Lancashire Vs. Worcestershire Day 4.

Katich and Prince shine in rain affected draw with Worcestershire. 

Starting the final day on 250-3, with Prince (34*) and Katich (25*) Lancashire were in the strongest position out of the two sides, but for a long time now the game had appeared to be heading for a draw, due to poor weather that we have unfortunately come to expect. Barring a major collapse and of course the absence of yet more rain, it looked as if both teams would play simply for the remainder of bonus points available and to warm up for the next fixture.

The eye-catching work of Lancashire’s overseas players ended the third day in style and this continued for the majority of the morning session this continued to be the case.

Both of the left-handers frustrated the Worcestershire attack, particularly Alan Richardson, who continued to hit a consistent line for no reward. 

A stunning drive to Prince to an 80-ball 50, as he hit his ninth four. Shortly afterwards Katich edged to second slip off Richardson, but sub fielder (Choudry) put the chance down.

Lancashire brought up 300 in almost no time at all and the rate of Prince and Katich suggested that a score of 400 was now in the realms of possibility. At one stage in the morning session, Prince and Katich scored 60 from just 52 balls, demonstrating how quickly they managed to advance the innings.

Katich reached his half-century slightly faster than his partner (70 balls) including six fours and a six, as Lancashire onslaught continued to impress the crowd.

The partnership had now become formidable and a Prince six took the pairs contribution past 150 runs and Worcestershire’s total of 334.

Further frustration came for Alan Richardson when Moeen Ali dropped a chance at second slip to remove Ashwell Prince, who was on 87 at the time and now seemed destined to reach his ton. Lancashire brought up 350 to claim another bonus point, adding 100 runs in just 14 overs.

Due to the fact that the morning session ha been so entertaining the first breakthrough came as a major anti-climax and took many by surprise, none more than Alan Richardson, who finally saw his fantastic bowling rewarded, as captain Mitchell held the catch. Prince’s magnificent innings was thwarted at 95 from just 120 balls, as Worcestershire ended the fourth wicket stand worth 181.

After 110 overs Lancashire had reached 368-4, which meant that the only real value of the fourth day had expired and both sides were now waiting for the draw.

Much like Prince’s wicket, the removal of Simon Katich saddened the Lancashire faithful, who were hoping to see the entertaining quality of their overseas stars materialise into at least one century. But at 84 Katich was caught behind by Michael Johnson to give Moeen Ali his first wicket, as the Australian’s innings came to a close at 383-5.

Now that Steven Croft and Gareth Cross were at the crease, Worcestershire sought to remove the fresh pair that stood in stark contrast to the one that had proceeded. They were able to pass 400, but in a calamitous mix-up, Gareth Cross ran himself out, for 10 in a ludicrous attempt to run four runs. 

New signing Wayne White joined the party and proved however briefly his capabilities as an all round player. Unfortunately, Croft edged to Mitchell for 25 off David Lucas, with Lancashire score now at 415-7 and the lunchtime interval closing in.  At the end of magnificent session, Lancashire had added 166 runs, which if nothing else showed how the batting had improved since last season in the longest form of the game. 

Lancashire batted on after lunch with Lancashire skipper Glen Chapple (15*) accompanying White (16*), as both played with an aggressive tone, adding 32 runs in the first four overs of the second session. They eventually declared at 448-7 with a lead of 114 and if the weather held there was certainly room for a shock collapse from Worcestershire. 

Worcestershire opened differently due to the recovery of their captain Daryl Mitchell, who accompanied Matthew Pardoe. White dropped the latter in the early stages of the innings at second slip, with Worcestershire at 16-0 and hopes of a shock result all but gone.

Chapple struck in the next over, removing Pardoe for 11, as he edged to Gareth Cross at 17-1. Moeen Ali came out for a handful of deliveries, before the rain hit and both sides decided to shake hands off the pitch.

Lancashire 9 points, Worcestershire 6 points.