Key events
Friday’s round up
Three Essex players fielded in snoods at Chester-le-Street, with Jordan Cox adding a hand warmer for good measure, as the temperature tiptoed to 7C and the coffee van did a roaring trade. But three batters flourished in the chill: Colin Ackermann, who played a sedate anchor role for 112, his first century for Durham, and David Bedingham and Ollie Robinson who sparkled. Bedingham, fresh from his 138 off 99 balls against Worcestershire, was soon into his stride, pinging Harmer into the health club for six. Robinson made his fifth Championship half century in consecutive innings before being caught for 90. Essex plugged away, dismissing Durham shortly after Ben Raine ensured a third batting point with a six.
Fifteen wickets tumbled on a basil-green wicket at the Oval. First Hampshire were routed for 156, with three wickets for Dan Worrall, Gus Atkinson and Jordan Clark. Then Surrey too slipped about, Hampshire winkling out four of their brightest – Dominic Sibley, Ollie Pope, Jamie Smith and Dan Lawrence – for just 44. Ryan Patel steadied things but was bowled before stumps.
Ben Duckett enjoyed himself at Edgbaston for Nottinghamshire, with a rapid 197 not out – there were four wickets for Warwickshire’s Olly Hannon-Dalby – while Tom Banton was run out for 92 at Kidderminster as Somerset crept past 300 despite Jason Holder’s brutal spell of three wickets in 12 balls for Worcestershire.
In Division Two, an unbeaten stand of 71 between Joe Root and Harry Brook provided pretty entertainment for Yorkshire, and much frustration for Derbyshire who dropped four catches either side of lunch. Shan Masood made 40 consisting entirely of fours.
Emilio Gay’s quickfire 88 put Northamptonshire in a good position against Leicestershire at Grace Road. Marchant de Lange stormed away with six for 49 as Middlesex were bowled out for 203 at Bristol against Gloucestershire.
Scores on the doors
DIVISION ONE
Chester le Street: Durham 358 v Essex 5-0
The Oval: Surrey 123-5 v Hampshire 151
Edgbaston: Warwickshire v Nottinghamshire 367-8
Kidderminster: Worcestershire 14-0 v Somerset 309-9dec
DIVISION TWO
Bristol: Gloucestershire 82-3 v Middlesex 203
Grace Road: Leicestershire v Northampton 337-6
Headingley: Yorkshire 276-3 v Derbyshire
Good morning! The birds are singing their little hearts out here in Chester le Street and the sun has been sending those out little heat kisses to remind us that spring is hovering in the background. I’m about to walk to the ground from my hotel so setting this up a little early – the kettle is on BTL.
