Laurie Evans follows Delray Rawlins in making runs in North-South series

Laurie Evans followed Sussex team-mate Delray Rawlins by making a half century in the North-South Series at the Kensington Oval in Barbados yesterday (Wednesday) – although it wasn’t enough to prevent the North finally breaking their duck.

Rawlins had struck a spectacular half century in the opening game of the series last Sunday, seizing the chance to showcase his potential in front of some of the more influential figures in English cricket – South coach Mark Ramprakash, North coach Paul Collingwood, selectors Angus Fraser and Mick Newell, and director of England cricket Andrew Strauss.

He was bowled for a duck in the second match, but Evans ensured Sussex would still make a big contribution with 64 from 67 balls including three cleanly-struck leg-side sixes.

However it wasn’t enough for the South to overhaul a North total of 335, meaning Collingwood’s team squared the series, and set up a decider at the 3Ws Oval on Friday.

The South won the inaugural series 3-0 in Dubai and Abu Dhabi last March.