County Campionship Round 4 - Day 4 and Tables

I hope there will be few days like today this season as rain washes out all play across the country. All matches were declared draws before lunch.


Day 4

Worcestershire v Nottinghamshire - Match drawn
Not - 243 & 88-2
Wor - 157
Points: Worcestershire - 6, Nottinghamshire - 7


Somerset v Lancashire - Match drawn
Lan - 400
Som - 87-3
Points: Somerset - 6, Lancashire - 9

Sussex v Warwickshire - Match drawn
War - 545
Sus - 80-5
Points: Sussex - 5, Warwickshire - 8

Hampshire v Leicestershire - Match drawn
Lei - 234
Ham - 217-4
Points: Hampshire - 4, Leicestershire - 2

Kent v Yorkshire - Match drawn
Yor - 247
Ken - 350-9
Points: Kent - 10, Yorkshire -7

Essex v Northamptonshire - Match drawn
Ess - 54-6
Points: Essex - 3, Northamptonshire - 5

Gloucestershire v Glamorgan - Match abandoned
Points: 3 each

Surrey v Durham - Match abandoned
Points: 3 each

Tables
Division 1

	Team	Played	Points
1	Warwickshire	3	50
2	Nottinghamshire	4	48
3	Somerset	4	42
4	Surrey	4	33
5	Middlesex	3	30
6	Sussex	3	30
7	Lancashire	3	17
8	Worcestershire	3	15
9	Durham	3	13

 Division 2

	Team	Played	Points
1	Kent	4	49
2	Derbyshire	3	45
3	Gloucestershire	4	36
4	Essex	3	32
5	Leicestershire	3	26
6	Hampshire	3	26
7	Yorkshire	3	23
8	Northamptonshire	3	12
9	Glamorgan	4	11

County Championship Round 4 - Day 3

Results seem unlikely in almost every match and the teams have turned their attention to picking up as many bonus points as they can. We start at the game that has progressed the most, at New Road.


Day 3
Worcestershire v Nottinghamshire
Not - 243 & 88-2
Wor - 157

Adams finished with 5 for 62 and Gurney picked up the first four wickets of his Nottinghamshire career as Worcestershire were bowled out 86 runs short of the visitors total. The visitors then made a quick start to their second innings as they try to leave themselves enough time to bowl Worcestershire out again. Rain wasn't an issue, but bad light was, meaning that this game still has a long way to go.


Somerset v Lancashire
Lan - 400
Som - 87-3

Lancashire just made it to 400 and a fifth batting point before Philander picked up his fifth wicket of the innings. Somerset began their first innings without Trescothic and lost both openers quickly. Hildreth (30) and Compton (30*), who has received a call up to the England Lions after all his runs so far this season, put on 53 for the third wicket, but just 6 runs later rain stopped play yet again, and the players didn't get back out.

Sussex v Warwickshire
War - 545
Sus - 80-5

Sussex lost three wickets this morning as Warwickshire piled on pressure, but then rain halted play meaning the visitors still have a lot to do if they are to win this match, and maybe they are ruing batting on for so long yesterday.


Hampshire v Leicestershire
Lei - 234
Ham - 217-4

When play eventually got under way Carberry (84*) and Ervine (41) pressed on, closing on  Leicestershire's score, in search of bonus points. With only a day to go a result here looks slim so both teams are trying to pick up as many points as possible.


Kent v Yorkshire
Yor - 247
Ken - 350-9

Nash moved on to 132* and has taken Kent to 350 and a fourth batting point. Rain though kept play to a minimum and, again, bonus points may be all either side will take from this match with only a day to go.


Essex v Northamptonshire
Ess - 54-6
No play due to rain.

Gloucestershire v Glamorgan
No play due to rain

Surrey v Durham
No play due to rain

County Championship Round 4 - Day 2

Rain is becoming a regular feature and there is no doubt it is helping the bowlers. Having said that there have been some big scores and we start with the biggest at Hove.

Day 2

Sussex v Warwickshire
War - 545
Sus - 57-2

Warwickshire's batsmen put on an impressive show as they continued to make runs down the order after Trott was caught for 178. Ambrose scored 75 and Clarke was 78 not out to put the visitors in a commanding position. Sussex then faced 30 overs and only lost two wickets as this game has surely for them become a matter of survival.


Kent v Yorkshire
Yor - 247
Ken - 316-6

Nash dominated the second day at Canterbury scoring 114* to put Kent into the lead in what would otherwise be a close encounter. The home side had slipped to 158-5 before Nash, helped by Geraint Jones (47), put on 77 for the 6th wicket. Kent will hope to build on their lead and put Yorkshire under pressure in the second innings.


Worcestershire v Nottinghamshire
Not - 243
Wor - 72-6

The two teams had to wait until mid-afternoon before play began, but when it did Nottinghamshire's bowlers made full use of the damp and difficult conditions to rip through Worcestershire's top order.
Richardson may be the top wicket taker in the first division currently (with 19) but Adams is trying hard to catch him, and in this innings already has four to his name (taking his total to 17 for the season). 5 of the home side were out lbw as so far only the openers have made it past 20. The lower order will need to put up some resistance to hold off Adams and co.


