Glamorgan look set to continue their strong form in division two
Author: Tom Penn
Updated At:
Spinners were the only bowlers who could stop the batters dominating on day one in the County Championship Division Two and it was Mason Crane who carried that theme on!
The one-cap wonder, who famously played for England at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2018, but has never been seen in Test cricket since, took career best figures of 6/19 as Glamorgan took control at Old Trafford against Lancashire.
With only two promotion places up for grabs, let's look at how the four games are shaping up ahead of day three.
State Of The Games
Lancashire vs Glamorgan
After dismissing their Welsh opponents for 261, Lancashire thought they were in pole position and could continue their climb up the table in this game but Mason Crane had other ideas!
The right-arm spinner showed that anything Chris Green could do for Lancashire, Crane could do better and he dismissed 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 in the batting order to get Glamorgan back in control of the game.
They carried a first innings lead of 124 into the second half of the game and have already taken that lead up to 219 ahead of Thursday's action.
- Glamorgan to win - 1.11
- Lancashire to win - 6.50
Derbyshire vs Northamptonshire
Of all the four games in the County Championship Division Two in this round, the contest in Northampton looks the closest at this stage.
Derbyshire posted 377 and Northamptonshire are only 112 runs behind with five wickets remaining in their first innings.
They also have two well set batters at the crease in Justin Broad (64*) and George Bartlett (60*) and it looks like being a key first session at the County Ground.
The teams look too close to call at the moment with Northamptonshire currently enjoying the shortest odds with the bookies.
- Derbyshire to win - 2.05
- Northamptonshire to win - 1.70
Middlesex vs Gloucestershire
After winning back to back games for the first time this season, Middlesex could well be on course for making it three out of three!
They posted 445 in Cheltenham against Gloucestershire and took out one of the host's openers before the close to leave them 391 runs behind with nine wickets in hand.
Victory for Middlesex will see them very much in the mix for a promotion place.
Kent vs Leicestershire
Rehan Ahmed rarely misses an opportunity to steal the limelight and he popped up again on Wednesday with a wicket following his latest century with the bat on Tuesday!
Bottom of the table Kent are showing some fight though and will resume on 203/3 in reply to Leicestershire's 471.
Opener Ben Compton has had a fantastic season and he will resume on 101* with Kent's hopes resting on his shoulders.
- Kent to win - 2.75
- Leicestershire to win - 1.40
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