Lancs Bowlers Keep It Tight In Heatwave

Rob Keogh and Lewis McManus both scored half-centuries to put the heat on Lancashire's bowlers after they threatened to run through Northamptonshire's batting on day one of their LV=Insurance County Championship match at Wantage Road.

- Jermey Blackmore

Some tight and disciplined bowling from Lancashire's attack had reduced Northamptonshire to 124 for five in temperatures approaching 40 degrees, Will Williams picking up two scalps.

But Keogh led the counter attack, striking six fours as he passed 5,000 career runs in first class cricket. He found a willing partner in McManus and the pair shared a 77-run partnership in 18 overs to take Northamptonshire past 200.

However Lancashire made further inroads before the close with India international Washington Sundar claiming four wickets for 69. He removed Keogh thanks to a stunning one-handed slip catch from Luke Wells, while Tom Taylor was trapped lbw attempting a reverse sweep.

McManus reached his fourth halfcentury of the season shortly before the close as Northamptonshire finished on 218 for seven.

Earlier on a day reduced to 72 overs because of the extreme heat, the hosts' top order failed to capitalise after winning the toss and deciding to bat, despite most batters getting good starts.