Latest news with #VitalityBlast
News18
7 days ago
- Sport
- News18
Chris Lynn Joins Hampshire Hawks For Vitality Blast's Last Six Games
Last Updated: Lynn joins Hampshire Hawks for the final six matches of the Vitality Blast group stage. Lynn, known for his explosive batting, aims to boost the team's chances for Finals Day. Australian batter Chris Lynn is all set to join the Hampshire Hawks for the final six games of the Vitality Blast group stage. He joins the team after the international call-ups of South African cricketers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis for a two-Test series against Zimbabwe starting on June 28. 'It's great to return to Hampshire, this time as a pro; I had a brilliant time playing club cricket in the county a while ago now. The Hawks are a hugely successful side, and hopefully I can play a big part in the second half of the Blast to take the team to Finals Day," Lynn mentioned in a statement released by the team. Hampshire will resume their Vitality Blast campaign on July 5 against the Sussex Sharks at the 1st Central County Ground, Hove. Lynn will then take part in the Utilita Bowl the following day as the Hawks host Somerset in a doubleheader. 'We are delighted to have Chris with us for the back half of the Blast. We've got some important games ahead of us and his experience and explosive batting give us a big boost," said Hampshire's Director of Cricket, Giles White. An explosive batter known for hitting big sixes, Lynn played for the Northamptonshire Steelbacks in the Blast from 2022-23, where he scored 880 runs, averaging 44 with a strike rate just under 150. Lynn has played 292 T20s, amassing over 8,000 runs in the format, including five hundreds, three of which came in the Blast and 54 half-centuries. Lynn gained prominence in Australia's Big Bash League, playing for the Brisbane Heat and Adelaide Strikers. He established a formidable opening stand with current England Men's Head Coach Brendon McCullum from 2016-19, earning the duo the nickname 'Bash Bros'. In his most recent three seasons with the Adelaide Strikers, Lynn has scored 950 runs at a strike rate of 153, with seven half-centuries. (With IANS Inputs) First Published: June 26, 2025, 16:28 IST
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Charlie Allison: scoring back-to-back centuries for Essex was 'special' feeling
First class - Charlie Allison scored a superb century for Essex on the opening day of their County Championship game against Hampshire, at Chelmsford (Image: ESSEX CRICKET) COLCHESTER'S Charlie Allison says it was a great feeling to score his first home Rothesay County Championship century for Essex at Chelmsford, writes MARTIN SMITH. Allison made it back-to-back centuries as he steered Essex into a commanding position on the first day of their match against Hampshire. Advertisement Before his 140 against Surrey last month, Allison's highest first-class score was 28. But the 20-year-old right-hander followed up his Oval heroics with 101 when the Championship resumed after its break for the Vitality Blast. He was the senior partner in a 107-run seventh-wicket stand with Simon Harmer, 16 years older, that carried Essex towards 292 for eight at the close after they chose to bat. He also put on 66 for the fifth wicket with Matt Critchley, whose 71 came from 104 balls and included nine fours and a six. Allison said: 'It's great to get the first one here. "I love playing here and watching here, so to do it here it's obviously very special. Advertisement "Back-to-back centuries is great to keep the momentum going after the Surrey game. 'It helps when you haven't been getting many runs or spending much time in the middle in white ball! "It has been a very hectic schedule and it's very difficult to transfer the skills between both formats. So to go out there and do that was special. 'It's a little bit slow out there. Dawson got a few to turn so it'll be a good time for Harmy to get on there. 'Critch and Harmy both played very well. I had an excellent little partnership with Critch that got us through a nervy spell. "We've been a little bit prone this season to losing a few quick wickets, but it was good we steadied the ship and kicked on.' Advertisement Allison and Harmer produced a patient partnership that steadied Essex and ultimately gave them a measure of control. Harmer brought up the hundred partnership in 33 overs when he swatted Jack to the midwicket boundary. But with Allison on 99, he turned the ball to sauare leg, the pair hesitated and Harmer sacrificed his wicket as Jack's throw went to the bowler's end. Allison duly reached his century from 188 balls with 11 fours and two sixes, but one run later he dragged on to Organ and was bowled off the last ball of the day.
