India's bowlers were frustrated as rain washed out day two of the tourists' opening warm-up match against Leicestershire at Grace Road.

India, who arranged to play as many of their 18-strong squad as they choose here, posted 333 for four declared on the first day - when three batsmen made half-centuries, and seven reached at least 20.

But hopes that their bowlers might similarly ease into their five-Test tour too were dashed as heavy rain precluded any play today and confined India to the indoor nets

A better forecast for the final day suggests they will still have a chance to bowl outside against a second-string Leicestershire line-up.

Coverage of another exciting night of NatWest T20 Blast action as Yorkshire do battle with Lancashire in the North Group, while big guns Hampshire and Surrey face off in the South.

By Dominic Farrell

Follow NatWest T20 Blast on Twitter / Live Scores

6.41pm - The similarly impressive McCarter accounted for Northeast before Kent finished their 20 overs on 150 for six.

Somerset are looking at something a little more imposing and are 88 for one after 11. Kieswetter and Trego have 31 and 32 respectively.

PERSONAL BEST! Cap doffed to young Sam Northeast of @kentcricket. He records his highest T20 score before falling for 75. KEN 142-5 (18.4)

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 27, 2014

Hants 9-1 in 2nd over..Vince c Wilson b Mahmood 8

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 27, 2014

6.34pm - I’m afraid we’re waiting on another pitch inspection, this time at 7pm, at Wantage Road. Derbyshire have won the toss and asked Birmingham Bears to post a total.

6.32pm - Somerset are 58 for one after eight overs and Essex will want to break the developing partnership between Craig Kieswetter and Peter Trego sooner rather than later. That one could definitely get out of hand quickly for the visitors!

@SomersetCCC Large rainbow towards Yeovil pic.twitter.com/SGYCsBwgqu

— Ray Mitchell (@Mundo311) June 27, 2014

6.26pm - Graeme McCarter has been economical for Gloucestershire tonight and the medium pacer is in the wickets as Alex Blake falls for one off five deliveries. Northeast remains on 62 but Kent’s failure to provide him with much middle-order support could cost them.

6.19pm - That’s a big wicket for Gloucestershire as dangerman Darren Stevens falls to Benny Howell shortly before Northeast brings up his fifty.

STAT ATTACK: @hantscricket have scored most runs in #T20Blast this year. How many have your team mustered? pic.twitter.com/DN3ehoytgV

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 27, 2014

6.13pm - The returning Graham Napier comes out on top in the showdown between two of the English limited-overs game’s heavyweights. He dismisses Trescothick and Somerset are 20 for one.

6.10pm - At the Kia Oval, Surrey have won the toss and will bow against Hampshire. 

Daniel Bell-Drummond is out for 32 but Kent’s Sam Northeast is motoring towards a half-century with three sixes to his name.

6.03pm - Marcus Trescothick is straight out of the blocks with a couple of fours, while Kent are 65 for one as they approach the halfway stage of their innings.

Good news the rain has stopped, hopefully the outfield will dry out quick enough to get a game. Latest time we can start is 8.58pm

— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) June 27, 2014

5.50pm - Essex have won the toss and will bowl when they get cracking down over at Taunton.

5.47pm - Breakthrough for Gloucestershire as left-armer David Payne sends Rob Key back for 14. Kent are 32 for one after five.

@Yorkshireccc@YorkshireTea It was cracking the flags in Lancashire when we set off. It all changed when we crossed the border!!

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) June 27, 2014

5.36pm - Kent are 14 without loss after two overs and we’re waiting for things to really spark at Bristol.

Stunning weather here with gates about to open at Hove... #sharklovepic.twitter.com/xxKg5JlB7u

— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) June 27, 2014

5.28pm - We’re set for a 6pm start at Taunton. at which point the umpires will inspect again at Worcester. So, it’s all eyes on Gloucestershire versus Kent…

.@SomersetCCC back warming up, let's hope the rain stays away! pic.twitter.com/LGUSFPD3n8

— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) June 27, 2014

5.25pm - Another man to speak to ecb.co.uk this week only to find himself inside a rain-lashed pavilion is Worcestershire’s Chris Russell. Read more here from the in-form seamer, who has played a starring role in the Rapids’ rise to the top of the North Group.

WEATHER UPDATE | So, the covers are off and the Groundstaff are out working on the ground. No news yet regarding an inspection #DERvBIR

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) June 27, 2014

5.15pm - As at New Road, rain is also going to delay proceedings in Leeds. We’re set to get under way on time in Bristol though, where Gloucestershire have won the toss and will field against the Spitfires.

Heavy rain at Worcester, delayed start looks inevitable #cricketpic.twitter.com/YuihK62dvd

— Robin Chipperfield (@sportchippers) June 27, 2014

5.05pm - Of course, the game on everyone’s lips tonight is at Headingley, where Yorkshire and Lancashire will write the latest chapter in their famous old rivalry. The White Rose were triumphant when the sides met at Emirates Old Trafford earlier this month, although the Lightning have displayed superb form in the shortest format and are joint top of the North Group with six wins from eight matches.

Have a look at what Vikings star Jonny Bairstow had to say ahead of the match here.

