• Stunning Stevens knock makes history in County Champs

    Veteran Darren Stevens stole the show in the County Championship after producing an innings that has been described as ‘one of the greatest innings in the history of cricket’.

    Although this is an update for South Africans in the County Championship, we have to start with Stevens. In a round heavily affected by rain, the 45-year-old’s unbelievable 190 off 149 balls deserves immense plaudits.

    Kent were struggling at 80/5 when Stevens walked in. The all-rounder smashed 15 sixes and 15 boundaries to help them get to 307 all out. The highlight of the day.

    On the South African front, it was a quiet two days (due to rain) with Kyle Abbott the best performer picking up 3/22 for Hampshire. He and new-ball partner Mohammed Abbas destroyed the Leicestershire top-order on Friday leaving them 28/5.

    Elsewhere, Hashim Amla made another start but ended on 24 for Surrey, who are 185/8 against Middlesex. Essex bowled Warwickshire out for 166 but Simon Harmer went wicketless in his 12 overs, the seamers picked up all 10 wickets. Proteas opener Pieter Malan could only muster sevens runs batting at four for Warwickshire.

    Leus du Plooy and David Bedingham have not been at the crease for Derbyshire and Durham respectively because the match has been affected by rain.

    Another match heavily affected by rain at the County Ground between Northamptonshire and Lancashire. South Africans Wayne Parnell and Gareth Berg have only bowled a handful of overs with no wickets.

    Post by

    Craig Lewis