Somerset v Lancashire
Lan - 395-9

Rain stopped what had become a very exciting morning in Taunton. With only four wickets down everyone assumed Lancashire would knock off the 37 runs needeed for a 5th batting point and then go on to big total, but Philander had other ideas.
     Only one run had been added when Cross was caught behind to give the South African his second wicket of the innings. Then one run and one over later Trego had Proctor dismissed in the same way. Somerset were fired up now and in the third over Philander picked up the prize wicket of Croft (113) who failed to add to his overnight score, again caught by Kieswetter. Mahmood was bowled by Philander, and after some resistance Chapple (20) went with the score on 391-9. Suddenly the 5th batting point seemed a long way off. Sadly shortly after the rain came down and the players left never to return.

Hampshire v Leicestershire
Lei - 234
Ham - 181-4

Dawson finished with 5 for 29 to polish off Leicestershire, although he only made 19 opening the batting. Katich (54) and Carberry (73*) put on 124 for the third wicket to move Hampshire slightly ahead, although the visitors will feel that with early wickets they could still keep the game even. Wyatt has so far picked up three wickets and will be one to keep an eye on for the rest of the innings.


Essex v Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire won the toss and decided to field.
Ess - 54-6

It was a good toss to win when it finally came and Northamptonshire made full use of it by picking up 6 wickets in the 27 overs avaliable. Brooks (who has just had a call up for the England Lions) was the star taking 4 for 22 as so far only Pettini (16*) has made it to double figures. At 25-5 they might have been worried about their lowest ever total (of 34 against Kent in 1969). They've surpassed that but are still in a dire position although  with two days gone already more wickets will have to fall quickly to keep this game moving.

Gloucestershire v Glamorgan
No play due to rain

Surrey v Durham
No play due to rain

County Championship Round 4 - Day 1

Rain again meant that play was limited although in the games that did start for once the batsmen shared in the plaudits. The return of certain England international players has helped some teams, while others are struggling with early season injuries.
     We start at Taunton where Somerset are missing their captain, Marcus Trescothic but welcome back Philander


Day 1

Somerset v Lancashire
Lancashire won the toss and decided to bat.
Lan - 363-4

Somerset's bowling line, which is one of the weakest in the country, struggled today as Lancashire scored quickly, finally showing some fight after losing their opening two matches. From a decent start Lancashire's middle order of Prince (96) and Croft (113*) made hay, in a surprsing amount of dry weather in Taunton. Their partnership of 208 has put the champions in a good position after the first day and they will hope that the rain will stay away so that they can continue to put pressure on a weakened Somerset side.

 
Sussex v Warwickshire
Sussex won the toss and decided to field.
War - 281-5

Warwickshire recovered from losing two early wickets, including Ian Bell for 0, to dominate Sussex's bowlers. Jonathan Trott was thee linch pin scoring 132* in a partnership of 219 with Chopra (105). Three wickets at the end have possibly brought the home side back in to the game but they will need a good morning session to keep Warwickshire, who currently top the table, pegged back.


Worcestershire v Nottinghamshire
Worcestershire won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 243
Wor - 5-0

For once Nottinghamshire got off to a decent start despite losing the toss for the fourth time this season. Put in, Hales and Edwards made 70 for the first wicket, but regular wickets during the afternoon kept Worcestershire in the game. Taylor and Read, in front of several England selectors, put on 56 for the fifth wicket, as Nottinghamshire inched to their first batting bonus point of the summer.
     Klinger lived up to his name taking two excellent catches including taking Read on the rebound after the visitors' captian had smashed the ball to him in the gully.
     But it was Kapil (9o-3m-17r-3w) who worked the fight back before injuring his leg and leaving the field. It was then left to Jones (4 for 76) to wrap up the innings.
     Nottinghamshire will be disappointed that none of their batsmen made it to 50, but will hope that their bowling can still give them a lead tomorrow.


Kent v Yorkshire
Kent won the toss and decided to field.
Yor - 247
Ken - 4-0
Yorkshire scored steadily as all bar two of the batsmen made starts but failed to push on. Ballance was the top scorer with 38. Kent's bowlers meanwhile shared the wickets to keep them in the game, but Coles was the pick of the bunch, finishing with 4 for 70.


Hampshire v Leicestershire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lei - 159-6

The two teams dodged the showers in Southampton but late wickets have given Hampshire the edge. After Smith (68) and Sarwan (46) had taken Leicestershire to 146-2 four wickets fell for just 13 runs, three of them taken by Dawson, who has excellent overnight figures of 7.2o-2m-13r-3w.
     The visitors will hope to push up to 200 tomorrow and then take early wickets to put Hampshire under pressure.


Essex v Northamptonshire
No play due to rain

Gloucestershire v Glamorgan
No play due to rain

Surrey v Durham
No play due to rain

County Championship Round 3 - Day 4

The weather has certainly been the winner this week, as only 2 of the matches reached results. That didn't prevent a couple of exciting finishes and here is a run down of what happened and the updated tables.