5pm - Hello and welcome to another Friday night offering of NatWest T20 Blast action. We have eight more games for your enjoyment, with the first two getting going in 30 minutes. Here's the order of play:

Gloucestershire v Kent Spitfires, 5.30pm - Bristol

Somerset v Essex Eagles, 5.30pm - Taunton

Worcestershire Rapids v Nottinghamshire Outlaws, 5.30pm - New Road

Yorkshire Vikings v Lancashire Lightning, 5.30pm - Headingley

Northants Steelbacks v Durham Jets, 6.30pm - Wantage Road

Surrey v Hampshire, 6.30pm - the Kia Oval

Sussex Sharks  v Middlesex Panthers, 7pm - the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground

Derbshire Falcons v Birmingham Bears, 7pm - the 3aaa County Ground

Mark Pettini's perfectly paced half-centuryhelped Essex to top spot in the NatWest T20 Blast South Group and inflicted Somerset's fifth defeat in eight matches.

The opener contributed an unbeaten 60 to put his side well on course to overhaul their opponents' modest 150 for seven at Taunton when bad light intervened with Essex 106 for two.

After a short break, the visitors were given a revised target of 125 from 17 overs, which meant they needed 19 from 15 balls.

Ravi Bopara hit the first of them for four on his way to 33 not out and Essex breezed home by eight wickets with an over to spare. Jesse Ryder smashed 28 at the top of the innings.

Leg-spinner Max Waller was Somerset's best bowler, with figures of 1-22 from four overs. But their seamers erred on the short side as Pettini and Bopara crashed five fours apiece and Ryder bludgeoned four fours and a six.

With Hampshire losing to Surrey, victory was enough for Essex to overtake the previous leaders.

Somerset's score was built around a second-wicket stand of 80 in 9.3 overs between in-form duo Craig Kieswetter and Peter Trego after Marcus Trescothick top-edged a pull off the returning Graham Napier and was caught at deep midwicket for 16.

Kieswetter's consistency as a run-maker in T20 is incredible. He has only had one score below 37 in his last 15 innings in the domestic competition spread over two seasons.

The wicketkeeper's 40 in this game included two fours and two sixes, one of them a mighty blow over long-on off Bopara that sent the ball out of the ground.

Trego was subdued by his standards, striking four fours before being run out as he slipped when sent back by Alviro Petersen attempting a single to short fine-leg.

Essex never allowed their opponents to break free of the early grip squeezed on by Napier and David Masters.

Left-arm spinner Tim Phillips was the most economical bowler for the visitors, conceding 24 from his four overs. Petersen did his best to bolster the total with 26 off 17 balls, but 150 did not look a particularly challenging score.

After the game, Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: "Our first target is a top-four finish in the group to reach the quarter-finals. If we can achieve that and push for the top two then great because home advantage and a quarter-final tie at Chelmsford would be very special."

Kieswetter said: "For some reason we are not coming up with the right formula for T20 cricket this season. All the necessary skills are in the squad, but we are not executing them consistently enough.

"I think the bowlers are doing a good job, but we are not giving them big enough targets to defend."

Jason Roy hit a breathtaking 63 from just 25 balls as Surrey galloped to an eight-wicket demolitionof Hampshire, achieved with six overs to spare, in the NatWest T20 Blast South Group clash at the Kia Oval.

Kevin Pietersen, with 24 not out, and Gary Wilson, who struck an unbeaten 31, then provided the finishing touches to a great evening for Surrey against the group leaders, who lost their place at the summit to Essex Eagles while the hosts stayed third.

Hampshire slumped to 57 for six before handy contributions down the order from Chris Wood and Will Smith, with 27 and 25 respectively, saw them post 131 for nine.

But it was clearly not enough, and Roy wasted no time tucking into the Hampshire bowling, sharing an opening stand of 78 in only 6.1 overs with Surrey's new overseas signing Tillakaratne Dilshan, who was forced to play second fiddle to his partner's pyrotechnics.

Surrey won the toss and elected to open the bowling with Dilshan, whose off-spin proved so frugal he delivered his four overs from the Pavilion End unchanged.

James Vince cut Azhar Mahmood for four in the second over but then handed Wilson, Surrey's wicketkeeper, the first of his four catches two balls later.

Jimmy Adams opened his account with a straight driven boundary off Azhar, who he also slog-swept for four. But in the fifth over Dilshan had Adams caught by Pietersen at backward square-leg for 10.

Michael Carberry cut Azhar for four in the fourth over and pulled Chris Tremlett to the boundary in the sixth before opening the face to the England seamer to go caught behind for 16.

Gareth Batty had Glenn Maxwell holing out to long-on, and when Sean Ervine was caught at deep midwicket off Robin Peterson for 10 the visitors were reeling on 49 for five approaching the halfway point in their innings.

Matt Coles was run out attempting to turn a reverse-sweep into an ambitious single, whereupon Smith and Wood arrested the slide by adding 33 in less than five overs.

Wood launched Batty over wide long-on for a maximum, while Smith pulled and swept forcibly. But in the 16th over Zafar Ansari had Smith stumped off a wide. Wood responded by lifting Ansari straight back over his head for six.

Michael Bates was caught behind off Azhar, attempting an audacious scoop to fine-leg, as was Wood, though not before Kyle Abbott pulled the 39-year-old all-rounder for a maximum.

Hampshire never looked like restricting Surrey to 130 or less as Roy raced to a scintillating 19-ball half-century.

In the fourth over, the 23-year-old hit Coles for four successive boundaries - starting with a maximum over long-on, which was followed by dabs and drives backward of square on the off side and a four over mid-off to make it 49 without loss.

Two overs later, Roy turned his attention to Smith, cover-driving him for four before bringing up his fifty with the second of two sixes in three balls - the first slog-swept and the second disappearing over long-off - and then cutting and extra-cover-driving fours just for good measure.

Dilshan was bowled by Danny Briggs for 15 and Roy was eventually held at extra-cover, where Vince took a stinging catch off Coles, before Pietersen and Wilson saw the hosts home with an unbroken third-wicket stand of 53 in six overs.

