Cricket

Northamptonshire's bowlers, led by evergreen seamer Ben Sanderson, made the most of the new Dukes ball on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Glamorgan at Wantage Road. Despite Glamorgan slumping to 27 for 4, Colin Ingram led a spirited fightback with an unbeaten 69 off 110 balls, guiding the visitors to 203 for 7 at the close.Sanderson's probing line and length proved unplayable at times, claiming three wickets. He was ably supported by Australian international Chris Tremain and England Under-19 Raphy Weatherall, who also took two wickets each. The Northamptonshire bowlers exploited the atmospheric conditions, which aided movement through the air and off the seam.Glamorgan's top order struggled against the disciplined bowling, with Zain-ul-Hassan, Billy Root, and Sam Northeast all falling cheaply. However, Ingram played a pivotal role in rebuilding the innings, first with Chris Cooke (28) and then with Dan Douthwaite (50). Ingram's crisp attacking shots and solid defense kept Glamorgan in the game.Douthwaite's bustling 50 came off just 63 balls, and he formed a crucial sixth-wicket partnership of 74 with Ingram. The pair took the attack to the Northamptonshire bowlers, scoring boundaries at a steady rate. However, Douthwaite's innings ended when he was trapped leg before wicket by Weatherall.Ingram continued to anchor the Glamorgan innings, reaching his second consecutive half-century of the season. He found support from Mason Crane (17), who ensured no further scares for the visitors.Before the start of play, a minute's silence was observed in memory of former Northamptonshire captain Raman Subba Row CBE, who passed away on Wednesday at the age of 92.

Glamorgan's dominance continued on day three of their Vitality County Championship clash against Derbyshire, setting a formidable target of 401 for the visitors. Chris Cooke's unbeaten 126 anchored Glamorgan's innings, supported by James Harris' 61* and Dan Douthwaite's 32.Derbyshire's bowlers struggled to contain Glamorgan's batsmen, with only Sam Conners managing to break through. Mason Crane, who had come in as a nightwatchman, provided some resistance with a 45-run stand with Colin Ingram. However, Ingram's run-out and Douthwaite's dismissal to Thomson's bowling paved the way for Cooke and Harris to consolidate Glamorgan's position.Cooke, who missed out on batting during Glamorgan's record-breaking efforts at Lord's, made the most of his opportunity, reaching his 13th first-class century. Harris joined him in a 116-run partnership, eclipsing the previous highest stand of the match.Thomson, who had taken five wickets in the first innings, continued to be a threat, finishing with career-best match figures of 12 for 201. However, Glamorgan's declaration set Derbyshire a daunting target.In the 12 overs bowled before the close, Derbyshire reached 40 for one, with David Lloyd and Luis Reece unbeaten. With the ball still turning on the pitch, much will depend on Mason Crane's performance on the final day. Glamorgan will need nine wickets to secure victory, while Derbyshire faces an uphill battle to chase down the target.

Derbyshire's Alex Thomson delivered a career-defining performance on the opening day of their Vitality County Championship clash against Glamorgan in Cardiff, claiming a remarkable seven wickets to restrict the hosts to 237 all out.Thomson's exceptional bowling display justified Derbyshire's decision to insert Glamorgan into bat on a sunny day. The New Zealand international Blair Tickner also played a crucial role, dismissing Billy Root and Sam Northeast early on.Glamorgan's top scorer was Kiran Carlson, who contributed a valuable 74. However, regular wickets throughout the day prevented the home side from building substantial partnerships. The highest partnership they managed was 60 between Carlson and Zain-ul-Hassan.As the Glamorgan innings progressed, Thomson's spin bowling became increasingly effective. He induced a flashy drive from Colin Ingram, had Chris Cooke brilliantly caught at leg slip, and dismissed Dan Douthwaite with a low catch off his own bowling.Thomson's relentless pressure continued, as he bowled James Harris for just 4 and Mason Crane for 13. His 7 for 65 surpassed his previous career best of 6 for 138 and became the best return for a Derbyshire spinner since Geoff Miller's 8 for 70 in 1982.Derbyshire faced 16 overs before the close, reaching 46 for 1. Luis Reece was the only batsman dismissed, leaving Derbyshire 191 runs behind Glamorgan.The pitch at Cardiff suggests that this match could be a closely contested affair. Derbyshire will be buoyed by Thomson's heroics, while Glamorgan will need to find a way to counter his spin threat.

Alan Wilkins, the renowned broadcaster and former Glamorgan cricketer, has been appointed as the club's new president for a three-year term. Wilkins, who played for Glamorgan from 1976 to 1983, is a highly respected figure in the cricketing world.As a left-arm seamer, Wilkins claimed 243 first-class wickets and 130 List A wickets for Glamorgan. He was instrumental in the club's run to the Gillette Cup final in 1977. After retiring from playing, Wilkins embarked on a successful broadcasting career, becoming a familiar face and voice on BBC Wales' sports coverage. He currently works for Star Sports India.Wilkins expressed his delight at being appointed president, saying, "I am thrilled and honored to have been considered for this role. I have come full circle back to where my cricketing journey began." He emphasized his desire to make a positive impact on the club, both on and off the field.Glamorgan CCC Chair, Mark Rhydderch-Roberts, praised Wilkins' appointment, stating, "Alan will add huge value as we move forward into a period of potential change. His cricket expertise and global connections will be invaluable."Wilkins' appointment comes at a time of transition for Glamorgan, with the club recently appointing Grant Bradburn as their new head coach. Wilkins expressed his excitement about working with Bradburn, saying, "I know our new Head Coach well from my travels with Pakistan, and I cannot wait to see his brand of cricket out on the hallowed turf of Sophia Gardens."Wilkins' passion for Glamorgan is evident in his words, "I honestly feel good things are coming here. I still get goosebumps and butterflies looking out onto that field, and wish I could still play!" His appointment is a testament to his dedication to the club and his desire to see it succeed.