Day 4

Lancashire v Warwickshire - Warwickshire win by 5 wickets
Lan - 250 & 148
War - 329 & 71-5

Lancashire put on 41 for their last two wickets to set Warwickshire a modest 70 runs to win. The visitors will be pleased it wasn't more though as they lost Chopra early and then Bell, who had scored 16 from just 17 balls, including a six. Carter, Troughton and Maddy then all departed for for just seven runs, to leave Warwickshire on 52-5. In the end it was left to Ambrose and Porterfield to take the visitors over the line.
     The result is super for Warwickshire as they make it two wins from two, however it is the exact opposite for the Lancashire. The champions make the worst possible start to their season with two losses. They collect just 5 points to Warwickshire's 22.


Glamorgan v Hampshire - Hampshire win by 2 wickets
Gla - 103-9d & 256
Ham - 156 & 204-8

For almost the whole day it looked as though a no play would be possible in Cardiff, but finally the game got under way with Hampshire needing another 92 to win, and boy was it worth waiting for. It was Glamorgan who snatched the initiative with two quick wickets. Ervine, though, did not get flustered and stuck to his task and found help for a while with Wood (24). However Wood went with the score on 173-7 and both teams were still chasing the win, in a fantastic encounter.
Ervine (75) had taken the score to 190 when he was caught behind, 14 runs still needed. It was left to Riazuddin and Briggs to see the game home and take the visitors away with a win and they did it with just one ball to spare.
Glamorgan, so close to the win themselves, only take 3 points, but Hampshire collect 19.


Middlesex v Durham - Match drawn
Mid - 188 & 179
Dur - 238 & 82-6

Set 130 to win Durham were delayed by the weather in their attempt at victory. Earlier, for the second time in the match, Onions bowled Strauss as he picked up match figures of 10 for 73, and put the visitors in a good position. Rain though meant they had to wait before they could begin the chase. When they eventually did start time was against them, meaning quick runs would be required. Wickets fell steadily though to keep Durham pegged back and raise the run rate.
     When Benkenstein was caught behind with the score on 67-5 Durham gave up the chase, opting to block out the final 6 overs. Middlesex though suddenly felt they had a chance to snatch a shock victory. Blackwell was also caught behind with the score on 72-6 and the home side began to crowd the bat.
     To add to the drama, Borthwick was caught by Strauss in the slips off a no-ball. By this time the slip cordon had grown to six.
     Sadly that was about the climax as Mustard and Borthwick saw off the bowling to take the game to a disappointing draw.
     Middlesex take 6 points and Durham take 7.


Surrey v Worcestershire - Match drawn
Sur - 140 & 224
Wor - 119 & 94-1
This was shaping up to be an excellent match before rain once again spoiled proceedings. Worcestershire has bowled well to restrict Surrey to 224 in their second innings, which meant they only needed 246 to win. The openers batted steadily and sensibly firstly to make sure they would not collapse and secondly to give themselves a chance of victory. At 94-1 this looked more than possible but then the rain returned to halt play, and just before five o'clock, the captain's shook hands to end the game.
     Surrey and Worcestershire both take 6 points.


Nottinghamshire v Somerset - Match drawn
Not - 162 & 109-4
Som - 445-2

Today was about survival for Nottinghamshire and the nerves might have been jangling when Lumb was bowled to leave the home side on 109-4. But then the ever dependable Read (33*) teamed up with Taylor (38*) to put on 60 and take the game to a draw.
     Nottinghamshire slip from the top of Division 1 after taking only 3 points, while Somerset get 11.


Kent v Gloucestershire - Match drawn
Glo - 255 & 257-7
Ken - 150 & 94-2

Gloucestershire declared in their second innings having set a total of 363 runs for Kent to chase. The home side simply let the overs pass by and had only lost two wickets when the rain came to Canterbury. The draw was announced shortly after.
     Kent take 6 points, Gloucestershire 8.

Yorkshire v Essex - Match drawn
Yor - 246 & 214-4
Ess - 199 & 26-2

Yorkshire added a quick 70 runs in the morning session and declared having set Essex 262 to win. Shahzad took two wickets almost immediately but shortly after the rain came down and just before four o'clock it became the first game to be called off.
     Yorkshire take 7 points and Essex 6.

Derbyshire v Leicestershire - Match drawn
Lei - 324 & 169-4
Der - 180 & 91-0

Set an improbable 314 to win Derby's main aim was to survive, which they managed impressively well, although they too were helped by the showers. Guptill decided the best way to defend was attack, scoring 67 from 75 balls to take Derbyshire to 91 without loss.
     The result means Derbyshire remain at the top of Division 2, while Leicestershire sit mid-table.
     Derbyshire take 6 points, while Leicestershire pick up 9.

  

Division 1 Table

	Team	Played	Points
1	Warwickshire	2	42
2	Nottinghamshire	3	41
3	Somerset	3	36
4	Surrey	3	30
5	Middlesex	3	30
6	Sussex	2	25
7	Durham	2	10
8	Worcestershire	2	9
9	Lancashire	2	8

Division 2 Table

	Team	Played	Points
1	Derbyshire	3	45
2	Kent	3	39
3	Gloucestershire	3	33
4	Essex	2	29
5	Leicestershire	2	24
6	Hampshire	2	22
7	Yorkshire	2	16
8	Glamorgan	3	8
9	Northamptonshire	2	7

The next round includes another 8 matches and beginning on Thursday, 26th April. See you then.

