It's been a funny old week in the County Championship. Lancashire surrendered top spot to Durham, losing to Phil Mustard's team by an innings and 125. A county record partnership of 331 between Ben Stokes and Dale Benkenstein outstripped Lancashire's entire first innings, then Ian Blackwell wrapped things up today with 4-34. Sadly for the winners, Stokes suffered a dislocated finger and could be out for the entire T20 campaign. However, Durham have now claimed maximum points from the past three matches.
Early leaders Nottinghamshire sank to sixth after Worcestershire responded to a testing declaration by thumping 255-4 in under 46 overs and celebrating their first Championship victory of the summer. Vikram Solanki top-scored but it took some T20-style hitting by Andrew, Moeen Ali and Kervezee to win the game. At Hove, Sussex forced Yorkshire to follow on, helped by a magnificent unbeaten 274 by Murray Goodwin and another big century from Luke Wells. However, time ran out and a patient 73 not out by Gary Ballance ensured a draw for the White Roses.
In Division Two, leaders Northants trounced second placed Glamorgan by an innings and 177. Chaminda Vaas took ten wickets and there were hundreds for Rob White and Stephen Peters. Surrey advanced to the dizzy heights (for them) of fourth after getting the better of Derbyshire. It had been an even contest in the first innings before the relatively unknown bowlers Tim Linley and Matt Dunn, opening in place of England call-up Jade Dernbach, polished off Derby for 99 all out, leaving Ramprakash and co a simple target to beat.
At Tunbridge Wells, Kent's top three all passed 90 on the first day and a bit, but only Joe Denly reached three figures. Poor Sam Northeast was lbw for 99. Leicestershire followed on, and a 96 by James Taylor stimulated a promising recovery. However, the deficit was too much, and Denly and Northeast put on another century partnership to secure victory and move off the bottom of the table at Leicester's expense. The weather was the real winner at Bristol, where Gloucestershire and Essex drew tamely. Jon Lewis, Chris Dent and David Masters shared the playing honours.
Just a quick final mention of the opening T20 fixture of the year. Yes, it is upon us again, and sadly for me, Somerset lost to Hampshire, just as they did in the final last year, despite the return from IPL duty of Kartik and Thomas. Ho-hum....
