Lancashire puts pressure on Derbyshire with Turner’s century in the County Championship
On day 3 of Lancashire versus Derbyshire in the Rothesay County Championship Division 2, the game ended with Lancashire on top, leaving Derbyshire chasing 374 runs for day 4. Thanks to Ashton Turner’s century, the Lancs managed to take control over their opponents, giving them the edge.
Ashton Turner’s unbeaten 121 was not a solo effort; his team was behind him. Turner was well supported by George Balderson, who smashed 82 from just 60 balls, and Michael Jones, who added an impressive 63.
Their efforts pushed Lancashire to 406 for 6 before they declared, setting Derbyshire a huge target of 513, which would be their highest-ever successful chase if achieved.
Earlier in the day, Derbyshire’s Ben Aitchison gave his team a lot of hope by taking three wickets, but the Lancs quickly stabilised things. Lancashire batted aggressively, taking their lead past 500 before declaring.
In the end, Derbyshire closed the day on 139 for 3, still needing 374 runs. They had some luck too, with Wayne Madsen and Brooke Guest getting lives after being dropped in the slips. Despite that, Lancashire remains the clear favourite to claim victory, and Derbyshire would need to bat very well just to save the last day's game.
