Keogh praises Northants new boy Prasanna after five-star showing

Rob Keogh saluted Seekkuge Prasanna after the Sri Lankan all-rounder claimed five wickets on his Championship debut.
Northamptonshire v Gloucestershire LV= County Championship day three

Rob KeoghNorthamptonshire v Gloucestershire LV= County Championship day three

Rob Keogh
Northamptonshire v Gloucestershire LV= County Championship day three Rob Keogh

But Keogh was also left ruing some bad luck after being dismissed as Northants tried to stem the tide on the third day at Bristol.

Despite the efforts of Prasanna, who finished with figures of five for 97 in his 27.4-over spell, Gloucestershire racked up a big lead.

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Michael Klinger led the way with a superb 140 before he was bowled by Prasanna and Northants were 242 runs in arrears when starting their second innings.

Ben Duckett fell early and Alex Wakely and Keogh were also dismissed before the close, with David Ripley’s men 120 for three.

Rob Newton (58no) and Richard Levi (9no) will be in the middle on the morning of the final day.

But Prasanna’s performance did at least provide a reason to smile for Northants.

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And Keogh said: “We were a bit unlucky with the ball today, but it was great to see Seekkuge Prasanna get five wickets on his Championship debut.

“He is a really funny guy and the lads love him.”

Keogh also took time to reflect on his own dismissal, which came when he looked to hit off-spinner Taylor through the leg side.

He only succeeded in guiding the ball straight at short-leg George Hankins, who looked as surprised as anyone to take an involuntary catch off the face of the bat.

And Keogh, who had made 30 from 75 balls, said: “I’m told the ball hit the top of the lad’s box and then got lodged under his arm.

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“It was a disappointing time to get out, but these things happen in cricket.

“The ball was coming on nicely and not turning much so I reckon we have a good chance of drawing the game.

“I’m sure Rob Newton, who played really well, and Richard Levi will dig in for us in the morning.

“We didn’t bat well in the first innings, but we know we are capable of better.”