County Championship Round 3 - Day 3

For the first time this year all the games will go into a fourth day, and, surprisingly, all the games have also reached at least the third innings, something which seemed unlikely this afternoon. How many of them will produce results is unclear and a lot will depend on the shifting weather. Here is the best of the action from today.


Day 3

Glamorgan v Hampshire
Gla - 103-9d & 256
Ham - 156 & 112-4

Wright scored 104 for Glamorgan to give them hope as they built a lead of 203 over Hampshire, although it would have been a lot more had Riazuddin (5 for 61) not run through the lower order.
     Things looked even better for the home side when Wagg took two quick wickets, restricting Hampshire to 3-2. However, at the close, the visitors have fought back leaving the game finely poised going into the final day.


Nottinghamshire v Somerset
Not - 162 & 47-0
Som - 445-2

Somerset's batsmen once again put bowlers to the sword as they took big strides forward in this match. The one highlight for Nottinghamshire was Paul Franks' wicket, which was the 500th of his first class career.
      The day, though, belonged to Somerset and specifically to Suppiah (124), Compton (204*) and Hildreth (102*). 216 runs were added for the second wicket and 217* for the third. Together they have put the visitors in a strong position going into the last day. Nottinghamshire's openers have survived to the close and the pitch certianly doesn't seem to be as difficult to bat on as it was on the first day.


Kent v Gloucestershire
Glo - 255 & 191-3
Ken - 150

More rain interrupted in Canterbury but Gloucestershire have the upper hand and will hope to put Kent under pressure on the final day as they search for a win.
     It has been a good match for the Gidman brothers, and this today it was the turn of Alex, who is currently 60*, taking his side to a lead of 296 overnight. An early declaration is certain and Kent will have to survive most of the day to fend off defeat.


Lancashire v Warwickshire
Lan - 250 & 44-4
War - 329

Maddy (112) and Clarke (140) rescued Warwickshire from 81-7 with 224 for the 8th wicket, falling just 4 short of their record, made in 1925. The reigning champions looked set for a big first innings lead but the defecit was wiped out in the afternoon session. To make matters worse Lancashire have lost four wickets to leave them in a dangerous position overnight. They too will need players to stick in and score big if they are to turn this game back in their favour.


Yorkshire v Essex
Yor - 246 & 144-2
Ess - 199

A long last wicket partnership frustrated Yorkshire as they failed to really press their advantage over the visitors. Bopara starred with the bat for Essex, scoring 117 not out and put on 48 for the 10th wicket despite last man Mills only scoring 2. Sidebottom was easily the pick of the Yorkshire bowlers, taking 5 for 30.
     The home side put on 106 for the first wicket of their second innings but with a lead of only 191 they will need quick runs in the morning if they are to put pressure on Essex in the afternoon.


Surrey v Worcestershire
Sur - 140 & 131-6
Wor - 119

Meaker took 6 for 39 to somehow give Surrey a first innings lead at the Oval. It certainly has been a low scoring game so far and the wickets continued to fall this evening as Richardson took his tally of the game so far to nine! Surrey's lead is only 152, although that would be the highest score by either side should Worcestershire get it, and they will need more than that, unless they can polish the Londoners off quickly in the morning.


Derbyshire v Leicestershire
Lei - 324 & 76-1
Der - 180

Derbyshire crawled along today as Leicestershire applied good pressure having scored 324 in their first innings. However lower order runs meant that the visitors weren't in as good a position as they would have hoped for at the beginning of the day.
     Palladino, batting at number 10, was the highest scorer with 38, and he was the last man out as White picked up a five-for. Derbyshire then restricted the run rate in the evening, but are still in trouble, 220 runs behind. They will have to bat most of tomorrow to avoid defeat.


Middlesex v Durham
Mid - 188 & 21-1
Dur - 238

The chance of a result in this match is slim after all the rain. Middlesex will not have enough time tomorrow to reach a big enough lead to put pressure on Durham, although the visitors could yet triumph if they take quick wickets in the morning.
     Earlier Durham squeezed past 200, with most of the batsmen reaching double figures, so they will take more bonus points, whichever way this game goes.

County Championship Round 3 - Day 2

More bad weather plagued the matches today as the low scores keep coming. I wonder if this early start and lack of batting bonus points will mean the eventual division winners will have significantly fewer points than those of previous years.


Day 2

Glamorgan v Hampshire
Gla - 103-9d & 73-3
Ham - 156

Waters took career best figures of 7 for 53 to keep this match in the balance. Hampshire's last four wickets fell for just 48 as they took a 53 run lead. That though was soon eradictaed. Glamorgan are well set to pass their minimal first innings total in the morning, but they will look to build a big lead as they continue to search for their first win of the season.


