The Blaze became the first side to secure a top-three finish in this Women’s One-Day Cup and a guarantee of a place in the knockout stage. The Nottingham-based side beat Warwickshire by 70 runs at Edgbaston to stretch their lead over second-placed Hampshire to five points on a day when Somerset, Surrey and holders Lancashire
At Edgbaston, Austin looked on course for her second century in three innings for the Bears before she offered a return catch to Jess Woolston six runs short. But Em Arlott’s 44 from just 19 balls and Brooke Halliday, with 37, made sure the momentum was never badly lost as the home side reached 269-9,
Charlie Dean will lead England for their one-day international series against Ireland in September, with regular captain Nat Sciver-Brunt among a number of senior players rested. Sophie Ecclestone, Lauren Bell and Amy Jones will also miss the three-match series while Danni Wyatt-Hodge and Sciver-Brunt are absent as they manage their fitness and recovery. England have
One-Day Cup, men’s semi-final, Uptonsteel Grace Road Leicestershire 303-7 (50 overs): Shaikh 104, Kelly 53; Pennington 3-65 Nott Outlaws 280 all out (49 overs): McCann 64, Hameed 54; A Green 4-40 Leicestershire beat Notts Outlaws by 23 runs Scorecard Leicestershire reached their second One-Day Cup final in four years, overcoming Notts Outlaws by 23 runs
One-Day Cup, men’s semi-final, Radlett Middlesex 255-8 (48.4 overs): Hollman 83*, Fernandes 44, Helm 40; Ackermann 3-46 Durham 254-7 (50 overs): Rhodes 80, Ackermann 71*; Hollman 3-53 Middlesex beat Durham by two wickets Scorecard Luke Hollman scored a sensational unbeaten 83 to help Middlesex stun Durham with a two-wicket win in their One-Day Cup semi-final
Croft suggested a return to Lancashire’s County Championship XI, where he would face higher quality bowlers compared to the Hundred-depleted One-Day Cup attacks, may not be far away. “He has put himself in a great position,” Croft said. “The way he is striking the ball. He has stuck to what he is good at.” Lancashire