County Cricket 2024

[Peter]

Who's touring this season?  I need to get some money on them:  so far, England's central contract batsmen have scored almost nothing (or less) and most of the bowlers haven't even turned their arms over.

Thumping win for Essex over weak opponents and a great one for Durham over Worcestershire with a day to spare.  Shame to see Brett D'Oliveira, Worcestershire capt and grandson of Basil, get a pair, including a first-baller.  Been even more of a shame to see him get runs, though!

[Wowbagger]

The Kent pair at the wicket at the moment (Evison & Parkinson) are putting up a bold fight: 198-6. I fear that it's merely delaying the inevitable, though. There is the possibility of a shower this afternoon, but it's not forecast to amount to much.

[Wowbagger]

The other two games look like stone-cold draws. For Notts, Young and Clarke have added 392 for the third-wicket partnership. Warks might declare soon, but will need to skittle Hants in 2 sessions. The lead is currently 274.

[Wowbagger]

Kent 9 wickets down now. A cloudburst would be timely, but unlikely, I fear.

[Wowbagger]

And Surrey win. The Kent no 11 scored 22 off his first 11 balls before going into his shell, but was the not-out batsman. Bad luck Kent - a valiant effort.

[Mr Larrington]

Who's touring this season?

West Indies in July, Sri Lanka in August/September.

[Peter]

Thanks!

[CrazyEnglishTriathlete]

And Surrey win. The Kent no 11 scored 22 off his first 11 balls before going into his shell, but was the not-out batsman. Bad luck Kent - a valiant effort.

It was a reasonable 'rearguard action'.  Hopefully there will be some 'foreguard actions' and a couple of reasonable first innings totals forthcoming.

[Wowbagger]

And another round of games starts.

Durham won the toss and elected to bat. Currently 4 - 0 in the 4th over.

Surrey won the foss and put Hants in. 14 - 1.

Somerset 8 - 0 v Worcs.

Notts 15 - 0 v Warks.

[Wowbagger]

Durham 12 - 2. A wicket each for Cook & Porter.

[Wowbagger]

Quick runs for Durham, but Bedingham out for 52 off 51 balls. Meanwhile, Hants collapse v Surrey. 60-5.

[Wowbagger]

I see that Sam Cook is captain for Essex. Tom Westley is hors concours as his wife is about to give birth.

Cold everywhere else.

[Wowbagger]

Durham 129-3 at lunch. A pretty level morning I think, after two early wickets. Hampshire seem to have steadied the ship rather, but are still heading for a meagre first innings score. Notts have had a good morning - 110-1.

[Peter]

South Africa II recovering well against Essex.

[Wowbagger]

Indeed they are!

[Wowbagger]

Durham 358 all out. Now I think we'll see Essex's first proper test of this season. Their previous three matches were pretty one-sided and I think its fair to say that Kent's escape with a draw was rain-assisted.

The Graun's pundit gave a pre-season prediction of the county championship ending

1st Surrey
2nd Durham
3rd Essex.

[Wowbagger]

Essex 5-0 at the close. Sam Cook took the decision to open the innings as a nightwatchman. He did a pretty good job v Lancs and ended up with 49, his highest score in the county championship.

[Peter]

There is good precedent at Durham, too: Potts made a big century for them as watchman and it was his highest score.  Weather not looking good for Sunday but it's nicely poised!