da apostebet： Stuart Law has scored 176 runs without being dismissed in Essex’s CricinfoChampionship match against Lancashire at Old Trafford – but still looks likeending on the losing side
Andy Wilson21-Jun-2001Stuart Law has scored 176 runs without being dismissed in Essex’s CricinfoChampionship match against Lancashire at Old Trafford – but still looks likeending on the losing side.The brilliant Queenslander was left high and dry on 116 as Essex were allout for 226 in their first innings, with Muttiah Muralitharan claiming sixfor 53 from 48 overs for Lancashire.It was a similar story when the visitors followed on 205 runs behind, withLaw unbeaten on 60 at the close of the third day but Essex still needing 45runs to avoid an innings defeat at 160 for four.Murali picked up his seventh wicket of the match by having Ronnie Iranicaught off bat and pad but Glen Chapple did most of the damage with a spellof three for two in 17 balls after Paul Grayson and Richard Clinton hadshared an opening stand of 81.To add to the drama Tony Brown, one of the England and Wales CricketBoard’s pitch liaison officers, was summoned to Old Trafford by the umpiresAllan Jones and Nigel Cowley following Essex’s complaints that the match wasbeing played on the pitch used for last week’s one-day international, but hecleared Lancashire of any punishment.Law, who had resumed at the start of the day on 47 in Essex’s firstinnings, reached his second century of the season from 286 balls with 14fours. But no one could stay with him long enough against the wiles ofMuralitharan, who had Barry Hyam and Ricky Anderson caught by NeilFairbrother at slip, and Ashley Cowan taken by Gary Keedy at deep backwardsquare.After lunch the Sri Lankan bowled Michael Davies before Chapple fired outPeter Such in his first over with the second new ball.Law’s second 50 of the day came from 49 balls with eight fours and a hookedsix off Chapple. But amazingly, it might not be enough.