There have already been five centuries and 1092 runs scored for the loss of only 8 wickets on this bland Sophia Gardens pitch, and unless there is an agreement reached between the two captains or the strip deteriorates rapidly then there is little hope of a positive outcome on the final day. While the batsmen have thrived and filled their boots with some early season runs, the bowlers will surely feel there should be some balance between bat and ball and would have expected some assistance.
The visitors started the day on 234 without loss with Ricardo Vasconcelos and Rob Newton taking their record-breaking opening partnership against Glamorgan to 303 before Newton was caught behind for 105. Alex Wakely joined the left handed opener, but he departed soon after lunch, wafting at one from Graham Wagg to give Cooke his second catch.
Vasconcelos had been at the crease for nearly seven hours facing 317 balls, hitting a six and 22 fours before he was LBW playing half forward to Labuschagne’s leg spin. It was a career best innings for the South African, surpassing the 140 he scored against Middlesex last year.
Josh Cobb alternated between attack and watchful defence, striking a breezy 60 before he attempted to hit Root’s off spin over mid-wicket, but instead sliced to cover point, to give Root his first wicket for his new county.
Keogh then reached a half century and was joined by Adam Rossington, the pair adding 69 for the 5th wicket in a slow final session after tea.
Glamorgan used their ninth bowler when Kiran Carlson was summoned to bowl his gentle off breaks, but the Northants fifth wicket pair took no liberties as they passed 500 as the few spectators that were left in the ground made their way home.