ITV News
22-06-2025
- Health
- ITV News
David 'Syd' Lawrence: Former England fast bowler dies aged 61 after MND diagnosis
Former England fast bowler David 'Syd' Lawrence has died aged 61, following a diagnosis of motor neurone disease (MND) last year. The former Gloucestershire and England player was diagnosed with the condition in June following what he thought would be a straightforward operation on his knee. Gloucestershire Cricket say they're "deeply saddened" to announce his passing. It said: "In his final year, Syd faced motor neurone disease with the same courage and determination that defined his cricketing life." The club also shared a statement on behalf of Mr Lawrence's family. It said: 'It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dave Lawrence MBE following his brave battle with Motor Neurone Disease. ''Syd' was an inspirational figure on and off the cricket field and no more so than to his family who were with him when he passed. 'A proud Gloucestershire man, Syd took on every challenge with everything he could and his final contest with MND was no different. His willingness to encourage and think of others right up to the end was typical of the man he was. 'As President of Gloucestershire County Cricket Club, Syd took on the role with incredible pride and passion and loved every minute of it. 'Syd's wife Gaynor and son Buster thank everyone for the kindness and support that has been shown to them and the family so far and would ask that they are now given some time and space to grieve in private.' Fundraising efforts for MND research culminated in Pink 4 Syd, a special evening where the Club honoured Syd with a pink kit and raised vital funds for MNDA during Gloucestershire Men v Hampshire Hawks in the Vitality Blast. A player known for his 'thunderous run-up' Born in Gloucester on 28 January 1964, David Valentine Lawrence made his debut for Gloucestershire at just 17. Over a 16-year career, he became a club icon, Gloucestershire Cricket says, known for his thunderous run-up, fearless fast bowling, and ever-present energy. He formed a formidable new-ball partnership with West Indies great Courtney Walsh and delivered countless memorable performances. He played 170 first-class matches for Gloucestershire, taking 477 wickets at 31.27, including a best of 7 for 47 against Warwickshire. In one-day cricket, he claimed 148 wickets in 110 appearances, with a standout 6 for 20 against a Combined Universities XI in 1991 - the third best return in Gloucestershire's 50-over history. In 1990, Lawrence took a memorable hat-trick against Nottinghamshire in a fiery spell that saw him finish with 5 for 51. His county success earned him England honours. In 1988, he became the first British-born black man to play Test cricket for England, making his debut at Lord's against Sri Lanka. He played five Tests between 1988 and 1992, taking 18 wickets, including a famous five-wicket-haul against the West Indies at The Oval in 1991 - in the same innings he dismissed the great Viv Richards. He also made one ODI appearance, recording remarkable figures of 4 for 67, which remain the best bowling figures by a player who only played one One Day International. A devastating knee injury in 1992 ended his international career prematurely, but Syd's life off the field was just as remarkable. He went on to become a nightclub owner, a competitive bodybuilder, and a leading advocate for inclusion and diversity in cricket. First black President of Gloucestershire Cricket In 2022, he was appointed as the first black President in the history of Gloucestershire Cricket - a title he held until the day of his passing. The presidency was a significant and emotional return for a man who had given so much to the county, and who continued to champion its future. In 2025, he was awarded both an MBE for services to cricket, and an honorary ECB Life Vice Presidency - recognition of not just his playing career, but his work in the community and courage during his illness. Following his MND diagnosis in 2024, Syd remained open and defiant. In collaboration with cricket writer Dean Wilson, Syd published his autobiography, 'In Syd's Voice', using assistive technology to dictate his story. The book was widely praised for its honesty, humour, and strength, and it became a vital part of his legacy - capturing the personality and drive that had always set him apart. Syd became a powerful rallying figure across cricket, with events, charity matches, and donations pouring in from around the world. The Pink 4 Syd match at Bristol was both a celebration and a farewell - a night when cricket honoured one of its true characters. Chief Executive Officer at Gloucestershire Cricket, Neil Priscott, said: 'Everyone connected with Gloucestershire County Cricket Club will be devastated with the news of Syd's passing, and we send all our love to his incredible family and friends. 'The executive team at the Club were of course aware of his fine record as a one-county man but we all got to truly know and love him as our current President. "He was so passionate about the power of cricket and how our sport can touch people's lives. "Syd pushed us to reach out to communities far and wide and we shall continue to do that in his honour. "Friday night's 'Pink 4 Syd' match was a fitting tribute to a Gloucestershire great, and we are very sad to have lost someone so special.' Chair at Gloucestershire Cricket, Peter Matthews, said: 'Firstly everyone at the club sends their heartfelt condolences to Syd's family who supported him so well during his illness. As a club, we will support them in any way we can. 'Syd was truly a Gloucestershire great, both on and off the field. As a player he waa one of our greatest ever fast bowlers, who deservedly earned Test Caps whilst with us. 'On retirement, he continued to be heavily involved with club, and was both a supportive and active President. He will be hugely missed.' Fellow one-county fast bowler David Payne, spoke on behalf of the Gloucestershire Cricket playing staff: "On behalf of the players, I'd like to offer our sincerest condolences to Syd's family at this truly devastating time. 'Syd was a true legend of the Club and someone every player had immense respect for - not just because of the fantastic cricketer he was, but for the amazing person he was, and what he gave to this Club both on and off the field. 'Sharing last year's T20 success with Syd is a memory we will never forget and will cherish forever. 'Syd will always be an inspiration to us all, and we thank him for everything he did for our great game.'