Pietersen applied the icing to Surrey's cake by lifting Maxwell for two successive sixes in the 10th over, the first over long-on and the second into the members' pavilion.

Not to be outdone, Wilson completed Hampshire's mauling with a six straight down the ground off Coles.

Roy said: "It was a great performance from all the boys against the league leaders. It was just one of those nights. It was a very good wicket. You could play your shots and I just went out there and enjoyed myself. Our spinners played a huge part, on what was a very good pitch, to keep them down to 131."

Giles White, Hampshire's director of cricket, said: "We didn't get out of the blocks. We lost wickets consistently. Surrey are a very good side, but we just have to dust ourselves down and move on from this."

Coverage of another exciting night of NatWest T20 Blast action as Essex’s win and Hampshire’s loss put the Eagles top of the South Group while Worcestershire and Lancashire endured washouts to stay level on points atop the North Group.

By Dominic Farrell & Rob Barnett

Follow NatWest T20 Blast on Twitter

9.56pm – Here’s a round-up of tonight’s scintillating action:

South Group

Essex went top as they chased a revised 125 with eight wickets in hand versus Somerset, Mark Pettini seeing the Eagles home with an unbeaten 60.

Hampshire lost top spot as Surreythumped them by eight wickets on the back of Jason Roy’s 25-ball 63.

Sam Northeast’s 75 was in vain as Gloucestershireheld their nerve to beatKent Spitfires from the last ball of the 20^th over, Adam Rouse the hero with 35 not out off 16 deliveries.

Lewis Hatchett and Will Beer each struck thrice as Middlesex Panthers were skittled for 107. Chris Nash’ unbeaten 74 saw Sussex Sharksto a comfortable win.

North Group

Worcestershire Rapids stayed top on net run-rate despite suffering a washout versus Nottinghamshire Outlaws.

Lancashire Lightning remained level on points with Worcestershire after a sold-out Roses clash withYorkshire Vikings was disappointing abandoned without a ball bowled.

Derbyshire Falconsenjoyed their first win of the Blast campaign, overhauling Birmingham Bears’ 189 for five with an over to spare.

Durham Jets reached 69 for four against Northants Steelbacks, the defending champions, but rain prevented the game going any further.

9.47pm – RESULT! Derbyshire Falcons (193/7) defeat Birmingham Bears (189/5) by three wickets at the 3aaa County Ground. The Bears’ score looked like a match-winner, but Wes Durston’s 21-ball 53 set the Falcons soaring towards their first win of the Blast campaign! They did it with an over unused.

FOUR! Wainwright wins the game with another four! #DERvBIR#P2bD

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) June 27, 2014

9.43pm - Tony Palladino and Chris Wright are playing it cool. The Falcons need six from the last two overs.

9.37pm - Alex Hughes suddenly makes Derbyshire favourites by blasting 24 from 10 balls, including two sixes and two fours in Rankin’s next over. But Chris Woakes then bowls him at 175 for seven in the 17^th.

9.26pm – It’s two wickets in the over for Rankin, who is hit for six by Scott Elstone but strikes next ball. Birmingham are on top at the 3aaa County Ground.

9.24pm – RESULT! Sussex Sharks (110/4) beat Middlesex Panthers (107) by six wickets at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground. Nash fittingly seals victory with a six, going to 74. Sussex romped home against the rock-bottom Panthers with 23 deliveries unused.

9.20pm – The Panthers’ Patel gets a second wicket in two overs with Joe Denly’s fantastic boundary catch ousting Matt Machan, but it’s surely too little too late for Middlesex?

Boyd Rankin makes a vital breakthrough, bowling Wayne Madsen for 42. Derbyshire are 135 for five in the 13^th over, chasing 190.

9.12pm – Chris Nash moves to a half-century as Sussex stay on course to overhaul Middlesex’s 107 despite Rory Hamilton-Brown departing for 17 to Ravi Patel.

Another Patel strikes! It’s Jeetan of the Bears who importantly has Marcus North caught and bowled for just nine.

View from the commentary box pic.twitter.com/7qTaKafVbG

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 27, 2014

9pm – While those results are coming in Derbyshire’s Wes Durston races to a 20-ball fifty but then falls to Shoaib Malik, making the Falcons 78 for three in the seventh over as they go after Birmingham’s 189 for five.

It's going to be some atmosphere next week when @surreycricket's Roy, Dilshan, KP trade shots @EssexCricket versus Ryder, Bopara, Napier...

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 27, 2014

Also, Sussex lose a second wicket at 35 in the fifth over as Middlesex keep fighting.

8.52pm – Frustratingly for Northants and Durham there is no result at Wantage Road. The visitors finished up on 69 for four from 10 overs. The Steelbacks are sixth in the North Group and the Jets seventh.

8.48pm – RESULT! Surrey (137/2) see off Hampshire (131/9) by eight wickets at the Kia Oval. Essex go top because Hampshire have lost to Surrey, who move to third. Gary Wilson ends it with a four and a six consecutively off Coles to reach 31. Pietersen is 24 not out. Surrey had a massive six overs in hand.

8.44pm – RESULT! Essex Eagles (125/2) defeat Somerset (150/7) by eight wickets on Duckworth/Lewis at Taunton. Pettini is unbeaten on 60 and Ravi Bopara 33 as the Eagles get home with an over remaining to go top of the South Group!

The Bells Kia Stand has become very popular as the rain continues to fall over the County Ground. pic.twitter.com/NLI0WKdU7X

— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) June 27, 2014

So Essex need 125 to win off 17 overs and they are currently 112 for 2 from 15. So its 13 runs from 12....

— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) June 27, 2014

8.39pm – Derbyshire lose a wicket from the first ball of their innings as Rikki Clarke bags big-hitting Chesney Hughes.

Kevin Pietersen hits Glenn Maxwell for two consecutive sixes to take Surrey into three figures.

James Harris cheaply traps Luke Wright in front early in Sussex’s chase.

8.28pm – Hampshire strike twice but Surrey are still well on course. Danny Briggs bowls Dislhan for 15 and Matt Coles ousts Roy for 63 from 25 balls.

They’re off for bad light at Taunton with Essex 106 for two in the 15^th over chasing 151.

Rain is delaying proceedings at Wantage Road where Durham are 69 for four in the 10^th of 15 overs.

@DerbyshireCCC Glad the rain cleared off for my first T20 match! #The3aaaCountyGround#tweetfromyourseat#DERvBIRpic.twitter.com/UocqRjPFVZ

— Lucy Dean (@lucyduk) June 27, 2014

50 for Mark Pettini with a single to third man It includes 4 x 4. 104 for 2 from 14.2 SomvEss

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) June 27, 2014

8.16pm - Tillakaratne Dilshan is playing second fiddle to Jason Roy, who is 37 not out as Surrey’s fifty comes up in the fifth over.

Jonathon Webb blazed his way to a 33-ball half-century as Birmingham Bears finished on 189 for five against Derbyshire, while Hatchett rounds things off in style - ending with 3-23 as Middlesex are 107 all out.

Ben Stokes has gone for Durham. Steven Crook was the bowler celebrating and the Jets are struggling on 56 for four.

8.10pm - RESULT! Gloucesterhire (154/7) beat Kent Spitfires (150/6) by three wickets at the Bristol. Sensational last-ball drama as Rouse, who only made his debut against Middlesex yesterday, clubs his third four of the final over off the last ball of the match to finish with an unbeaten, match-winning 35. Remember the name!

Halfway stage and Essex are 76 for 2...

— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) June 27, 2014

8.07pm - Make that five from three. Is Adam Rouse set to be the hero for the visitors?

8.05pm - Gloucestershire need 12 from the final over...

Wicket! Taylor b Griffiths 19. Gloucestershire 132/7 (18.3 overs) #GLOvKEN

— Kent Cricket (@kentcricket) June 27, 2014

8.02pm - Olly Stone tears into Durham with two wickets in two balls! Callum McLeod and Paul Collingwood are the men to go. Mark Stoneman kept out the hat-trick ball but this looks like a rebuilding job for the Jets.

7.55pm - Despite losing Jesse Ryder to Lewis Gregory for 28, Essex have started their chase in good shape and are 56 for one at Taunton.

Wicket! @david_willey removes Phil Mustard's off stump for a duck. @DurhamCricket are 11/1 from two overs #GoSteelbacks#reigndefendconquer

— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) June 27, 2014

7.50pm - All things considered, that’s a fine recovery by Hampshire to post 131 for nine. Chris Wood struck 27 and Kyle Abbott smashed 11 from three balls at the end of the innings. Those two have plenty more to do with the ball. Game on!

Slight wobble for Warwickhshire, who have Porterfield and Chopra back in the hutch for 74 and 35 respectively. Still, 129 for two with six overs to play with is a fine platform.

James Tredwell weaves his magic to bowl Will Gidman and Gloucestershire are 106 for six.

7.37pm - Batting does not look an easy past time at the moment - unless you’re a Bear! More success for Beer leaves Middlesex 53 for five.

7.30pm - That unfortunate news from Headingley means Lancashire return to being level on points with Worcestershire at the North Group summit, while Yorkshire remain fifth regardless of tonight’s results.

Will Beer bowls Dawid Malan and Steffan Piolet traps Dan Christian lbw to leave Middlesex in heaps of bother on 49 for four.

Porterfield is 55 not out and Varun Chopra has 32 as Birmingham rattle along to 88 without loss after nine overs.

It’s a tall order for Gloucestershire now - Ian Cockbain falls caught behind off Adam Ball to leave them 60 for four.

Match Abandoned at Headingley. Here is the Ticket Exchange Policy http://t.co/v66Wv0BSBB@NatWestT20Blast@LancsCCCpic.twitter.com/wDqfdXBTCu

— Yorkshire CCC (@Yorkshireccc) June 27, 2014

7.24pm - A recovery of sorts for Hampshire but Will Smith is stumped for 25 off Zafar Ansari and the score is 92 for seven with four overs remaining.

7.20pm - It’s the news we feared from New Road, where the game between Worcestershire Rapids and Nottinghamshire Outlaws is abandoned without a ball being bowled. Both teams take home a point, with Notts edging ahead of Birmingham into third for the time being. 

It means a victory would send Lancashire top of the North Group, but the rain continues to fall at Headingley.

Durham Jets win the toss and elect to bat. Game scheduled to start at 7:45pm https://t.co/WJ75YWc8oC

— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) June 27, 2014

7.17pm - Fifty partnership for the Bears and much of that is down to Will Porterfield, who has battered 35 off 16 balls so far.

Alviro Petersen knocks a valuable, unbeaten 26 as Somerset post 150 for seven.

7.15pm - The last thing Hampshire needed was a run-out. Matt Coles might want to hang his head when he returns to the dressing room!

Aussie seamers are tearing into Gloucestershire. Claydon drew an edge behind from Chris Dent for his second, while countryman Doug Bollinger just clattered through Hamish Marshall’s defences. At 36 for three, the victory target if 151 looks some way off!

