County Cricket Live 2012

Muttiah Muralitharan has made waves as he prepares for Gloucestershire's opening game against Somerset at Taunton.

Rain and more rain was the story in many places. A draw was called early at Grace Road and play abandoned at both Colwyn Bay and Northampton. They did manage to bowl a few overs at Tunbridge Wells where Liam Dawson scored a hundred.

There was also an early close at Durham where a draw ensued against Warwickshire. But more play elsewhere in the top flight where Middlesex came very close to beating Somerset at Lord's. Nick Compton stood firm for the visitors but needed Pete Trego's 50 and a later innings from Alfie Thomas to take Somerset to the close.

A day to go at Horsham where Surrey will have to bat a long time to save the game. Luke Wells gave another demonstration of his talent as Sussex rallied in the lower order - including 31 for Monty Panesar - to build up a big lead. No real chance of a result at Trent Bridge though unless innings are sacrificed.

What of Durham? I hear you cry. Well they've done rather well today, bowling Warwickshire, of all line-ups, out cheaply and claiming a solid lead. Also into the lead are Middlesex. Chris Rogers' smashed it this afternoon and put the hosts into another winning position, could they be heading to the top of the table? A couple of days weather-dodging to make it happen.

Andre Adams has a lovely record against Lancashire in recently times, at it again today with four wickets. The other Division One clash involved Surrey wickets tumbling at Horsham - a few problems all of a sudden for the outside tip for the title.

Plenty of rain in Division Two. It was Disgraceful, Tunbridge Wells between Kent and Hampshire and likewise at Colwyn Bay. Derbyshire were also hindered by the rain as they looked to build a lead on Leicestershire and Ravi Bopara was in the runs once more.

Final day of a few games still to come but two results today, the Division Two leaders Derbyshire suffering their first defeat of the season at the hands of Gloucestershire, who win for the second time this campaign - a vital win for them after a lean period.

The other result was in the Principality where Leicestershire battled away for four sessions to secure a draw, hundreds for Ned Eckersley and Michael Thornely - the former Sussex batsman on debut for Leicestershire.

Few would have bet on either of those two results. But a few more would have bet on Yorkshire being on top against Northamptonshire; they have a big lead and can push for victory on the final day at Headingley. Jonny Bairstow made 68 incidentally.

So it wasn't to be for Nick Compton. Oh well, always next year eh! And not to be any longer for Kevin Pietersen in the red and blue of England; although he will hope to keep his white-clothed career going for a few years yet. And we all hope so too. A fine entertainer.

A little bit of rain around today, meant that not much happened at Durham and of course, hindered Compton and Somerset at New Road. They did have agreeable weather at Lord's where Middlesex have replied strongly to Sussex's first innings.

Also replying strongly are Leicestershire, just one down overnight, they will need to survive all day tomorrow to save their match at Glamorgan. Their midland neighbours Derbyshire are also up against it, Gloucestershire in control of that match at Bristol - even more to celebrate for Gloucestershire after their planning application was finally voted through last night.

Although Derbyshire have been bowled out for 95, there is no sign of an ECB pitch inspector here. Not that one is needed, for although there was movement this morning, it was chiefly through the air. Besides, Gloucestershire are far too wound up over the future of their County Ground to worry unduly about that. They have decided this afternoon - or at least have declared this afternoon - to lodge an appeal if their application for development is turned down for a second time this year by Bristol City Council.

Up at Headingley, Jonny Bairstow is back on county duty and thus he’s back behind the stumps; a couple of catches so far today as Yorkshire have put Northamptonshire, who won the toss, under pressure. Mitchell Starc, on his championship debut, has nipped out a couple – bowling a little better than his effort on telly the other night against Sussex in the CB40.