Ricardo Vasconcelos shines as Northants take control against Glamorgan

Northants’ Ricardo Vasconcelos shines with a century against Glamorgan

In a thrilling Vitality County Championship Division Two match at the County Ground in Northampton, Ricardo Vasconcelos made a stunning return to Northants’ first team with a magnificent unbeaten century against Glamorgan.

Vasconcelos, who was playing his first Championship match since July 2023, scored an impressive 166 not out to help Northants take control of the game. He was well supported by Luke Procter, who scored 65, and Karun Nair, who remained unbeaten on 55, as Northants reached 314-2, taking a 43-run lead over Glamorgan.

Vasconcelos’ century was his first since May 2022, after battling injury problems. His aggressive batting, which included 18 fours, put Northants in a commanding position in the match.

Earlier in the day, Glamorgan had posted a respectable total of 271, thanks to Colin Ingram’s 82 and Mason Crane’s career-best 61. However, Ben Sanderson’s five-wicket haul restricted Glamorgan’s innings.

Despite the early struggles, Northants dominated the game with Vasconcelos and Procter’s century stand, putting them in a strong position to secure a decent haul of batting points.

Vasconcelos, speaking after his impressive knock, expressed his joy at being back in the runs and enjoying cricket again. He credited his partners, Procter and Nair, for their calming influence during the partnership.

Glamorgan’s Mason Crane, who also had a good outing with the bat, praised the team’s effort in tough conditions and hoped for a better performance in the upcoming sessions.

With Northants in control of the game, all eyes will be on how Glamorgan responds in their second innings as they look to turn the tide in their favor.