Age Is Just a Number: Veteran Bowlers Deliver Dramatic County Cricket Wins

County cricket is rewarding patience this season, with two bowlers who are very much not spring chickens delivering match-winning performances that have shaped the early standings.

At Taunton, Somerset captain Craig Overton pulled off something unexpected. With his team in trouble at 114 for five against Essex, still trailing the home side first innings total, the all-rounder went to the crease and played the innings of his career. He batted for more than six hours, scoring 141 runs, a career best that turned the match on its head. It was not just a rescue act. It was a statement. Unlike his twin brother Jamie, Craig Overton never built a significant international or franchise career, choosing instead to stay loyal to Somerset. The Taunton faithful have rewarded that loyalty with thunderous appreciation, and the county sits top of Division One after two rounds.

Overton was responding to criticism he received in this very column last week, where questions were asked about his captaincy decisions. He answered with his bat, which was satisfying for everyone who appreciates a good sporting response.

At Headingley, Hampshire bounced back from a heavy defeat with a convincing win over Yorkshire. The architect of that success was 38-year-old South African pacer Kyle Abbott, who is closing in on a remarkable milestone. With figures of nine for 46 in the second innings, Abbott moved to 720 first-class wickets at under 21 runs each. He is remarkably efficient. Supporting him was 22-year-old Sonny Baker, a bowler with raw pace who earned limited-overs England caps last season that perhaps came a little too early for him. Baker is in the ideal apprenticeship, learning from a veteran who has done it all. If he pays attention, Baker will be much better equipped when England come calling again.

Lancashire fans have been pleasantly surprised to see their team sitting second in Division Two after a win against Derbyshire at Old Trafford. The turning point came from another veteran, 43-year-old James Anderson, who removed Martin Andersson when Derbyshire were well placed to chase 138. Anderson then returned to polish off the tail, finishing with four for 18 in the second innings after also bowling 23 overs in the first. He took nine for 18 in total across both efforts. You do not take 1,157 first-class wickets, as Anderson has now done, without knowing how to close out a game.

Meanwhile, Sussex continue to defy expectations. Without any administrative drama distraction, three recent recruits made the runs needed to chase down a challenging target at Hove, with Jack Leaning scoring 120 and Tom Price adding 70 in an unbroken partnership of 144. They remain third but are finding ways to win, which is what championship teams do.

As the season takes shape, one theme is becoming clear: experience still matters in county cricket, and the old pros are not done yet.