Cricket News

Black clouds scudding over New Road put another dampener on Worcestershire's slender hopes of escaping to victory over Second Division champions Northamptonshire

Just how expensive will Zimbabwe's last 50 runs prove in New Zealand's bid to win the first Test in Bulawayo

Warwickshire declared immediately on reaching 400 which gained them their first batting point as they narrowed the gap on third placed Essex to just two points

Yorkshire with four second innings wickets left lead Hampshire by 173 in a game delicately poised at the County Ground, Southampton

Heavy rain poured more misery on Worcestershire, who were clinging to a faint hope that they might still snatch promotion after a dismal first day against Northamptonshire at New Road

Gloucestershire and Nottinghamshire were frustrated by the rain on the second day of their promotion tussle at Bristol

Gary Butcher and Martin Bicknell led a Surrey fightback as the sun twice stopped play in a farcical evening session at Old Trafford

The home side were given an immediate boost this morning when Mark Ilott bowled Dougie Brown with the first ball of the day

Essex ended a fascinating day's play still needing 43 runs to avoid the follow-on with five wickets intact

Compared to their performances yesterday, 'chalk and cheese' is the best way to describe both sides today

"Back once more on the ground where the backways and the little odd rooms - conjured out of accidental bulges in the old pavilions - are familiar as home

Close of play at Northlands Road Photo © Richard Binns Former Hampshire slow left armer John Southern has not been back to Northlands Road for 15 years

Kent, after winning the toss and electing to bat moved comfortably on to 100-2 at the lunch time interval scoring at 2.9 per over

This was the very last first-class match ever at the County Ground, Southampton, where Hampshire entertained Yorkshire

Promotion-chasing Worcestershire exploited Northamptonshire's injury problems to put the second division champions on the rack at 96 for seven by lunch on the opening day of their final fixture at New Road

Toby Bailey saved face for Northamptonshire with a career-best 85 not out against promotion-chasing Worcestershire at New Road

Despite missing four first team players, including Allan Donald, Warwickshire enjoyed a good start in their vital promotion contest at Chelmsford as openers Michael Powell and Mark Wagh batted through the opening session

With 16 wickets falling on the first day, the ECB pitch inspector may be required to visit on this the last ever First-class match at the County Ground in Southampton

Yorkshire lost three wickets before lunch, with a lead of 54 runs; the game is set up for an exciting conclusion

Surrey moved to the brink of the single point they need to clinch the Championship at Old Trafford today