WICKET..Morgan edges behind to Brown from Anyon and Middlesex are 15/2 in the third over #sharklove

— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) June 27, 2014

7.09pm - Joe Denly has his furniture rearranged by Lewis Hatchett and Middlesex are 12 for one.

Meanwhile, Hampshire’s strife continues as Sean Ervine follows dangerman Glenn Maxwell back to the pavilion. The damage currently reads 55 for five.

No such worries for Birmingham as yet, who are 17 without loss in the third over.

Essex continue to chip away, with David Masters and Reece Topley in on the act. Somerset are 133 for six and have two overs to improve their total.

7.03pm - Gloucestershire began their run-chase in confident fashion but Mitchell Claydon snaffles a return catch to send Alex Gidman packing. 

Looks like curtains @WorcsCCC v @TrentBridgepic.twitter.com/Tmij8IbI7V

— Dan Wheeler (@danjlwheeler) June 27, 2014

6.58pm - Somerset continue to falter as Tim Phillips pins James Hildreth lbw, while the rain is falling once more at New Road.

6.53pm - Somerset struggling to keep Bopara out of the game as he runs out Trego for 34.

Hampshire are in a fair bit of trouble at the Kia Oval. Chris Tremlett dismisses fellow Ashes tourist Michael Carberry caught behind and the South Group leaders are 36 for three in the sixth.

6.46pm - They’ve mainly brought him in for his sensational hitting but Tillakaratne Dilshan is in the wickets for Surrey. Jimmy Adams goes for 10 and Hampshire are 29 for two.

Kieswetter smashes a huge six off Bopara but falls next ball trying to repeat the trick. Ryan ten Doeschate holds the catch and Somerset are 100 for two midway though the 13th over.

6.41pm - The similarly impressive McCarter accounted for Northeast before Kent finished their 20 overs on 150 for six.

Somerset are looking at something a little more imposing and are 88 for one after 11. Kieswetter and Trego have 31 and 32 respectively.

PERSONAL BEST! Cap doffed to young Sam Northeast of @kentcricket. He records his highest T20 score before falling for 75. KEN 142-5 (18.4)

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 27, 2014

Hants 9-1 in 2nd over..Vince c Wilson b Mahmood 8

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 27, 2014

6.34pm - I’m afraid we’re waiting on another pitch inspection, this time at 7pm, at Wantage Road. Derbyshire have won the toss and asked Birmingham Bears to post a total.

6.32pm - Somerset are 58 for one after eight overs and Essex will want to break the developing partnership between Craig Kieswetter and Peter Trego sooner rather than later. That one could definitely get out of hand quickly for the visitors!

@SomersetCCC Large rainbow towards Yeovil pic.twitter.com/SGYCsBwgqu

— Ray Mitchell (@Mundo311) June 27, 2014

6.26pm - Graeme McCarter has been economical for Gloucestershire tonight and the medium pacer is in the wickets as Alex Blake falls for one off five deliveries. Northeast remains on 62 but Kent’s failure to provide him with much middle-order support could cost them.

6.19pm - That’s a big wicket for Gloucestershire as dangerman Darren Stevens falls to Benny Howell shortly before Northeast brings up his fifty.

STAT ATTACK: @hantscricket have scored most runs in #T20Blast this year. How many have your team mustered? pic.twitter.com/DN3ehoytgV

— NatWest T20 Blast (@NatWestT20Blast) June 27, 2014

6.13pm - The returning Graham Napier comes out on top in the showdown between two of the English limited-overs game’s heavyweights. He dismisses Trescothick and Somerset are 20 for one.

6.10pm - At the Kia Oval, Surrey have won the toss and will bow against Hampshire. 

Daniel Bell-Drummond is out for 32 but Kent’s Sam Northeast is motoring towards a half-century with three sixes to his name.

6.03pm - Marcus Trescothick is straight out of the blocks with a couple of fours, while Kent are 65 for one as they approach the halfway stage of their innings.

Good news the rain has stopped, hopefully the outfield will dry out quick enough to get a game. Latest time we can start is 8.58pm

— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) June 27, 2014

5.50pm - Essex have won the toss and will bowl when they get cracking down over at Taunton.

5.47pm - Breakthrough for Gloucestershire as left-armer David Payne sends Rob Key back for 14. Kent are 32 for one after five.

@Yorkshireccc@YorkshireTea It was cracking the flags in Lancashire when we set off. It all changed when we crossed the border!!

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) June 27, 2014

5.36pm - Kent are 14 without loss after two overs and we’re waiting for things to really spark at Bristol.

Stunning weather here with gates about to open at Hove... #sharklovepic.twitter.com/xxKg5JlB7u

— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) June 27, 2014

5.28pm - We’re set for a 6pm start at Taunton. at which point the umpires will inspect again at Worcester. So, it’s all eyes on Gloucestershire versus Kent…

.@SomersetCCC back warming up, let's hope the rain stays away! pic.twitter.com/LGUSFPD3n8

— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) June 27, 2014

5.25pm - Another man to speak to ecb.co.uk this week only to find himself inside a rain-lashed pavilion is Worcestershire’s Chris Russell. Read more here from the in-form seamer, who has played a starring role in the Rapids’ rise to the top of the North Group.

WEATHER UPDATE | So, the covers are off and the Groundstaff are out working on the ground. No news yet regarding an inspection #DERvBIR

— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) June 27, 2014

5.15pm - As at New Road, rain is also going to delay proceedings in Leeds. We’re set to get under way on time in Bristol though, where Gloucestershire have won the toss and will field against the Spitfires.

