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George Bartlett defending against Sir Jimmy Anderson (Photograph: Peter Short)
Features

Grit, Graft and Authority: Bartlett’s defiance makes a statement

George Bartlett's valiant rearguard secured a thrilling draw for Northamptonshire against Lancashire this week. The Steeler looks back at a defining innings for the elegant right-hander.

09.04.26, 00:23 Updated 09.04.26, 12:35 7 Minute Read

Jeremy Blackmore

When Northamptonshire’s cricketers arrived at Wantage Road on Monday morning there was a faint whiff of optimism in the air.

Over the previous 24 hours, they had scrapped their way back into their opening Championship game against Lancashire. Through the grit of Lewis McManus and the firepower of the effervescent Harry Conway, there lay a chance to do something special – if they could survive the new ball.

And the small matter of seeing off England’s greatest ever Test bowler, Jimmy Anderson, coming off the back of a first innings fivefer.

But by the time George Bartlett strode out to bat before lunch, any dreams of chasing 321 for victory had long been snuffed out, the Steelbacks in desperate straits at 50 for six.

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