Surrey forced to work for their wickets

Nick Knight and Jim Troughton did their best to frustrate Surrey's drive to win their third Championship title in four seasons, but the leaders still held their own on the first day at Edgbaston. Knight made a steady 74 and Troughton a brisk 61 as the hosts ended the day on 300 for nine. Saqlain Mushtaq continued his magnificent run of form, with four for 88 for the visitors.

Somerset's hopes of lifting themselves away from the relegation zone haven't improved, as they suffered a batting collapse after bowling Lancashire out for 251 at Old Trafford. Richard Johnson (six for 47) was the hosts' main tormentor, while Andrew Caddick also took two wickets. Stuart Law made a brisk 77 and Chris Schofield 40 in an otherwise lacklustre batting effort. 20-year-old James Anderson then impressed again with two wickets as Somerset's top order was swept away. At the close they were 91 for five.

Anthony McGrath took a career-best four for 49 as Yorkshire, another side threatened with the drop, bowled Hampshire out for 269 at The Rose Bowl. Veterans Robin Smith (58) and Shaun Udal (40) starred for the hosts, and Udal then took a wicket as Yorkshire ended the day on 53 for two in reply, with Matthew Elliott unbeaten on 30.

Leicestershire had the better of the first day against Sussex at Grace Road. Devon Malcolm took five for 38 as the visitors folded for 215, despite 62 from Robin Martin-Jenkins and 60 from Chris Adams. James Kirtley then broke through in the first over of the hosts' reply to dismiss Trevor Ward, and at stumps Leicestershire were 50 for two.

In Division Two, leaders Middlesex recovered from a disastrous start at New Road, after Kabir Ali (five for 70) had reduced them to 25 for three. But Ed Joyce (125) and Sven Koenig (81) added 142 for the fourth wicket before the fightback was completed by David Nash (67*) and Paul Weekes (46). Middlesex closed on 374 for seven.

Jason Gallian kept Nottinghamshire's promotion hopes alive with an unbeaten 162 against Glamorgan at Colwyn Bay. Gallian shared an opening stand of 172 with Guy Welton (92), and Usman Afzaal chimed in with 40 as the visitors reached 325 for three at stumps. Only Michael Kasprowicz shone for the hosts, with two for 42 off his 25 overs.

Durham's wooden spoon credentials were enhanced as they subsided for 240 against Northants at Chester-le-Street. Australian quickie Mathew Inness (four for 60) did the bulk of the damage. No one managed a half-century; Nick Phillips (47) was nearest. Although Steve Harmison managed one breakthrough for the hosts, Northants ended the day handily placed at 60 for one.