Heavy rain at Worcester, delayed start looks inevitable #cricketpic.twitter.com/YuihK62dvd

— Robin Chipperfield (@sportchippers) June 27, 2014

5.05pm - Of course, the game on everyone’s lips tonight is at Headingley, where Yorkshire and Lancashire will write the latest chapter in their famous old rivalry. The White Rose were triumphant when the sides met at Emirates Old Trafford earlier this month, although the Lightning have displayed superb form in the shortest format and are joint top of the North Group with six wins from eight matches.

Have a look at what Vikings star Jonny Bairstow had to say ahead of the match here.

5pm - Hello and welcome to another Friday night offering of NatWest T20 Blast action. We have eight more games for your enjoyment, with the first two getting going in 30 minutes. Here's the order of play:

Gloucestershire v Kent Spitfires, 5.30pm - Bristol

Somerset v Essex Eagles, 5.30pm - Taunton

Worcestershire Rapids v Nottinghamshire Outlaws, 5.30pm - New Road

Yorkshire Vikings v Lancashire Lightning, 5.30pm - Headingley

Northants Steelbacks v Durham Jets, 6.30pm - Wantage Road

Surrey v Hampshire, 6.30pm - the Kia Oval

Sussex Sharks v Middlesex Panthers, 7pm - the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground

Derbshire Falcons v Birmingham Bears, 7pm - the 3aaa County Ground

Rain cut short West Indies' attempts to build a lead on day two of the decisive third Test against New Zealand.

Bad weather in Barbados forced the players off in the sixth over after lunch and they never retook the field, leaving the home side 169 for two in response to the Black Caps' 293 all out.

New Zealand took two wickets in the 32.2 overs that were possible, removing openers Chris Gayle and Kraigg Brathwaite who made 42 and 68 respectively.

As play got started in the morning, Gayle soon took a liking to Tim Southee. He slammed the seamer down the ground for three successive boundaries - split by a Trent Boult over - while Brathwaite started in a steadier mindset.

He had his rewards in the eighth over when he milked Boult for 10 runs and the first of two consecutive fours off Southee suggested Gayle's attacking influence was starting to rub off.

Present Location: Kensington Oval Present Position: No play due to rain pic.twitter.com/5oysngNk8b

— westindies (@westindies) June 27, 2014

New Zealand hit back inside an hour's play, ending the partnership at 79 when Gayle attempted to flay Mark Craig down for six but picked out Hamish Rutherford at long-on.

Kirk Edwards wasted little time getting into the game, striking his fourth ball, from Craig, to the boundary and clearing the long-off ropes during the same over.

Another costly over from Boult took Brathwaite to his half-century, the landmark coming with his eighth four in 95 balls.

A lifeless pitch and unchallenging bowling allowed the batsmen to keep the run-rate high but Brathwaite's confidence got the better of him when he lifted left-armer Neil Wagner to cover.

At lunch Edwards and Darren Bravo saw the total to 159 for two, with the latter scoring eight of the 10 runs possible in the brief window before play was prematurely ended.

Netherlands and Nepal have been given Twenty 20 international status by the ICC Board.

During the ICC Annual Conference week in Melbourne the ICC and IDI Boards agreed to hand the two associate sides their new status in the game's shortest format.

They join fellow associate members Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Ireland, Scotland, Papua New Guinea and United Arab Emirates, who all had T20I status by virtue of having ODI status.

Netherlands have reached the World Twenty20 on two occasions, qualifying for the Super 10s in the 2014 competition ahead of Zimbabwe and Ireland before going on to beat England.

Nepal also made it to Bangladesh this year - their first appearance in the World T20. Despite winning two games, they were eliminated at the group stage having finished behind the hosts on net run-rate.

England Test sponsors Investec helped bring wicketkeeper-batsman Matt Prior and hockey goalkeeper Maddie Hinch together for an unusual training session at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground yesterday.

Under the watchful eye of England wicketkeeping coach Bruce French, the pair traded ideas and thoughts from their respective sports.

Prior said: “It's been really interesting having a chat with Maddie about the differences.

“Obviously a key difference between us is that I’ve got to try and catch the ball whereas a hockey goalkeeper doesn't, they can just punch it.

“However, there are lot of movements, patterns and footwork drills that cross over so it's been a lot of fun. I'm not so sure whether I could take up hockey goalkeeping though, a bruise on the inside thigh from a cricket ball is bad enough! 

“My first question to Maddie was 'how did you get into people whacking hockey balls at you?' You've got to pretty brave I think!”

Hinch added: “The physical demands of wicketkeeping are immense and it’s a great credit to Matt and Bruce that Matt has had and continues to have such a successful career.

“Obviously hockey and cricket are very different sports but there are a lot of similarities in the skills required to wicket-keep and goal-keep so it was great to have an insight into his regime.

“It’s a great boost for me as we head into the Investec London Cup and Commonwealth Games”.

Derbyshire have announced that three players are leaving the club with immediate effect. Batsman Stephen Moore is retiring, wicketkeeper Richard Johnson has been released from his contract at his own request and all-rounder Peter Burgoyne has had his deal cancelled by mutual consent.

Former England Lions batsman Moore, 31, has made his decision due to employment opportunities and family commitments.

The powerful right-hander, who represented the Lions in 2009, started his career at Worcestershire before moving to Lancashire from 2010 to 2013.

In December he joined Derbyshire on a two-year deal but has had limited success despite being a first-team regular.

Moore said: “I would like to thank Derbyshire for the opportunity they provided for me, but the time is right for me to step down, focus on my career away from the game, and spend more time with my family.”

