Evans edges towards half-century on Northants debut

After winning the toss, David Ripley’s men elected to have a bat in a bid to build a strong first innings total.

But they were soon in trouble, with Ben Duckett the first to go, for seven, as Lukas Carey grabbed the first of his three wickets.

Carey struck again when Sean Terry was trapped LBW for six, and Timm van der Gugten got in on the act when he had Rob Newton caught behind for nine.

Carey claimed his third scalp when Rob Keogh, who had made 12 from eight balls, was caught by Aneurin Donald.

Rain continued to come and go, constantly interrupting proceedings, but Laurie Evans, signed this week on loan from Warwickshire, helped the County to rebuild slightly.

Evans finished unbeaten on 42, while David Murphy kept him company, ending the day 29 not out as Northants made it to 108 for four.