Coach Croft frustrated but proud as Lancashire are denied victory at Northants

The Red Rose looked to be on course for a big win as Northants slumped to 50 for six before lunch on the final day, chasing 321 to win.

But the County, led by George Bartlett's unbeaten 95 from 197 balls, dug in to bat out the rest of he day secure a draw at 213 for nine, with the visitors left frustrated at failing to win a game they were in charge of for much of the four days.

They were unable to make the final breakthrough as Bartlett and last man Ben Sanderson played out the final 15.3 overs, and although Croft was frustrated not to win, he praised the commitment of his players.

“I’m pleased with the efforts, with the skill on show," said the head coach.

"But oviously, with the overall result, I'm disappointed not to get the win and get over the line.

"But with where we're at, with no overseas player with us at the minute and nine local lads, we are happy with the cricket we played.

"I think we exhausted all avenues on the final day.

"If you look back over the first three days, there's little bits we could have done better with the bat, with the ball, in the field, like most games.

"But I think on Monday the lads were faultless with their efforts and what they put out on the line.

"It was a tough pitch to force something on as it was quite placid at times, but there was a little assistance with the new ball which is pretty clear to see.

"But overall it was great effort on day four, led by Jimmy (Anderson) and then Bails (Tom Bailey) showed his experience as well.

"George Balderson does as he has done for the last few years, and looks tight and then looks threatening and Tommy (Hartley) did a great job for the team as well.

"And AJ (Ajeet Singh Dale) showed his skillset on debut and nearly got us over the line at the end.

"We created some chances out of nothing so the bowling unit left it all out there which was great to see."

Quotes courtesy of Jeremy Blackmore