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Somerset Men return to winning ways against Hampshire in the Blast
Lewis Gregory clubbed a brutal half century as Somerset defeated Hampshire Hawks by 17 runs at the Cooper Associates Ground to return to winning ways and move clear of Surrey at the top of the Vitality Blast South Group table, writes Andrew Stockhausen, ECB Reporter's Network. Will Smeed smashed 68 from 37 balls with nine fours and three sixes and dominated stands of 59 and 46 with Tom Kohler-Cadmore and Tom Abell for the second and third wickets respectively after Somerset had been put in beneath the Taunton floodlights. But the home side lost their way during the middle overs and were indebted to skipper Gregory, who clubbed a much-needed 55 from 27 balls with 4 fours and 4 sixes and staged a record-breaking seventh-wicket partnership of 82 with Lewis Goldsworthy to propel the cider county to 209-6. Veteran all-rounder Benny Howell claimed 2-12 and Liam Dawson 1-29 as the Hawks struggled to contain the South Group leaders. Advertisement James Vince raised a 30-ball 54 and South African hired hand Dewald Brevis crashed 36 from 16 deliveries, but Ben Green took 3-40 as Somerset took wickets at key moments to restrict Hawks to 192-7 and secure a sixth victory in seven outings in the short format this season. Put into bat, Somerset made a subdued start by their own high standards, Tom Banton falling cheaply to a tremendous catch on the run by Joe Weatherley at deep square leg off the bowling of Eddie Jack. Kohler-Cadmore encountered no such problems, taking 14 runs off the third over, bowled by James Fuller, as the home side reasserted themselves. Read more: Smeed was equally expansive, plundering three boundaries in one Jack over, while Kohler-Cadmore emulated that feat at the expense of Fuller in the next as the second wicket pair fashioned a half century partnership from just 23 balls in advancing the score to 68-1 at the end of the powerplay. Advertisement Hampshire's seamers held their nerve and Fuller provided relief, bowling Kohler-Cadmore for a 15-ball 29 in the seventh with the score 70-2. Kohler-Cadmore accrued a quartet of fours and a six, only to depart before he could inflict real damage. In his absence, Smeed picked up the cudgels, hoisting Fuller over mid-wicket for six and then straight-hitting the next ball for four to post 50 from 27 balls. Dawson's nagging accuracy notwithstanding, Somerset initially managed to maintain momentum during the crucial middle overs, Abell adopting the role of chief support to Smeed, who continued to trade in boundaries and put bowlers and fielders alike under pressure. He eventually succumbed, hitting Jack straight down the throat of Scott Currie at long-on as Somerset slipped to 116-3 in the eleventh. When Abell played across the line to Howell's first delivery and was bowled via an inside edge, the home side were 116-4 and Hampshire fancied they were right back in the contest, an impression that was confirmed in the thirteenth, Sean Dickson playing back to Dawson and watching the ball clatter into his stumps. Ben Green came and went quickly, holing out to long-on to provide the wily Howell with a second wicket as the flow of boundaries temporarily dried up and Somerset further subsided to 127-6 in the fourteenth. Gregory then took matters into his own hands, harvesting 25 off one Wood over as the seventh wicket alliance realised 50 in just 25 balls. Unleashing a barrage of sixes, Somerset's captain tucked into the seamers on his way to a high-octane 25-ball half century. His partnership with Goldsworthy, who finished unbeaten on 29 from 16 balls, was a Somerset record for the seventh wicket in T20 cricket, eclipsing the 67 made by Omari Banks and Ben Phillips at Northampton in 2008. Advertisement Living up to their formidable reputation, Hampshire openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Vince afforded the reply a super-charged start, posting 50 in 5.2 overs to force Somerset's seamers onto the back foot. Pugilistic in his approach, Pretorius struck 4 fours and a brace of sixes as the partnership advanced to 74 inside nine overs. Somerset needed a wicket and the ever-dependable Green obliged, luring Pretorius into front-foot indiscretion and having the South African held in the deep for 37. With the asking rate rising above 12 for the first time, Vince and new batsman Toby Albert looked to attack Goldsworthy. But the spinner defied their best attempts as the home side worked hard to restrict the supply of boundaries during the middle overs. Goldsworthy struck a telling blow in the twelfth, inducing Albert to hit high to long-off with the score 95-2 as the rate continued to climb. While Vince remained at large, Hampshire were in with a chance, and the England batter hoisted Green high over mid-wicket for six to raise 50 from 29 balls. He was out next ball, caught on the long-on boundary as Green further reduced the visitors to 107-3. South African dangerman Brevis and Weatherley opened their shoulders in a bid to put the chase back on track, but Somerset's bowlers remained disciplined in their lengths and the latter was run out by Riley Meredith for 15 with 75 still needed from five overs. Fuller attempted to match Brevis blow-for-blow, only to be undone by a Meredith yorker and fall for 11. Having struck 4 sixes and a four, Brevis then attempted to drive Green down the ground and skied a catch to Gregory at mid-off to signal the end of Hampshire's prospects in the eighteenth..
