Graham Napier on song
GRAHAM NAPIER starred with bat and ball on the opening day of Essex’s match against Northamptonshire to keep his side in the hunt.
Graham Napier scored 73 not out off 65 balls, then took 3-30 in the field for Essex
After being put in to bat, Essex were bowled out for just 183 with Napier’s explosive 73 not out off 65 balls, including five sixes, the only resistance.
He then took 3-30 as the visitors clawed their way back into contention by reducing Northants to 156-5 at the close, with captain Stephen Peters top-scoring with 60.
In Nottinghamshire’s three-day match against Durham University, England all-rounder Samit Patel scored a maiden first-class double century. His 256 included 29 fours and 12 sixes.