Yorkshire v Essex
Yorkshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Yor - 246
Ess - 72-5

This game progressed quickly after having lost the whole of the first day to rain. Jaques was the star with the bat scoring 126, however Yorkshire would have been looking for a lot more when the were 203-3. Mills helped to run through the middle order and soon the innings was over.
     Essex though were soon in deeper trouble as Patterson bowled and incredible, triple-wicket, maiden over to take the visitors from 42-2 to 42-5. Bopara (26*) has steadied the ship but will need to hang in there tomorrow to keep his side in the game.


Lancashire v Warwickshire
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lan - 250
War - 68-5
In a remarkably similar game, also being played in the north, Lancashire have taken the upper hand, although this has been more of a team effort. Three batsmen made 40s and so far four different bowlers have taken wickets. Maddy seems to be the only one holding things together for Warwickshire after he took four wickets and is currently 16 not out.


Kent v Gloucestershire
Glo - 255
Ken - 119 - 6

Davies and Coles both picked up four wickets as Gloucestershire were eventually muscled out for 255, after Gidman and Young had both made 50s. Gidman (the younger) also took three wickets under leaden skys to give the visitors the advantage going into the weekend.


Nottinghamshire v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 162
Som - 78-1

A captain's innings to top all others came from Chris Read who scored an unbeaten 104 for Nottinghamshire. Strangely he was only on 58 when last man (playing his first match for Nottinghamshire) Gurney came to the crease. But the tail-ender hung on allowing Read to strike his way cleanly to his first century of the summer.
     Trescothic injured his ankle in the field and Gregory, who was chosen to replace him at the top of the order didn't last long, but any possibility of a collapse were wiped away over the next hour as Suppiah moved to 50* at the early close.


Derbyshire v Leicestershire
Lei - 318-7

Sarwan and Cobb both scored 105 to take the visitors past 300, something of a rarity for almost every team in the country at the moment. Together the Leicestershire pair added 141 for the 4th wicket. However with two days gone, and prospect of more bad weather to come something major needs to happen if there is to be a result.


Surrey v Worcestershire
Worcestershire won the toss and decided to field.
Sur - 123-7

Worcestershire's decision to bowl yesterday morning appears to have been a good one, but with only 35 overs play so far there will need to be even more wickets tomorrow to move the game along. Richardson was the star with the ball taking 5 for 42 to leave Surrey in a bad position.


Middlesex v Durham
Durham won the toss and decided to field.
Mid - 132-5

Four and a half more overs were managed at Lord's but the game is less advanced despite Middlesex having been 2-3 and 28-4. Strauss got a second ball duck and the other three (of the top four) only scraped together 10 runs. But first Malan (35) and then Dexter (65*) improved the situation. Durham will look for more quick wickets in the morning but at the moment the game looks to be headed for a draw.

County Championship Round 3 - Day 1

Rain dominated games across the whole country and could continue to do so over the weekend, but of the matches that did get underway most saw wickets tumbling once again. Three games failed to see any play at all. We begin at Trent Bridge where I managed to see most of the day's play.

Day 1

Nottinghamshire v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 93-6

After winning a good toss Trescothic saw his bowlers rip into Nottinghamshire's top order. Somerset are without Philander but Trego amply made up for his absence by taking 3 for 24 from his 12 overs so far. The start was delayed by rain but by lunch the hosts were already 20-4. After two lbw shouts were upheld Hales was caught behind for 9. Then off the last ball before lunch Patel got a thick edge and Suppiah took a stunning catch diving to his right at third slip.
     After the break Taylor departed for 2 so the top five batsmen all failed to reac double figures. Read though began to make up for losing his third toss of the season and by the close stands unbeaten on 52. His innings has included 8 fours and a 6, pulled flat to the mid-wicket boundary. His side however are once again in big trouble and must hope to cause similar havoc in the Somerset innings when it comes.

Here are some of my pictures of the action from Trent Bridge.

Lancashire v Warwickshire
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lan - 125-5

Fielding first seems to be the only choice to make on winning the toss in these early season fixtures, but for a while Lancashire held the upper hand despite having been inserted. Late wickets however have evened the game up. Brown had made a steady 46 when he became the fourth victim with the score on 111, and soon after Maddy (2 for 11) had Croft caught to give Warwickshire the impetus going into day two.


Glamorgan v Hampshire
Glamorgan won the toss and decided to bat.
Gla - 103-9d
Ham - 29-1

Surprisingly Glamorgan bucked the trend and opted to bat first, but it didn't help their cause as they slumped to 103-9, where upon they surprisingly declared. Clearly they felt there was nothing more to be gained by batting on, and they would rather try and pick up some late wickets themselves. If that was the case then it worked because Adams was soon caught behind for 3. Hampshire have though moved on to 29-1 at the close.
     Earlier Balcombe took 5 for 33 to help in the home side's demise.

 
Kent v Gloucestershire
Kent won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 131-6
54 overs were managed at Canterbury and Kent had the better of the play as Coles (3 for 37), Davies (2 for 19), and Sherck (1 for 46) all took wickets. A couple of batsmen have made starts but no one has yet made it to fifty and the visitors will now struggle to collects any batting bonus points.


Derbyshire v Leicestershire
Derbyshire won the toss and decided to field.
Lei - 24-1

Tony Palladino picked up the one wicket to fall as all bar 10.5 overs were lost to rain today. These midland rivals would have been looking forward to a good match, especially Derbyshire after winning their opening two games.


