Sussex made it two wins out of two, and skipper Ed Joyce also achieved a double; two centuries against Warwickshire's lauded attack which secured a seven-wicket win. His opposite number Ian Bell had a mixed match, starting with a duck but redeeming himself with an unbeaten 189 which at least gave his bowlers something to aim at. After a poor opening performance, Middlesex showed what they can do in dominating their home fixture against highly-fancied Nottinghamshire. Sam Robson continued his hot winter streak, contributing more than 200 runs to the cause, while Steve Finn took another nine wickets. At this rate, both could find themselves in the England team next month. Notts' marquee signing, Peter Siddle, ended his debut with figures of 0-113. I'm sure he'll do better next time out.
Down in Taunton, the sun shone on a batting belter. Just 24 wickets fell in four full days. There were twelve half-centuries but only Yorkshire's Adil Rashid went on to reach three figures. Somerset went for an extra batsman but their bowling looked really thin with no Kirby, Trego, Jamie Overton or, on he final day, his twin brother Craig. When I peeped through the Garner Gates this lunchtime all I saw were South African spinners Myburgh and Petersen in action. Even James Hildreth delivered six overs, but he did capture the wicket of Adam Lyth. It was a draw, of course.
In Division Two, Essex achieved a remarkable turnaround at Chelmsford. Skittled on the first morning for just 94, Footitt and Groenewald each claiming a five-for, Essex fought back with David Masters' 6-46. Alastair Cook then led from the front, striking 181 out of a total of 425, and the bowlers did the rest. Napier and Mills each took 3-49 to help Essex take their first victory of the season. Hampshire lead the table thanks to an eight-wicket, maximum-point defeat of Gloucestershire. James Vince and Michael Carberry each scored centuries against a patchy attack but Gloucester's Will Tavare, a chip off uncle Chris' old block, produced his first career hundred in senior cricket.
It was a relatively low-scoring affair at Worcester. The home side's 'keeper Ben Cox was a surprising high scorer with a second innings 89, while the most notable bowling performance came from Kent's Doug Bollinger. Gareth Andrew's match analysis of 8-85 was also eye-catching and and, with Jack Shantry and Charles Morris, he humbled Rob Key's men who lost all wickets still 125 runs short. Hampshire have a third consecutive match next week and, if they beat Derbyshire, can open up a substantial lead even at this early stage in proceedings.
In the top flight, Sussex will remain top this time next week without playing, regardless of results elsewhere. It will also be interesting to see which other players step up to the plate and establish their England credentials in the wake of Vince, Robson et al.
