County Championship: Only 37.4 overs possible between Somerset and Northants
Ricardo Vasconcelos made the best of a bad situation to register a notable half-century and keep Northamptonshire afloat on the first day of the County Championship match against Somerset at Taunton.
Just as well then that Vasconcelos was on hand to illuminate a gloomy day, the 25-year-old South African making light of conditions and regular weather interruptions to top-score with 70 before becoming the first of two victims claimed by Somerset seamer Lewis Gregory. He helped himself to 13 boundaries in an innings spanning 103 balls and dominated partnerships of 65 and 51 with Hassan Azad and stand-in captain Sam Whiteman for the first and second wickets respectively before Somerset launched a fightback after lunch to even things up.
With England bowler Overton restored to the starting line-up after injury, Somerset skipper Tom Abell had no hesitation in inserting the opposition. Azad contributed 20 in an opening stand of 65 in 19.3 overs and his dismissal gave the hosts renewed hope. But any sense of optimism was tempered as Vasconcelos went to 50 from 73 balls with 10 fours and, together with Whiteman, ushered Northants to 108-1 at lunch.
Their mood darkened somewhat when, upon resuming following a short break, Vasconcelos, his concentration compromised, pushed forward at a ball from Gregory and nicked off to Overton at second slip.
United Kingdom Latest News, United Kingdom Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Why there are no local elections in Northamptonshire todayMuch of the UK is hosting local elections this Thursday, May 4, but not for West Northants Council or North Northants Council
Read more »
Avian Flu restrictions brought into Northants after outbreaksMeasures will remain until further notice
Read more »
Somerset police officer sent intimate images of women without consentDave Lovell has been sacked after gross misconduct allegations were proven.
Read more »
Cigarettes and tobacco worth £2m seized in County TyroneHMRC officials seized 3.7 million cigarettes during a search of a premises on Thursday.
Read more »
Cigarettes and tobacco worth £2m seized in County TyroneA 70-year-old man was arrested after millions of pounds worth of cigarettes and tobacco were seized in County Tyrone.
Read more »
Police numbers fall in Lancashire - as crime figures spike by 29%While there are more than 3,500 police officers overall today than in 2010, 11 of the country’s 43 forces - including Lancashire - have seen numbers shrink since then
Read more »