Surrey v Worcestershire
Worcestershire won the toss and decided to field.
No play due to rain.


Middlesex v Durham
Durham won the toss and decided to field.
No play due to rain.


Yorkshire v Essex
Toss not yet taken
No play due to rain.

County Championship Round 2 - Day 4

An astonishing day saw games swing sharply and several close finishes. Some pitches are coming under question, but at the end of the day teams who throw away winning positions can only blame themselves. All seven matches this week produced results, here is the final round up and tables.


Day 4

Warwickshire v Somerset - Warwickshire win by 2 wickets
Som - 147 & 354
War - 243 & 262-8

Warwickshire pulled off a dramatic win after having seemingly blown their great overnight position. Porterfield scored 84, but when he was caught behind with the score on 197-5 he set off a collapse that ended with the home side teetering on 207-8, still requiring a further 52 runs. Troughton (15), the last recognised batsman, took the defensive approach, but Patel (43) went on the attack, and together they turned the game back to Warwickshire.
     So they finished with 20 points, while Somerset only got 3.


Durham v Nottinghamshire - Nottinghamshire win by 114 runs
Not - 161 & 335
Dur - 129 & 253

Nottinghamshire eventually wrapped up their win over Durham, but not before Onions (28*) and Claydon (55) had put on 73 for the last wicket, taking the home side to within 115 runs of victory. The win means that Nottinghamshire are the only team in Division One to have won both of their opening matches, as they take another 19 points, but Durham pick up just 3.


Hampshire v Gloucestershire - Gloucestershire win by 33 runs
Glo - 314 & 174
Ham - 199 & 256

Gloucestershire scrambled over the line with three late wickets to stop Hampshire's charge for victory. A partnership of 56 had taken the home side from 190-7 to 246-8, needing only a further 43 runs, but the final two wickets fell quickly as the visitors wrapped up their first win. They took 22 points but Hampshire only got 3 from their opening match.


Middlesex v Surrey - Middlesex win by 3 runs
Mid - 256 & 106
Sur - 222 & 137

Middlesex pulled off a seemingly impossible victory as Murtagh and Roland-Jones took four wickets apiece to decimate the Surrey order and win by the narrowest of margins. Hamilton-Brown scored 63 but couldn't take the visitors over the line. Middlesex therefore collect 21 points, while Surrey only have 3.


 Tables

 Division 1

	Team	Played	Points
1	Nottinghamshire	2	38
2	Somerset	2	25
3	Sussex	2	25
4	Surrey	2	24
5	Middlesex	2	24
6	Warwickshire	1	20
7	Durham	1	3
8	Lancashire	1	3
9	Worcestershire	1	3

Division 2

	Team	Played	Points
1	Derbyshire	2	39
2	Kent	2	33
3	Gloucestershire	2	25
4	Essex	1	23
5	Leicestershire	1	15
6	Yorkshire	1	9
7	Northamptonshire	2	7
8	Glamorgan	2	5
9	Hampshire	1	3

The next round of matches will begin on Thursday, 19th April.


Day 3

Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire - Match drawn
Wor - 464-7 & 34-4
Oxf - 435 (Coleman 110)

Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU - Match drawn
L/B - 211 & 189
Yor - 135 & 91-2

Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire - Match drawn
Lei - 320 & 141-6d
Lou - 158 & 122-3

County Championship Round 2 - Day 3

Three matches were completed today, all by some margin, and a few teams are already starting to show their dominance, while others seem slightly lacking in spirit. Here's today's round up.

Day 3

Northamptonshire v Kent - Kent win by an innings and 4 runs
Nor - 132 & 116
Ken - 368

Northamptonshire's poor start to the season continues as they failed to pass 150 for the third time in four innings. This though was there worst score yet, mainly brought on by Coles who took 6 for 51.
     Kent will be pleased with their bowling after they only drew last week, this time though, they've gone one better and picked up 23 points, while Northamptonshire only got 2.


Lancashire v Sussex - Sussex win by 10 wickets
Lan - 124 & 176
Sus - 300 & 4-0

Lancashire lose their first match, while Sussex win their first (after losing last week). The visitors needed only one to complete the victory, which they got when Joyce knocked the third ball of the first over for four. This was after the Champions failed again to reach 200, as only Prince (58) passed the half-century mark. Man of the match goes to Magoffin who finished with figures of 7 for 34 to add to his two wickets in the first innings.
     Sussex take 22 points to Lancashire's 3.


Glamorgan v Derbyshire - Derbyshire win by 130 runs
Der - 130 & 197
Gla - 95 & 102

Glamorgan made a surprisingly good start to their second innings reaching 59 before losing their fist wicket. After that though the rest of the batsmen collapsed as Clare (6 for 40) and Palladino (3 for 29) ran through the home side, the ten wickets falling for just 43.
     Derbyshire have made a remarkably good start to the season with their second win, while Glamorgan have now played two, lost two. They take 3 points, but Derbyshire take 19.


