Northamptonshire Dominate Day Two at Old Trafford with Record Total Against Lancashire

Northamptonshire seized control of their County Championship Division Two clash against Lancashire at Old Trafford on day two, posting a record total of 496 and then reducing the hosts to 139 for 4 at stumps. Lewis McManus anchored the innings with a superb 95, narrowly missing out on a deserved century, while Saif Zaib’s earlier 116 laid the foundation for Northamptonshire’s dominant batting display.

Building on the platform set by Zaib, along with significant contributions from David Sales (92), Luke Procter (64), and Calvin Harrison (56), McManus shepherded the lower order with patience and skill. His 95 featured crucial partnerships, including a 48-run stand with Justin Broad and an 81-run eighth-wicket partnership with Harrison. This propelled Northamptonshire past their previous highest total at Old Trafford, leaving Lancashire facing a daunting chase.

Lancashire’s reply began disastrously as Justin Broad made early inroads, dismissing Michael Jones lbw for 14 and bowling Josh Bohannon for 5. Captain Keaton Jennings attempted to stabilize the innings with a composed unbeaten 60, featuring aggressive strokes against Broad, including a six and a four in consecutive deliveries. He and Marcus Harris (43) added 84 for the third wicket before Harris fell to a sharp catch by Broad off Raphy Weatherall’s bowling.

The day further deteriorated for Lancashire when nightwatchman Anderson Phillip was bowled by Weatherall in the final over, leaving the hosts precariously placed at 139 for 4, still 357 runs adrift. Northamptonshire’s bowlers maintained consistent pressure throughout the evening session, exploiting the conditions effectively.

Earlier, McManus had taken charge after Zaib’s dismissal early in the day, edging behind off Anderson Phillip while attempting a drive. McManus reached his half-century from 97 deliveries and continued to accumulate runs steadily. Harrison provided valuable support with a counter-attacking 56, highlighted by an audacious reverse sweep for four off Tom Hartley.

Lancashire employed a spin-heavy attack in the latter stages of the Northamptonshire innings, with Hartley and Luke Wells bowling in tandem. While this tactic stemmed the flow of runs, it didn’t yield immediate breakthroughs. The innings eventually concluded with a flurry of wickets, with McManus falling agonizingly short of his century, top-edging a slog sweep off Wells to mid-off. Hartley then cleaned up the tail, finishing with figures of 3 for 91.

Northamptonshire will enter day three in a commanding position, aiming to press home their advantage and secure a convincing victory. Lancashire, with a significant deficit and four wickets down, face an uphill battle to salvage the match. “We’re obviously very pleased with the position we’re in,” said Northamptonshire head coach John Sadler. “It was a fantastic batting effort, and the bowlers backed it up well. We’re looking forward to day three and hopefully pushing for the win.”