Tilak Varma continued his good run in red-ball cricket on England soil. In his second appearance for Hampshire, Varma scored a half-century against Worcestershire on Day 3 of the County Championship Division One 2025 game at The Rose Bowl, Southampton.
In reply to Worcestershire's 679/7, Hampshire were bowled out for 221. Varma batted with an intent to stay in the middle for as long as he can. He reached his half-century from 160 deliveries, quite opposite to the 'Bazball' approach famous in England. Unfortunately, he could not carry on as Worcestershire captain Jake Libby's throw caught him short of the crease. He departed after scoring 56 runs from 171 deliveires, including seven fours and a six.
Varma and Tom Prest shared an 80-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Prest missed his half-century as he was dismissed for 48 by Ethan Brookes. The lower order could not contribute much to the score and Hampshire were bowled out for 221 in 90.3 overs.
Hampshire's top-order fails again, Varma under spotlight
Hampshire were asked to follow-on. Openers Alistair Orr and Fletcha Middleton shared a 51-run partnership. Orr got hit wicket as the partnership was ended in the 19th over. He fell after scoring 35 runs from 59 balls. Then, Finch got rid of Fletcha Middleton who scored 16 runs from 56 balls. Nick Gubbins could not contribute much to the total and fell for a single-digit score to Callum Parkinson.
Hampshire had 86/3 on the board as the top-order at the end of Day 3's play as top order did not deliver. Varma was batting on 20 off 51 deliveries. Skipper Ben Brown faced 32 deliveries to score just three runs. Ahead of Day 4, Hampshire have 86/3 on the board, still trailing by 372 runs. While a win looks unlikely, a lot will depend on Varma to help Hampshire avoid an innings-defeat.
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Varma In the previous game against Essex, Varma scored 100 runs from 241 balls. He shared a crucial partnership with Liam Dawson who scored 139. He will hope to share a big partnership with Dawson or other Hampshire batter as Worcestershire have dominated the proceedings so far.