No let up for Northants as Lancashire turn the screw

Richard Levi was the only Northants batsman to make any kind of impression as Lancashire completely dominated on day two

Lancashire’s batsmen broke more records and their bowlers made significant inroads into Northamptonshire’s order as Glen Chapple’s men strengthened their grip on the LV= County Championship Division One match at Emirates Old Trafford.

Replying to the home side’s 650 for six declared, the eighth biggest total in Lancashire’s history, Northants were 113 for seven at the close of play and now seem to have merely a mathematical chance of avoiding the follow-on target of 501.

This was another depressing day for Stephen Peters’ side as they were worn down by the relentless batting of double-centurion Ashwell Prince, who made a career-best 257 not out, and torn apart by the attacking strokeplay of Jos Buttler and Tom Smith.

The visitors’ batting then proved itself incapable of resisting a Lancashire attack led by Chapple, who claimed four wickets on a wicket offering a little extra bounce from the Pavilion End.

In the first half of the day Lancashire extended their overnight 384 well into the afternoon session before Chapple declared, effectively requiring Northants to bat two-and-a-half days to save the game.