Yahoo
21-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Somerset cruise to six-wicket Blast victory in Wales
Vitality Blast: Glamorgan 130-9 lost to Somerset 131-4 by six wickets Somerset continued their remarkable form in the Vitality Blast, cruising to a six-wicket win against Glamorgan, writes Blake Bint, ECB Reporters' Network. Advertisement After restricting Glamorgan to 130 for 9 courtesy of 4 for 21 from Australian overseas Riley Meredith, Somerset knocked off a sub-par total to remain top of the South Group and head into the mid-competition break with seven wins from eight while Glamorgan's symmetrical win-loss record makes them likely to drop outside the all-important top four. Top order contributions throughout the Somerset innings set up the win comfortably in the run chase for the middle-order to wrap up risk-free. Dan Douthwaite caused troubles taking three for 32 in an attempt to give the hosts a glimmer of hope. Somerset won the toss and opted to bowl after scoring in excess of 200 three times in their last four games with the anomaly being a chase of 136 with time to spare. Kiran Carlson and Will Smale got off to an explosive start, bringing memories of their record-breaking win over Somerset in Cardiff last year, the captain scoring 135 on that occasion while Smale had a half-century of his own. Advertisement On this occasion the flair was short-lived. Smale took Josh Davey's first three balls for boundaries including a typical Smale ramp. However, 30 for no loss from 2.1 overs became 42 for 4 from seven with both openers outclassed by Matt Henry. Ben Kellaway fell for a duck after a T20 best last time out, slapping to Will Smeed at point, extra pace of Meredith proving too much. Veterans Colin Ingram and Chris Cooke continued to struggle, undone by the ever-consistent Lewis Gregory, both falling victim attempting a glide to deep-third; Ingram chopping on, Cooke gliding only as far the wicket-keeper. In a familiar story for Glamorgan it came to Asa Tribe and Douthwaite to drag Glamorgan back into a battle from 49 for five. Read more: Tribe found a way to up the rate and keep stability contributing 38 in a 49-run partnership before an attempted ramp found him bowled. Douthwaite with Glamorgan's hope left on his responsibility picked out the deep-mid-wicket fielder on the first ball of Meredith's return. Advertisement A couple of late boundaries from Imad Wasim and a top-edged six from Timm van der Gugten managed to save embarrassment of a double-figures total for the hosts but at 130, still very much under-par. Somerset's pursuit began with form continuing, showcasing why the rule the league. Tom Banton and Will Smeed watchful in the opening two overs before being proactive and typically brutal taking 41 from the next three. Competition second top run-scorer, Smeed picking up sixes over the leg-side a particular eye-pleaser. While the chase wasn't faultless, the visitors found their way with comfort, starts found for the entire top order albeit unable to kick-on. Tom Abell was bogged down temporarily scoring at just a-run-a-ball for his 10 before Douthwaite dismissed the number four in an impressive over conceding just one run at 88 for 2 from 10 overs proceeding it. With a low total required the starts attempted seek the win quickly came as no surprise, Tom Kohler-Cadmore evidence to the contrary looking to blast Douthwaite over extra-cover to bring a third wicket for the all-rounder, caught on the cover boundary. Despite the loss of four wickets and some trickier spells to endure, from Douthwaite and former Somerset seamer, Ned Leonard who returned economical figures, the visitors nurdled their way to victory professionally in 16.4 overs.
