Northants face tough task despite Hussey's efforts

Northants are facing a tough battle to avoid the follow-on in their CricInfo Championship match against Lancashire at Old Trafford mainly because of John Crawley's 280.

The Lancashire captain was able to declare his team's first innings on 600-6, their highest score at Old Trafford since 1911, their best ever against Northants and only the third time they have reached 600 since the war.

Mike Hussey gave the Northants reply a good start with 93 and with Russell Warren ending the day unbeaten on 63 the visitors have reached 218-3.

But they still need 233 more runs to avoid the follow-on and will be hoping that Mal Loye is fit to bat after being forced to retire hurt with a cracked finger by a Glenn Chapple bouncer.

Crawley's innings was a new record for Lancs against Northants, although he fell six runs short of his career best for England A in South Africa eight years ago and one short of his Lancs best against Somerset at Southport in 1994.

He batted a total of 500 minutes and faced 399 balls, hitting 39 fours and a six before lofting Michael Strong to long off.

Joe Scuderi was unable to add to his overnight 89 as he was bowled by Paul Taylor but Warren Hegg continued his good batting run with an unbeaten 75.

Crawley turned to Gary Keedy in the tenth over of Northants replay and it paid off immediately with Adrian Rollins dropped off his third ball and bowled off the last.

Loye passed 1,000 first-class runs for the season before he was struck on the glove by Chapple but Warren joined Hussey to add 114.

The prolific Australian seemed set for yet another century until he was trapped lbw by Chris Schofield after facing only 116 balls and hitting 15 fours and a six.

Keedy then had Tony Penberthy caught off a top-edge sweep but Warren reached his fifty from 84 balls with eight fours just before the close.