Warwickshire v Somerset
Som - 147 & 354
War - 243 & 123-2

Compton (133) has helped Somerset back into the game despite their poor first innings. The visitors left Warwickshire 259 to win as the day was dominated by a stand of 167 between Compton and Buttler (93). Warwickshire however, have stuck to their task and at the close only require a further 136 runs for victory. Don't count Somerset out yet though, they won't go down without a fight.

Durham v Nottinghamshire
Not - 161 & 335
Dur - 129 & 203-9

Nottinghamshire are on the brink of victory at Durham, although they probably should already have completed it. Late runs from the home side have pushed this game into the fourth day. After a quick-fire 80 from Mustard all of the bottom five have reached double figures, something only one of the top five managed. Adams has taken four wickets, but all of the other five bowlers have also taken one each. Durham still require another 165 runs, so it is almost certain the visitors will secure the victory tomorrow morning.


Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Glo - 314 & 129-5
Ham - 199

More bad weather plagued this match but when play did eventually begin Gloucestershire wrapped up the Hampshire innings and denied them a batting bonus point in the process. The game is finely balanced, but a draw looks the most likely result, especially if more rain comes tomorrow.

Middlesex v Surrey
Mid - 256 & 106
Sur - 222

Yesterday I said something dramatic would have to happen for this match to produce a victor, and it has happened. Middlesex may have had a first innings lead, but Surrey took control of the London derby as the home side were rolled over for just 106 second time around. Lewis took five wickets to put Surrey in the driving seat.
     The visitors did try to make things harder for themselves by slipping to 22-3 and 68-4, but an unbeaten 51 from Hamilton-Brown has left Middlesex staring at a second straight defeat. Surrey need just 46 more runs to win.

Day 2

Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire
Wor - 464-7 (Klinger 120)
Oxf - 213-3

Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU
L/B - 211 & 127-6
Yor - 135

Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire
Lei - 320 & 2-0
Lou - 158

County Championship Round 2 - Day 2

Five games moved into their third innings today although there was some better batting. There has been a remarkable amount of play despite it still only being the second week of April, and praise must go to the dedicated ground staff around the country. We begin in Cardiff, where wickets have continued to tumble.


Day 1

Glamorgan v Derbyshire
Der - 130 & 152-6
Gla - 95

Derbyshire somehow managed to force at 35 run lead on the first innings by bowling the home side out for just 95. Clare took 5 for 17 off eight overs. More wickets were to come though as the visitors found batting no easier second time round, falling to 97-6 before Wainwright (30*) and Clare (40*) came to their rescure.


Lancashire v Sussex
Lan - 124 & 85-4
Sus - 300

The reigning champions are in a precarious position overnight after Yardy put in a true Captain's innings of 110 to help Sussex to a lead of 176. Magoffin has taken three wickets so far in the second innings and Monty Panesar one and both will be looking for more tomorrow as the visitors look to possibly seal victory by an innings.

Warwickshire v Somerset
Som - 147 & 127-4
War - 243

Warwickshire will be disappointed not to have built up a bigger first innings lead despite a stand of 47 for the last wicket. Compton has since gone on to 61* for Somerset as the visitors ease their way back into this match.

Durham v Nottinghamshire
Not - 161 & 231-4
Dur - 129

Durham were skittled on the second day as Nottinghamshire used only 4 of their 6 potential bowlers. Phillips took four wickets and Adams and Carter three apiece, to wrap up the innings. The visitors, as in their first game last week, are batting better in their second innings, Lumb currently the top scorer with 104* to his name, as Nottinghamshire move in to a healthy position.


Northamptonshire v Kent
Nor - 132 & 50-4
Ken - 368

Northamptonshire look set to lose their second match already after Powell (128) put Kent in a fantastic position. Brooks was the only bowler for the home side to threaten as he took five wickets. Kent though were soon back among the top order reducing the home side to 25-4. Sales (31*) has steadied the ship but must look to bat for much of tomorrow if Northamptonshire are to salvage anything.

Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 314
Ham - 182-7
Gloucestershire hold the upper hand after two days in Southampton. Opener Dent finished with 114, his highest first class score, and then took three catches as Gidman and Saxelby picked up three wickets each. Hampshire will try to pick up a batting bonus point in the morning and then hope to bowl better to keep themselves in the match.

Middlesex v Surrey
Mid - 256
Sur - 161-5

Surrey plodded along today, as this game remained firmly in the balance. Indeed things will need to speed up or change dramatically tomorrow for a winner to be found on Sunday. The visitor's innings began well with Rudolph (45) and Davis (62) putting on 85 for the first wicket, but after that Middlesex picked up regular wickets.


Day 1

Oxford MCCU v Worcestershire
Wor - 323-5 (Klinger 120)

Yorkshire v Leeds/Bradford MCCU
L/B - 211
Yor - 80-6

Loughborough MCCU v Leicestershire
Lei - 302-7

County Championship Round 2 - Day 1

Wickets were tumbling left, right and centre this morning as the second round of Championship Cricket got under way. Indeed by lunch time 25 wickets had fallen across the seven games being played, and it didn't stop there. Only two teams batting at the start of the day are not all out overnight.
We start at Liverpool where Lancashire were beginning their title defence, having not played last week.


