Report

Warwickshire ease relegation fears

A round-up of the latest Championship action as Sussex continue to struggle, but Kent have no such problems in Division Two

Cricinfo staff
11-Sep-2009

Division One

Warwickshire are well-placed to secure the win that will preserve their first-class status, after Sussex were pushed onto the defensive on the penultimate day at Hove. After Murray Goodwin and Andrew Hodd had ground out a third-wicket stand of 34 that spanned 26 overs, Boyd Rankin struck a crucial blow in the final over of the day to remove Goodwin, and leave Sussex struggling on 113 for 3 at the close, still 61 runs from asking Warwickshire to bat again. Earlier, Jim Troughton progressed from his overnight 28 to 85, as Warwickshire were bowled out for 428. Sussex did claim an extra bowling point to help them in their own bid to avoid relegation, but they've got their work cut out tomorrow.
Somerset's wicketkeeper, Craig Kieswetter, produced a career-best 153 at Taunton, to give his side total control on the third day against Lancashire. Kieswetter, 21, will be England-qualified by next season, and he re-confirmed his immense potential by cracking 14 fours and eight sixes in a 170-ball innings. Somerset declared on 557 for 8, a lead of 213, whereupon he added two more catches to his first-innings haul of six to lead Lancashire floundering on 87 for 2 at the close.
Durham ensured that the first-division crown will remain with them for another season, as Nottinghamshire were left in their wake at Chester-le-Street. Click here for John Ward's report.
Having yesterday confirmed Worcestershire's relegation, Hampshire ensured they themselves will remain in the top flight by sealing victory today. George Dobell watched the action.

Division Two

Neil Dexter kept his former Kent colleagues waiting with a career-best 146, but Middlesex were still left sliding towards defeat on the third day at Uxbridge. Responding to Kent's hefty 652 for 7, Dexter rescued his side from the overnight depths of 109 for 4, but was unable to save the follow-on, with only Gareth Berg's 67 providing any lasting support. Second-time round, Adam London completed a disappointing match when Azhar Mahmood trapped him lbw for a fourth-ball duck, and by the close, Middlesex were in the mire on 89 for 3.
Surrey drew level with Northamptonshire at The Oval but have lost three second-innings wickets in doing so. Click here for Andrew McGlashan's report.
2nd day
Glamorgan's spinners, Robert Croft and Dean Cosker, claimed three wickets each in a tight contest against Essex at Cardiff. After being bowled out for 311 on the first day, Glamorgan restricted Essex to 277 for 7 in reply, with Mark Pettini's unbeaten 87 forming the backbone of the reply. John Maunders and Alastair Cook had started strongly in the morning, racking up a 98-run stand for the first wicket, but then Croft got in on the act, removing both batsmen in the space of seven runs, before adding Tom Westley one ball later. From 171 for 3, Cosker then triggered a second mini-collapse, with Jim Allenby claiming the other wicket to fall.