Cricket news round-up – 10 July: India-New Zealand World Cup semi-final spills over to reserve day

No play was possible after 46.1 overs in the first semi-final of the 2019 World Cup, between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford. In other news, Justin Langer has confirmed Peter Handscomb’s inclusion in the XI for the second semi-final, while Australia Women have included Sophie Molineux for the upcoming Women’s Ashes Test.

First semi-final to resume on reserve day

The first semi-final of the 2019 World Cup, between India and New Zealand at Old Trafford, Manchester, had to be halted midway due to rain. New Zealand were 211/5 in 46.1 overs at that point. The match will now resume on the reserve day.

Martin Guptill fell early after New Zealand opted to bat. Kane Williamson (67) held the fort after that, adding 68 with Henry Nicholls (28) and 65 with Ross Taylor (67*). Two subsequent wickets pegged New Zealand back, restricting them to 162/4 in 41 overs.

Taylor took charge at this point, breezing past his fifty. New Zealand scored 49/1 in the 31 balls before break. The five Indian bowlers took a wicket apiece.

Handscomb to play at Edgbaston

Australia coach Justin Langer has confirmed that they Australia will include Peter Handscomb in the starting XI for the second semi-final, against England at Edgbaston. Handscomb, replacement for the injured Shaun Marsh, will get preference over Usman Khawaja’s replacement Matthew Wade.

However, Langer has confirmed that the injured Marcus Stoinis may be able to take field on Thursday.

Australia summon Molineux

Uncapped left-arm spinner Sophie Molineux has been included in the Australia Women side for next week’s Ashes Test at Taunton. This is in addition to a strong spin attack, already featuring Ashleigh Gardner, Jess Jonassen, and Georgia Wareham.

Molineaux has played 3 ODIs and 15 T20Is, and has been impressive in her outings.

County Championship Division 1 roundup

With two wickets in hand and 27.3 balls to play out, Warwickshire had as good as lost the match against Hampshire at Rose Bowl. However, Henry Brookes (36*) and Jeetan Patel (70*) gritted it out, ensuring a draw. Earlier, Kyle Abbott claimed 5/78.

Essex needed just 92 to beat Yorkshire at Chelmsford. They got there in the 22nd over, for the loss of two wickets.

R Ashwin (5/59) and debutant Liam Patterson-White (5/73) shot out Somerset for 169 at Taunton. But having to chase 255, Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 122 against Jamie Overton (4/24) and Jack Leach (4/42). Batting at 4, Ashwin top-scored with 41.

Dean Elgar (65) and Rory Burns (41) helped Surrey avoid an innings defeat against Kent at The Oval before Darren Stevens reduced the hosts to 179/6. Surrey will go into the final day 81 runs ahead.

County Championship Division 2 roundup

Middlesex overcame a 29-run deficit to set Gloucestershire 216 at Northwood, largely due a 99-run eighth-wicket stand between Toby Roland-Jones (51) and Tom Helm (46). Tim Murtagh (5/44) and Roland-Jones then shot out the tourists for 137.

Set 393 by Durham at Grace Road, Leicestershire were 58/1 at stumps after Nathan Rimmington dismissed Peter Horton.

A late-order collapse led to Lancashire collapsing from 266/4 to 315 at Northampton. Lancashire then recovered from 15/3 to reach 214/6 at stumps. They now lead by 341.

Worcestershire were reduced to 48/5 by Fynn Hudson-Prentice (2/8) Ravi Rampaul (2/26) after they were set 373 by Derbyshire at Kidderminster. However, Calum Ferguson (71*) and Ben Cox (44*) helped them reach 156/5. They still have to bat out another day.