http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Ben-Scott-c1140’s century puts Croft’s dream day on hold
Lancashire slightly edged out Worcestershire on the opening day of the County Championship Division One match, bowling out the tourists on 291 at Old Trafford, Manchester, on July 18, 2012.
The visiting side was reeling at 93 for 6 before a defiant knock from Ben Scott helped them recover and post a reasonable first innings total. Scott’s 106-run effort somewhat overshadowed a dream day for Lancastrian http://www.senore.com/Cricket/England-c56013 World T20 Squad.
Nonetheless, Croft capped off the day with an impressive three-wicket haul, a feat worth mentioning considering spin remains his part-time trade. He further gave a display of his all-round skills, running-out the second-highest scorer, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Matthew-Pardoe-c1930, for 55, along with assisting his teammates by taking two catches, as Lancashire ended the day at 13 for no loss.
Despite the morning offering the usual gloomy English weather, Worcestershire opted to bat first. They started cautiously as skipper, http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Daryl-Mitchell-c52533, and Phil Hughes added 40 inside the first 20 overs. The former was then dismissed by left-arm spinner, Simon Kerrigan, for 12 and in a surprising move, Croft was handed the ball just before the lunch interval.
The 27-year-old delivered big time, taking out the inform Australian Hughes, lbw, before continuing his antics post lunch by taking out Vikram Solanki and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/James-Cameron-c65525 and Gareth Andrew on successive balls as Worcestershire tottered at 93 for 6.
However, Lancs were halted in their pursuit of an early http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Worcestershire-c866 collapse with Pardoe and Scott forging a successful 127-run partnership - helped by the bright sun which had eased out the track, considerably.
Croft still ran the show and caught the former short of his ground at the individual score of 55 but Scott hung on and completed his ton before becoming left-armer’s fourth victim.
The home side weathered out the four overs with http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Stephen-Moore-c2572 - both striking one boundary each - guiding the team to 13 at the close of play.
"It's one of the biggest honours I've achieved to be named in an England squad," said Croft after the end of day’s play.
"I don't usually get a bowl but it was a good day to get three wickets, a couple of catches and a run out - the ball seemed to follow me today and hopefully it continues with the bat and I can score some runs in the match to top it off. You've just got to try and make the most of it when those days come along."
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