Moore, who averaged over 36 in first-class cricket, added: “I can't speak highly enough of Derbyshire for the way they have handled my decision to retire, and for the warmth of my welcome and subsequent support for my family and I during my short stay at the club.”

Derbyshire elite performance director Graeme Welch added: “Stephen’s decision has come as a bit of a shock, but we respect that it’s right for him and wish him all the best for the future.

“Stephen hasn’t been at Derbyshire for very long, but he’s performed on the county circuit for over a decade. Congratulations to him on a great career.”

Johnson, 25, signed for Derbyshire from Warwickshire ahead of the 2013 season.

He took time out from the game earlier in the season and, having successfully applied to commence a degree course at university, has decided that a release from his full-time professional contract would enable him to focus on his studies.

Johnson has been easing himself back into cricket, playing for Knowle & Dorridge in the Birmingham & District Premier League.

While not ruling out a return to first class-cricket, Johnson will return home to the West Midlands where he intends to start his studies in the new academic year.

Johnson said: "I'd like to place on record my sincere thanks to my team-mates, the coaching staff and the admin team at Derbyshire for their support during my time with the club.

“They have a terrific set-up, which is not easy to leave, but I know I'm making the right decision for my long-term future.”

Burgoyne was given an extended period of absence from cricket in March due to stress-related issues in a move supported by the club and the Professional Cricketers' Association.

The 20-year-old academy graduate signed his first professional contract in 2012, going on to play five first-class and 13 limited-overs matches for the county.

Burgoyne said: "I am grateful to the club for the support provided to me throughout my career with Derbyshire and I wish the management team and players every success in the future.

"It's been a tough few months and a tough decision but I am really looking forward to playing club cricket again for a few months before making a decision about my future.

“I eventually would like to return to the first-class game but only when I feel 100% ready to do so.”

Hampshire were knocked off top spot in the NatWest T20 Blast South Group as they ran into in-form Jason Roy.

Roy bludgeoned Surrey to an eight-wicket win at the Kia Oval with a third fifty in four Blast innings.

Kevin Pietersen and Gary Wilson offered unbeaten scores of 24 and 31 respectively to secure victory though it was Roy’s blistering 63 in just 25 deliveries that set things up.

Hampshire's 131 for nine never looked like being a winning score as Roy shared a stand of 78 in 6.1 overs with new overseas signing Tillakaratne Dilshan, with his fifty taking just 19 deliveries to compile.

There were nine fours and three sixes in Roy’s 32-minute knock, with Matt Coles hit for four successive boundaries in the opening stages.

Mark Pettini marked his 99^th Twenty20 innings with a fine half-century that saw Essex Eagles replace Hampshire at the top.

Essex, chasing a revised target of 123 from 17 overs after bad light had intervened during their chase of Somerset’s 150 for seven at Taunton, won by eight wickets with an over to spare.

Ravi Bopara struck 33 not out, while Jesse Ryder added 28 at the top of the order, but it was Pettini's unbeaten 60 that paced the innings to perfection.

His 15^th format fifty was reached in 46 balls as the Eagles were 106 for two before the players were taken off.

When they reappeared, the calculations left them needing 19 from 15 balls and Pettini supplied eight of them within the space of four deliveries in the 16^th over before Bopara went on to hit the winning runs.

Elsewhere in the South Group, Adam Rouse smashed 35 from 16 balls to take Gloucestershire to a thrilling, final-ball, three-wicket win over Kent Spirfires.

The wicketkeeper, who is on a one-month trial at the county, marked his second Blast appearance for them with a match-winning performance.

Having arrived at the crease with the score 89 for five with a little under six overs left, Rouse dragged his side into a competitive position.

With 12 required off the last over, bowled by Australia seamer Doug Bollinger, Rouse got the job done with boundaries off the third, fourth and last deliveries.

Opener Chris Nash led Sussex home at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground with an unbeaten 74, the Sharks’ second successive Blast victory.

Needing only 108 to win against Middlesex Panthers, Nash’s 53-ball knock – including five fours and three sixes – ensured there was little danger of the hosts losing.

But while the stars shone in the south, rain prevented three games in the north from reaching a conclusion, with the one game to survive the weather seeing Derbyshire Falcons – who chased Birmingham Bears' 189 with an over to spare – win their first Blast game.

Richard Oliver will make his LV= County Championship debut in Worcestershire's Division Two encounter versus Glamorgan at New Road from tomorrow.

Shropshire skipper Oliver, who recently signed a contract with the Pears until the end of next season, has been promoted to the first team following an outstanding innings of 292 not out for Worcestershire's second XI this week.

Director of cricket Steve Rhodes told the club's official website: "Anyone who makes a score like that in the second team, just about 300, deserves to get a chance in the first team, and that's what he is going to get.

"We are obviously looking forward to him hopefully carrying on that form but we've been very impressed with his run-scoring ability in league cricket, second-team cricket and hopefully now in first-team cricket.

"He is learning all the time about red-ball cricket. He has played a handful of second team matches with the red ball but he has already got a hundred and now a double-hundred.

"Hopefully he can not change anything and hopefully the occasion doesn't get the better of him but I don't think it will because he has already shown in T20 cricket that he can handle the crowds and the sort of pressure that comes with playing for the first team."

Oliver, a revelation in the Rapids' NatWest T20 Blast team, will line-up alongside Moeen Ali after the England batsman, fresh from scoring a maiden Test century, was given permission to play at New Road.

Batsman Matthew Pardoe and all-rounder Ross Whiteley have been omitted from Rhodes' 12-man squad.

