Kartik takes ten for Lancashire

Murali Kartik, the Indian left-arm spinner, has played a huge role in Lancashire's promotion from division two of the Frizzell County Championship by taking 10 for 168 against Essex and bowling Lancashire to a comfortable eight-wicket win.

Kartik followed up his 5 for 93 in the first innings with 5 for 75 in the second as Essex were bowled out for 227, setting Lancashire a target of just 155. He dismissed William Jefferson who looked dangerous, having smashed 35 from just 36 balls, and then rocked the middle order with the cheap wickets of Grant and Andy Flower. Darren Gough and Andre Adams were his fourth and fifth wickets.

"The lads in this match have done a magnificent job with both bat and ball - particularly Kartik," Mike Watkinson, the Lancashire coach, was quoted as saying by sportinglife.com. "He bowled magnificently. He's a lovely lad. He arrived in the dressing room without knowing anyone but now he is bosom buddies with all the players."