Report

The usual cloudy skies greeted the teams at Old Trafford, and by the start the ground was only about half-full

Old Trafford preview

Superb English bowling, especially by the second line of Mullally and Ealham, caused Zimbabwe to crack under the pressure at Old Trafford

Pressure of pace cracks Zimbabwe

In conditions that were more akin to the ninety-minute game at that other part of Old Trafford, Zimbabwe decided to make first use of a pitch which showed a sparse scattering of grass and then decided to register their lowest score against England

England make light work in wintry weather

13-Jul-2000•Andy Jalil

England Triumph

Old Trafford, close of play: Zimbabwe (114 off 38.3 overs) lost to England (115 for two off 20.3 overs) by eight wickets

Ben Smith's patience brought Leicestershire through an awkward day against Durham's competent pace attack led by John Wood (5-60) on a pitch unfavourable to batting in their championship at Leicester

Battling Smith blunts Durham break-through

Mike Atherton's first County Championship century for almost a year was a predictable blend of textbook defence and careful shot selection

Atherton's first championship century for nearly a year

12-Jul-2000•Richard Latham

Kent keep Derbyshire down

Derbyshire, who failed to garner even one batting point, lost ground to Kent, fellow-strugglers in the First Division, in their championship match at Derby

Worcestershire, having chosen to bat first, laboured through the first day but thanks to a century opening partnership between Elliott Wilson and Philip Weston laid the platform for a sizeable first innings total

Worcestershire batsmen make slow but steady progress

12-Jul-2000•Dave Bracegirdle

Tremlett's talent - it's in the blood

Teenager Chris Tremlett's talent runs in the blood

Nottinghamshire endured a frustrating morning on the opening day of their County Championship match against Worcestershire at New Road

Worcestershire openers frustrate Notts

12-Jul-2000•Dave Bracegirdle

Middlesex / Glamorgan - to close to call

Mark Ramprakash (82) batting at his best and the Middlesex bowlers kept the county in contention against Glamorgan at Southgate

Sussex were indebted to bowler Robin Martin-Jenkins (86), who made his highest score in first-class cricket with thirteen boundaries, to save their innings in the championship match against Essex at Arundel

Sussex innings built round Robin

Zimbabwe continued their run spree at the expense of a very tired-looking West Indies team, totaling 256 for four in fine style off their 50 overs

Zimbabwe run spree

After 30 overs of the West Indian innings, Zimbabwe were on the verge of another sensational victory

Zimbabwe move in on hat-trick of wins

Zimbabwe, playing close to their true form, completed a highly convincing 70-run victory over a lethargic-looking West Indian team

Zimbabwe convincing in victory

Far from resembling the dejected side they were after their recent Test series with England, Zimbabwe now exude confidence in their play and almost a swagger in their demeanour as they dominate the NatWest Series

Zimbabwe are transformed

11-Jul-2000•Andy Jalil

NatWest Series thriving thanks to Zimbabwe

The NatWest Series is thriving, thanks to Zimbabwe's unexpected and spirited start to the tournament