Bears’ charge for victory is stalled
Northamptonshire fought back hard to stall Warwickshire’s victory push on the third day of a compelling Bob Willis Trophy tussle at Edgbaston.
Trailing by 227 on first innings, the visitors closed the third day on 317 for six – 90 ahead. Quick wickets on the final morning would still leave the home side strongly-placed for victory but Northamptonshire have put themselves right back in the game.
When, shortly after lunch, they declined to 148 for five, still 79 behind, defeat beckoned inside three days. But Charlie Thurston (96) and Adam Rossington (60no) added 159 in 48 overs, a Northamptonshire sixth-wicket record against Warwickshire, to set up an interesting last day.
For the Bears, there was frustration after their domination of the first two days. They were hampered by the absence of England paceman Olly Stone who took the field at start of play but did not bowl before leaving as a precaution after feeling some discomfort in his side. The problem does not appear serious, as he took the drinks out to his team-mates a short time later, but no risks will be taken with a player who is firmly in England’s reckoning.
Without Stone, as the day wore on, Warwickshire’s attack looked much less potent than in the first innings, though they made strong progress at first.
