Batting was better all round with only one team failing to bat all day, and several only losing half their wickets. There have been several century makers but pickings have been slim for the bowlers. With a mostly dry forecast we can hopefully look forward to some exciting contests.
Day 1
Surrey v Somerset
Somerset won the toss and decided to bat.
Som - 441-5
Suppiah (106) and Hildreth (120) put Somerset in a commanding position with help from Compton (83). They have scored at an incredible rate of 4.6 per over but Surrey have still only been able to take five wickets, one of which was a run out, while three were lbws suggesting that there is something in the pitch for the bowlers.
It is unusual for a team to be so much on the back foot after one day but Surrey will have to fight hard now to avoid defeat.
Kent v Northamptonshire
Northamptonshire won the toss and decided to bat.
244-4
Slow and steady was the rule for Northamptonshire's batsmen as they inched along at just above 2.5 runs per over. Sales has been the outstanding player with 104 not out to his name. The visitors were in some trouble at 87-4 but Sales and Middlebrook (57*) have seen them through more than half the day to close slightly in front.
Kent's bowlers kept it tight but will be disappointed not to have taken more wickets after such a good start.
Leicestershire v Essex
Leicestershire won the toss and decided to bat.
Lei - 325-5
Leicestershire had one of their best days with the bat so far this season, although it began badly. Jefferson, playing in his first match this year, was caught off the first ball, and was soon followed by Boyce and Smith, to leave the score on 29-3. Sarwan (117) and Cobb (80) came to the rescue, compiling a stand worth 216 in 60 overs to put the home side back in front. Masters, though, came back to remove both of them as he finished the day with figures of 4 for 57, easily the best from Essex's bowlers. However, White and Eckersley have taken Leicestershire on to a good overnight score and a position they will look to strengthen in the morning.
Worcestershire v Sussex
Sussex won the toss and decided to bat.
Sus - 283-8
Lower order runs saved Sussex from being bowled out on day one as wickets fell in clusters throughout the sessions. Nash (84) gave Sussex a good start and took them to 109-1 before being caught. He was almost immediately followed by Goodwin though, a pattern that followed, with three wickets falling between 153 and 167. Then Brown (42) and Arif (46), who had rescued the visitors somewhat, were both dismissed within 5 runs, to set them back again.
As it stands the game is evenly poised, but the morning session could swing the ballance. If Sussex bat on past 300, then they will take the impetus, but if Worcestershire can wrap up the innings swiftly then they should have the upper hand.
Warwickshire v Lancashire
Warwickshire won the toss and decided to bat.
War - 289-4
Lancashire again lacked prowess in the bowling department as Warwickshire made another fine start to a match. Chopra (113) and Westwood (70) put on 168 for the first wicket to lauch the home side into a strong position. Wickets fell regularly thereafter and the visitors did manage to restrict the scoring but Warwickshire will be very pleased with their day overall.
Derbyshire v Glamorgan
Glamorgan won the toss and decided to bat.
Gla - 236
Der - 22-0
Glamorgan were the only side to be dismissed today, despite having chosen to bat. North scored 79, but his was the only innings of note as almost all the Derbyshire bowlers chipped in to leave them well placed, especially as they survived the 8 overs till the close.
Yorkshire v Hampshire
Hampshire won the toss and decided to bat.
Ham - 352-5
Hampshire were another team to make hay with the bat, although they too struggled in the morning. Yorkshire nipped out the openers within six overs and by lunch the visitors were four down. Katich, though, was not going to be removed so easily. With Bates (88*) to partner him, the seasoned Australian made 180 not out and will look to turn that into a double-hundred tomorrow as Hampshire try to press their advantage. Yorkshire will want more early wickets to prevent that, but they are already well behind in this game.
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