Will Macpherson

After a performance as perfect as this - in which John Simpson became their third batsman to score a brilliant ton, and Tim Murtagh and Toby Roland-Jones shared nine Hampshire wickets - it is only rain that can deny Middlesex now

The moves, up, down and sideways, in county cricket explained

Dawid Malan and Adam Voges battled through the tough conditions to blossom into an outstanding match-establishing partnership

Graham Ford appeared unfazed as his side left Chelmsford after a damp draw against Essex

At 27, Tom Westley is not one of young guns of county cricket but that may work in his favour. After a difficult winter with England Lions he is more hungry than ever to push him for higher honours

Aaron Beard has been on Essex's radar since playing for their U-9s and against the Sri Lankan tourists their hopes began to come to fruition as he took four wickets in an eye-catching first-class debut

When hands were shaken at 5.52pm, both teams, you sense, left sunny Southampton satisfied

Ian Bell reminded the England selectors of his qualities on a day when a space in the middle order unexpectedly - and sadly - opened up

England bowler Reece Topley has broken a bone in his right hand after being struck by Boyd Rankin while batting during his Hampshire debut

Keith Barker had a five-wicket haul before lunch but Warwickshire could not take full advantage as Ryan McLaren led a Hampshire recovery

He was once a refugee working odd jobs. Now, settled, he seeks to make a difference

The crowds, the TV ratings, the recognition and the young talent coming through all point to a future that's more inclusive

Talent spotter, brand manager, publicist, PA, troubleshooter, friend, guide - it's all in a day's work for the player agent

Michael Hussey, the BBL winning captain, has said that joining Sydney Thunder is the "best decision" he has made

The fifth BBL final was a tale of two innings, and two collapses. Kevin Pietersen, who is in marvellous form, scored 74, before Usman Khawaja, who is in simply superhuman touch, made 70 which, as wickets tumbled, proved enough to hand Sydney Thunder their

Sydney Thunder beat their crosstown rivals Sydney Sixers by three wickets to win the inaugural WBBL title, in a tense and scrappy game which came down to the last over

While Sydney Thunder have been consistent right through the tournament, Sixers have veered wildly and have won nine in a row to make the final

Having seen off the double champions Perth Scorchers, four-time semifinalists Sydney Thunder gear up to do battle against Melbourne Stars, who are hoping to give Michael Hussey a winning send-off

Kevin Pietersen has said the Melbourne Stars' success has been built on preparation prior to the match and not worrying about consequences when it came to match-day

Kevin Pietersen struck a 36-ball 62 to knock out Perth Scorchers and lead Melbourne Stars into their first BBL final