Thirteen wickets fell on day one of the the capital’s top-of-the-table clash after leaders the Central Stags were sent in at the seam-friendly Basin Reserve.
Routed for 96 in just 36.4 overs, the Stags’ predicament might have been worse had it not been for resistance from captain and opening stalwart Greg Hay who was the last to fall on 62 — the only man in the innings to reach double figures.
Jimmy Neesham picked up 3-17 off just 9.4 overs while Logan van Beek finished with 3-34 off nine, having got the ball rolling with Iain McPeake (2-16), and none of the attack going home empty-handed.
Stags paceman Blair Tickner immediately struck back by having the hosts 0/2 in the first over of the reply, removing both Fraser Colson and Devon Conway.
As the afternoon wore on, however, runs began to flow for the Firebirds who will resume at 175 for three well placed to extend their 79-run overnight lead, Rachin Ravindra (76*) and captain Michael Bracewell (58*) both having reached half centuries in an unbroken 95-run stand .
Article added: Monday 02 March 2020
