COUNTY CHAMPIONSHIP DIVISION ONE, Old Trafford:
CLOSE OF PLAY, DAY TWO: Lancashire 236 Sussex 11-0 (Sussex 3pts, Lancs 1pt)
2-5 September 2009

Martin-Jenkins' previous best four-day figures this season were 3-88

Robin Martin-Jenkins finished with a season's best 5-43 as Sussex stayed on top against Lancashire on a rain-hit second day at Old Trafford.

Only 37.1 overs were possible as the hosts, 131-5 overnight, added a further 105 to be bowled out for 236.

That included a seventh-wicket stand of 82 between Francois du Plessis (54) and home captain Glen Chapple (39) before Martin-Jenkins wrapped up the tail.

Sussex reached 11-0 in reply by the time more rain forced an early close.

But the star of the day for Sussex was Martin-Jenkins, who produced his best figures since May 2007.

After Kyle Hogg was run out by Dwayne Smith in only the fourth over of the day, Martin-Jenkins had to wait to make an impact in what play was possible.

Du Plessis and Chapple stayed together for 24 overs before Martin-Jenkins sparked a collapse that saw the home side slump from 223-6 to 236 all out.

First he had Chapple caught at second slip by Ollie Rayner after Mike Yardy had parried the ball from first, before trapping Sajid Mahmood leg before with the very next ball.

Du Plessis swiftly followed when he was undone by extra bounce and spooned a catch to Ed Joyce at cover.

And Lancashire could only add seven more before Martin-Jenkins had Oliver Newby caught by Rayner.

Yardy and Joe Gatting, on his Championship debut, got through 5.4 overs before the rain came down to end the day, leaving Sussex to resume on day three 225 behind.

Francois du Plessis told BBC Radio Lancashire:

"I think 236 is a bit under par. With the situation me and Chappie got into we should have got 250.

"Now the bowlers have got to go and bowl them out before them.

"The new ball is crucial because once it gets older you rely on spin and bowling in tight areas."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version