Day 1

Lancashire v Sussex
Sussex won the toss and decided to field.
Lan - 124
Sus - 137-3

Croft's innings of 50 was the only one of note as Lancashire were skittled in just over fifty overs, making a bad start to their season. For the visitors Anyon picked up five wickets, at an economy rate of just 2.51.
     Lancashire, though, hit back immediately to leave Sussex 15-3. However if the local supporters were hoping for a complete turn in fortune it wasn't to be as Joyce (48*) and Yardy (70*) took their team beyond Lancashire's score and into a very strong position early in this game.


Warwickshire v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to bat.
Som - 147
War - 111-3

Runs down the order half saved Somerset's innings after they found themselves 95-8. For once the great run machine that is the Somerset top order failed, leaving it up to players like Philander, who made 38 including hitting two sixes to lift the visitors.
     Somerset also picked up wickets to have Warwickshire on 58-3, but, in a similar fashion to Sussex, Chopra (40*) and Maddy (24*) took the home side to 111-3 at the close.


Glamorgan v Derbyshire
Derbyshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Der - 130
Gla - 37-4

Derbyshire were left feeling foolish for batting first in Cardiff when they collapsed to a meagre 130 all out, as Wagg (6 for 44) ran through them. However more late wickets have reduced the home side to just 37-4 in reply, with no batsman having reached double figures yet.


Durham v Nottinghamshire
Durham won the toss and decided to field.
Not - 161
Dur - 55-3

Rain and bad light affected the first day in Durham, where the hosts won an important toss and made full use of it by dismissing Nottinghamshire inside 60 overs. Taylor top scored with 32 while for Durham Onions picked up four wickets and Claydon three. But once again, in difficult evening conditions wickets fell quickly. The home side were 33-3, but managed to reach the close without further losses. Adams currently has figures of 7o-3m-8r-2w.


Northamptonshire v Kent
Northamptonshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Nor - 132
Ken - 127-3

The same pattern can be seen at Northampton too, where the home side were knocked over for 132 before taking three wickets themselves. Ben Harmison was run out for 46, but Nash is 40* at the close and will look to kick on in the morning to take the game away from Northamptonshire.


Hampshire v Gloucestershire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to field.
Glo - 195-4

For a while it looked as though things were going the same way when Gloucestershire were on 87-4, but then an unbeaten partnership of 108 between Dent (59*) and Cockbain (52*) put to shame all the other batsmen around the country. Again rain and bad light restricted the number of overs, but the visitors will hope to go on tomorrow to post a high score.


Middlesex v Surrey
Surrey won the toss and decided to field.
Mid - 225-9

The match swayed throughout the day between the London rivals, who are also the two promoted teams from last season. Middlesex made a relatively good start, but soon wickets were falling as Dernbach (3 for 33) made inroads. However from 129-7 Middlesex recovered as Malan (62*) helped the home side past 200. Surrey, who won their opening match will be disappointed not to have taken all ten wickets today.

Overseas signings

Here is a run down of the overseas players the clubs have signed for this season. It is interesting to note that almost all of the clubs have found it hard to tie down the player they want for a whole season, and many have not managed to secure the services of players from previous years. Continuity from season to season and over a year can be crucial. But international commitments and the IPL will always come first for these stars.

Derbyshire

Martin Guptill (New Zealand, until 12 June)
Usman Khawaja (Australia, 14 June until end of season)
Rana Naved-ul-Hasan (Pakistan, for Twenty20)

Durham

Herschelle Gibbs (South Africa, for Twenty20)
Mitchell Johnson (Australia, for Twenty20)
 

Essex

Alviro Petersen (South Africa, until mid-June)
Peter Siddle (Australia, for Twenty20)

Glamorgan

Moises Henriques (Australia, early part of season)
Marcus North (Australia, from early May)

Gloucestershire
Muttiah Muralitharan (Sri Lanka, for Twenty20)
Kane Williamson (New Zealand, 26 April to the end of T20)
 

Hampshire

Simon Katich (Australia)
Shahid Afridi (Pakistan, for Twenty20)

Kent
Brendan Nash (West Indies)
 

Lancashire

Ashwell Prince (South Africa)

Leicestershire
Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies, subject to international clearance)
Abdul Razzaq (Pakistan, for Twenty20)

Middlesex

Chris Rogers (Australia)
 

Northamptonshire

Chaminda Vaas (Sri Lanka)
Cameron White (Australia, for Twenty20)

Nottinghamshire

Adam Voges (Australia, 25 May until the end of the season)

Somerset

Vernon Philander (South Africa, April-May)
Chris Gayle (West Indies, for Twenty20)
Albie Morkel (South Africa, for Twenty20)

Surrey

Jacques Rudolph (South Africa, first part of season)
Murali Kartik (India, after IPL finishes)
Dirk Nannes (Australia, for Twenty20)

Sussex

Scott Styris (New Zealand, for Twenty20)
Steve Magoffin (Australia, first half of season)

Warwickshire
Jeetan Patel (New Zealand)

Worcestershire

Michael Klinger (Australia, start of season until late May)
Philip Hughes (Australia, from late May)
Saeed Ajmal (Pakistan, for Twenty20)

Yorkshire

TBC