Cricket, never change.
Commentators and spectators were left fuming after umpires called tea on day three of the County Championship match between Hampshire and Nottinghamshire with the hosts needing just one run for victory.
Chasing a target of 132 for victory on Saturday, Hampshire was within touching distance of a comprehensive win at 2-132 when umpires called the players off for a 20-minute break. The officials had already extended play for 15 minutes so Hampshire would have a chance to secure victory before tea.
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Boos echoed around the Ageas Bowl as players retreated to the sheds, with a couple of Nottinghamshire throwing their arms up in frustration.
“For heaven’s sake,” one of the commentators said.
“Should we call the tea break now? Oh they are! You are joking!”
Nottinghamshire wicketkeeper Tom Moores, who had previously bowled one over at first-class level, was thrown the Duke ball after the interval, with Hampshire captain James Vince nudging the winning run on the second delivery of the evening session.
Pakistan seamer Mohammad Abbas was at the peak of his powers in Hampshire, snaring 6-49 in the first innings to help roll Nottinghamshire for 185 in the first innings of the low-scoring contest.
Nottinghamshire opener Ben Duckett, who starred for England’s Test side during their winter campaign, plundered 51 in the second innings, with Hampshire paceman Kyle Abbott claiming 4-39 from 18 overs.
Debutant Fletcha Middleton and Nick Gubbins each scored gritty half-centuries, combining for a 111-run partnership for the second wicket to guide Hampshire towards the eight-wicket triumph, their first win of the season. Hampshire will next face reigning champions Surrey at The Oval, with the first ball scheduled for 8pm AEST on Thursday.
