Clarke's Century Rescues Nottinghamshire in Draw with Lancashire

Nottinghamshire and Lancashire played out a thrilling draw in their Vitality County Championship match at Southport, with Joe Clarke's fourth century of the season proving crucial for the visitors.

Clarke's unbeaten 115, alongside Lyndon James' 43 not out, steered Nottinghamshire to 270 for four in their second innings, ensuring they drew the match by 143 runs. The result sees both teams move further away from the Division One relegation zone.

Lancashire's James Anderson, who had taken seven wickets in Nottinghamshire's first innings, was unable to replicate his heroics on the final day. He finished with figures of one for 25 from eleven overs, with his only wicket coming when Will Young edged a catch to Matthew Hurst.

Clarke and Jack Haynes steadied the ship for Nottinghamshire after Young's dismissal, with Haynes hitting a six off Tom Bailey. However, Haynes was caught behind off Chris Green, giving the Australian off-spinner his maiden first-class wicket for Lancashire on his Championship debut.

Clarke continued to bat with fluency, reaching his fifty in 107 balls and his century off 185 balls. He and James put on an unbroken 136 for the fifth wicket, taking Nottinghamshire into the lead and ultimately securing the draw.

The match also featured a rare sight, with Nathan Lyon and Anderson bowling in tandem for Lancashire. The combination has taken 1230 Test wickets, the most ever by one first-class team.

Tags: #Nottinghamshire, #Lancashire, #VitalityCountyChampionship, #JoeClarke, #JamesAnderson