A tale of the unexpected

A Warwickshire player is to appear before an ECB disciplinary panel on Monday (Sept 20) after reportedly failing a drugs test

Nottinghamshire announced that Jason Gallian has been awarded a benefit in 2005

Yorkshire have released Steve Kirby, the right-arm fast bowler, at his own request

Gary Keedy, Lancashire's left-arm spinner, picked up 7 for 132 on the final day at Old Trafford, but Gloucestershire, helped by a century from Chris Taylor, still made 289 to set Lancashire an improbable 290 to win

Lancashire's slim hopes of avoiding relegation final disappeared at a damp Old Trafford when an attempted hook from Andy Crook shortly after 4pm was held in the deep by Ian Fisher

It is being widely reported that Surrey's bid to sign Stephen Fleming in 2005 are at an advanced stage

Lancashire came within two wickets of defeating Worcestershire but the draw leaves them having to beat Gloucestershire in their final match - and they also need to get three more bonus points that their opponents

The only dampener on Warwickshire's delight at winning their first Championship since 1995 was the fact that the title was decided by events elsewhere rather than while they were on the field

As pre-season title favourites Lancashire slid closer to relegation with a 147-run defeat at home to Surrey, it was clear the strain was getting to Warren Hegg, their embattled captain