Loye in the batting line-up. Schofield joined Mongia at the crease with 110 minutes of the match outstanding. Lancashire were a long way from the safety zone. Warwickshire crowded the bat and bowled Wagh and Hogg in tandem to increase the over rate. Thankfully, Mongia and Schofield coped with every delivery without offering any chances. Mongia was clearly at home against the spinners. One suspected that Warwickshire might shake hands at 5.30pm but Nick Knight elected to carry on. Perhaps he was annoyed by Schofield changing his bat at 5.28pm and wasting crucial time. Shortly after the 100 partnership was posted, Schofield was bowled behind his legs by Wagh for 40. By now, the time was 5.45pm and Warwickshire celebration was somewhat muted. Mongia was given just enough time by Knight to score his century from 141 balls before the players shook hands and departed to the dressing room.

Key Notes of the Day

Missed run out chance Tahir 1 - 198 for 4 in the 57th over - Direct throw from Schofield but missed - Bell 109*
200 for 4 in the 57th over - Bell 110* Tahir 2*
Bell 113 missed caught & bowled by Chapple - 206 for 4 in the 61st over - Tahir 5*
Tahir lbw bowled Keedy 7 - 214 for 5 in the 66th over - Bell 117*
Brown caught Keedy bowled Chapple 0 (Mid-on) - 215 for 6 in the 67th over - Bell 118*
Hogg 2 dropped caught & bowled by Keedy - 218 for 6 in the 68th over - Bell 119*
250 for 6 in the 75th over - Bell 141* Hogg 12*
150 Bell from 210 balls (16 x 4 & 6 x 1) - 262 for 6 in the 78th over - Hogg 15*
50 partnership - 265 for 6 in the 79th over - Bell 152* Hogg 16*
Lunch - 291 for 6 from 86 overs - Bell 160* Hogg 34* - Lead by 289
300 for 6 in the 87th over - Bell 164* Hogg 39*
100 partnership - 317 for 6 in the 90th over - Bell 175* Hogg 45*
50 Hogg from 72 balls ( 4 x 4 & 1 x 6) - 326 for 6 in the 90th over - Bell 178*
Bell run out 181 (Cork/Haynes) - 332 for 7 in the 92nd over - Hogg 54*
350 for 7 in the 95th over - Hogg 72* Carter 1*
2.25pm - 353 for 7 from 95 overs 0 Hogg 72* Carter 3* - Declared innings
Lancashire set 352 from a minimum 52 overs
Sutcliffe caught Frost bowled Brown 5 - 21 for 1 in the 7th over - Chilton 16* - 3pm
Chilton bowled Brown 20 (Off-stump - shouldered arms) - 34 for 2 in the 11th over - Mongia 9* - 3.17pm
51 for 2 in the 15th over - Mongia 16* Hooper 9*
Tea - 61 for 2 from 17 overs - Mongia 24* Hooper 11* - Minimum 35 overs remain
Hooper caught Trott bowled Carter 11 (First slip) - 61 for 3 in the 20th over - Mongia 24* - 4.10pm
100 for 3 in the 35th over - Mongia 38* Schofield 21*
Final 16 overs begin at 5pm - 103 for 3 in the 36th over - Mongia 41* Schofield 21*
50 partnership - 111 for 3 in the 37th over + 50 Mongia from 97 balls (7 x 4) - Schofield 21`*
151 for 3 in the 45th over - Mongia 78* Schofield 28* - 5.30pm
100 partnership - 163 for 3 in the 46th over - Mongia 86* Schofield 36*
Schofield bowled Wagh 40 - 178 for 4 in the 49th over - Mongia 97* - 5.45pm
100 Mongia from 141 balls (17 x 4) - 182 for 4 in the 51st over - Chapple 1*
5.55pm - Match drawn - 194 for 4 from 52 overs - Mongia 108* Chapple 5*
Lancashire 12 points, Warwickshire 11 points