Works set 364 to win after Somerset declared on 340-7. Tempting enough for them to go for it I’d say. All 3 results possible, with a draw most probable.
They won't go for that. They'll look to simply bat out the day. Warks have got Gloucs next - they'll back themselves to win that.
Yeah you’re probably right. Shame though, Warks have Gloucs (probable win) and Hants (probable loss) left, whereas we have Northants and Kent, both of which we could easily lose. We need to win this one if possible.
I'd rather have your schedule than theirs. Sure, Gloucs are the weakest team in the division but no guarantee the weather will behave in September. And then they've got us. Two teams you really don't want to play if you're in danger of going down are Surrey and Hants. I'd back you to beat at least one of Kent or Northants.
Northants now 7 down (317 for 7), lead is now 235, with about 40 mins to lunch. It looks as if Northants are planning to bat as long as possible, and hold out for the draw.
Crucially, they've looked to score rather than just survive. I'd imagine the pitch is quite flat so I want that lead getting near 300.
I've just realised (from listening to the commentary) that, as the start was 10:30, lunch will be at 12:30, so almost there!
What time were they called off for bad light in previous days?, that might be the deciding factor in the end. It's getting up to 5 runs an over on a fourth day pitch at this time. Anything over 6 runs an over would be a tough ask and Surrey might even lose if they go for it.
I don't think there's any danger of Northants declaring (can't believe I'm saying that) as they will take the draw and 14 points to keep them clear of the bottom 2.
