Bohannon’s Gritty 155 Thwarts Northants as Lancashire Salvage Draw

Josh Bohannon’s marathon innings of 155 saved Lancashire from defeat and denied Northamptonshire a historic win at Old Trafford, as their County Championship Division Two clash ended in a gripping draw.

Despite a career-best 7 for 119 from Northamptonshire’s on-loan spinner Calvin Harrison – who finished with match figures of 11 for 153 – Lancashire dug deep on the final day, finishing on 351 for 9, 83 runs ahead when the teams shook hands at 5:40 PM, with five overs remaining.

The result extends Northamptonshire’s long wait for a win at Old Trafford, which now stretches beyond 26 years. For Lancashire, it was a show of determination, led by Bohannon and supported ably by opener Marcus Harris, whose crucial 50 provided stability early in the day.

A Day of Resistance

Starting the final day on 126 for 2, Lancashire were still trailing by 144 runs and needed to bat out the day to avoid defeat. The early loss of nightwatchman Anderson Phillip, bowled by Harrison, gave Northants hope. But Bohannon and Harris steadily wore them down during the morning session.

The pair added 72 runs before lunch, keeping the visitors at bay with patience and authority. Bohannon, who resumed on 60*, brought up his 14th first-class century — and fourth against Northamptonshire — with a stylish on-drive off Harrison. Harris, meanwhile, reached his half-century off 94 balls, highlighted by a stunning back-foot drive through point.

Northamptonshire Keep Fighting

The breakthrough eventually came shortly after lunch when Harris (50) was caught at short leg off Harrison, ending a vital 94-run stand. Bohannon continued to push on, guiding Lancashire into the lead with a cover-driven four before being dismissed in unfortunate fashion: a rebound catch off short leg James Sales, from a delivery by Saif Zaib.

Lancashire then lost wickets at regular intervals in the final session, with Harrison claiming his second first-class five-wicket haul. George Balderson fell to a bat-pad catch for Harrison's fifth, before he went on to dismiss Luke Wells (39) and Tom Hartley (1) in quick succession, bringing Northants within sight of victory.

But Tom Bailey (8*) and the tail hung on, ensuring Lancashire avoided collapse and secured a hard-fought draw.

Match Summary

Lancashire: 228 (Jennings 96, Harris 43; Harrison 4-34) & 351/9 (Bohannon 155, Harris 50; Harrison 7-119)
Northamptonshire: 496 (Zaib 116, McManus 95, Sales 92, Procter 64, Harrison 56)
Result: Match drawn

Player of the Match: Josh Bohannon – 155 (7+ hours at the crease)

Lancashire’s resilience keeps them unbeaten in the campaign, while Northamptonshire, despite Harrison’s heroics, are left to rue missed opportunities in a match they controlled for large stretches.

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