Sussex enjoy run feast at Lord's

Division One

Sussex enjoyed an astonishing run feast at Lord's as Michael Yardy and Naved-ul-Hasan put Middlesex to the sword. Yardy passed 1000 runs for the season during his 179 - a fourth century of the season - which spanned 229 balls. Middlesex had steadily chipped out the Sussex batsmen and at 199 for 6 were on course to restrict them. However, Naved-ul-Hasan struck a stunning century - his second in first-class cricket - reaching his landmark from 94 balls. He added 228 with Yardy and by the time Ed Joyce finally prised him out had launched 11 fours and four sixes. Mark Davis ensured the punishment went right to the end for Middlesex with a rapid half-century of his own as the bowlers nursed some painful figures.

Stephen Adshead led a superb Gloucestershire recovery after Surrey had reduced them to 1 for 3. Adshead compiled a career-best, unbeaten 148, ensuring Gloucestershire were able to notch four batting points despite their earlier dire situation. Alex Gidman clubbed 84 with 14 boundaries, adding 110 with Adshead, who then received support from James Averis at No. 10 and last-man William Rudge. Azhar Mahmood had began the Gloucestershire collapse but had to be content with three wickets, while Saqlain Mushtaq was expensive on his return to Surrey. Gloucestershire's fightback was capped when Averis snapped up Scott Newman shortly before stumps.

Division Two

Somerset were thankful for some purposeful lower-order batting to dig them out of a hole after the middle order was dispatched by the Worcestershire attack. Arul Suppiah continued his impressive form with 72 but lacked support as Somerset slipped to 121 for 6. However, Keith Parsons made 34 then the real resistance came from Carl Gazzard and Richard Woodman - an 18-year-old debutant. Gazzard struck a confident 74, adding 89 with Woodman, who remained unbeaten on 46 off 117 balls. The wickets were shared around with Nadeem Malik taking 3 for 63. Stephen Peters - who yesterday fielded sub at Old Trafford - and Stephen Moore played out four overs.

Derbyshire ground their way through the opening day against Essex favouring cautious accumulation instead of flashing strokeplay. Their final effort was a mixed result with Steve Stubbings and Hasan Adnan both striking half-centuries but failing to convert into much-needed hundreds. Luke Sutton, the Derbyshire captain, protected his wicket at all costs, so far facing 104 balls for 16. Danish Kaneria again did more than his fair share of bowling by sending down 41 overs and deserved his threw wickets.

Yorkshire closed on 324 for 6 in the Roses battle against Lancashire at Old Trafford. For a full report see Match of the day.