Sussex close in on county crown
Mark Ramprakash is re-writing the record books
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Friday, 21, Sep 2007 10:01
Veteran leg-spinner Mushtaq Ahmed bowled Sussex to the brink of victory against Worcestershire at Hove today and put them in pole position to retain their County Championship title.
The former Pakistan star took his match figures to 9-157, to leave Worcestershire on 190-5 in their second innings, still needing another 129 runs to make Sussex bat again after the home side racked up a massive 532 in their first innings.
A victory for Sussex would take them above current leaders Durham and Lancashire, who need another 462 runs on the last day to beat Surrey at the Oval.
With a Lancashire victory extremely unlikely, it seems only the weather can prevent Sussex from claiming the title.
Sussex coach paid tribute to the 37-year-old Mushtaq who continues to spearhead his team’s bowling attack.
"It's a flat, dead wicket - and Mushy's just done his magic," said Robinson. "He's not really fit; he's on one knee - he's been on one knee for the last three weeks.
"But he's obviously very, very skilful - a strike bowler. On a wicket like that - which is dead - he's the difference, because he can open games up."
Surrey's Mark Ramprakash scored an unbeaten 130 in the second innings to go with his first innings 196 to all but end Lancashire's hopes of winning the County Championship.
Ramprakash finished the season on 2026 runs at an average of 101.30, becoming the first batsman in county cricket history to average over a 100 in consecutive seasons.