Worcestershire are a point behind leaders Hampshire, who are currently playing third-placed Surrey at the Kia Oval.

Glamorgan, sitting in fourth position, are unbeaten in their last four championship outings.

Alex Gidman will continue to skipper Gloucestershire in the absence of injured Michael Klinger against Essex at the Essex County Ground.

The Australian opening batsman is occupying the sidelines with a broken toe.

New signing Adam Rouse, the matchwinner in the Blast victory over Kent Spitfires last night, replaces Patrick Grieshaber behind the stumps while Jack Taylor and David Payne are included in a 13-member squad.

Third-bottom Essex, without England skipper Alastair Cook, have not won a four-day game since beating Derbyshire in their opening match of the campaign. 

LV= County Championship Division Two facts

* Six of the last seven championship fixtures between Essex and Gloucestershire have been drawn. Essex won the other match, at Chelmsford in 2012.

* Worcestershire are unbeaten in their last 11 championship matches, their longest unbeaten run since they went 16 games without defeat in 2002/03.

* The two bowlers with the lowest championship boundary percentages (minimum 200 balls) both play for Essex: Tom Westley (2.4%) and Greg Smith (3%).

* Seventeen of championship top wicket-taker Saeed Ajmal’s 44 scalps have been lbw, five more than any other bowler.

* Ben Wright has scored 75 per cent of his championship runs in boundaries, the highest proportion across both divisions (minimum 200 balls).

Warwickshire have named Jonathan Trott in their 13-man squad for the LV= County Championship clash with Nottinghamshire at Edgbaston from tomorrow.

The top-order batsman made his return to cricket with two appearances for Birmingham Bears in the NatWest T20 Blast.

But he was left out of the Bears squad for last night's defeat to Derbyshire Falconsat the 3aaa County Ground to ensure he is ready for tomorrow's encounter with Division One's joint-leaders.

Warwickshire director of cricket Dougie Brown said: "He's going to come into the team's plans for Sunday in the championship and we feel he would be better concentrating on his red-ball skills.”

The hosts are also boosted by the inclusion of all-rounder Chris Woakes, who has been given permission by England to play in this four-day match, but batsman Ian Bell is unavailable.

Warwickshire suffered a resounding innings-and-eight-run loss to Yorkshire on home soil last week.

Australian opening batsman Phil Jaques' short-term spell at Nottinghamshire comes to an end after the match in Birmingham.

Seamer Jake Ball returned to action following a six-week lay-off with a metetarsal problem in the Outlaws' Blast showdown with Yorkshire Vikings today and could make the squad.

However, batsman Michael Lumb and bowler Andy Carter are ruled out with their respective injuries, while England paceman Stuart Broad is missing.

Nottinghamshire are level on 142 points with Yorkshire, who are inactive in the championship this week, at the top. 

Fifth-placed Middlesex will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat to Notts last time out when they hosts struggling Northamptonshire at Lord's.

Middlesex have left Paul Stirling out of their 13-man party, with Nick Gubbins winning a call-up.

Northants' heavy defeat to Lancashire left them 68 points behind the second-bottom Red Rose, albeit with two games in hand.

Lancashire will be aiming to boost their survival hopes further when they travel to Taunton to play Somerset.

Somerset slipped to their first defeat of the season in their last outing, going down by seven wickets to Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. 

LV= County Championship Division One facts

* The average team first-innings total against Northamptonshire this season is 421, despite Northants twice dismissing teams for below 140 in their first innings.

* Lancashire have lost one of their last 10 away championship matches against Somerset, winning four and drawing five in this time.

* Warwickshire are unbeaten in their last seven championship matches against Nottinghamshire, winning four and drawing three.

James Taylor struck an unbeaten half-century as Nottinghamshire Outlaws completed a 22-run victory over Yorkshire Vikings in the NatWest T20 Blast at Trent Bridge.

In a low-scoring contest the Outlaws could only post 143 for nine, after electing to bat first, with captain Taylor scoring 52 not out off 38 balls with five fours and a six. Veteran left-arm seamer Ryan Sidebottom returned figures of 3-24 for the visitors.

Yorkshire could only muster 121 for nine in reply, with Luke Fletcher taking 3-21.

The Vikings lost their way once pace had been taken off the ball during their pursuit of 144. Despite losing Aaron Finch and Andrew Gale during the powerplay overs, they were still in control until Steven Mullaney and Samit Patel entered the attack.

Mullaney did not pick up a wicket but only conceded 17 runs in his four overs, as well as executing a fine turn and throw to run out Adam Lyth off his bowling.

Patel, who ended with 2-19, induced Jonny Bairstow into a rush of blood, which saw him held by Alex Hales at long-on, and then removed Alex Lees for a run-a-ball 37.

Tim Bresnan and Adil Rashid added 43 in five overs to reignite hopes of a Yorkshire triumph but the rate was always climbing.

The 19th over effectively settled the contest, with Harry Gurney having both Bresnan and Richard Pyrah taken at deep midwicket by James Franklin in the space of only three deliveries.

Two Fletcher yorkers accounted for both Rashid and Oliver Robinson, to complete the Outlaws' fifth win out of their last six home meetings against the White Rose. 

Earlier in the afternoon, Sidebottom, returning to one of his old hunting grounds, struck in the first over of the match, removing former Yorkshire batsman Phil Jaques for a duck. The Australian had tried to open the face but only succeeded in guiding the ball into the hands of wicketkeeper Jonny Bairstow.

Hales hit Bresnan for a huge six but then drilled the next delivery firmly back into the hands of the bowler.

Riki Wessels, off the back of four consecutive scores of 50 or more, then hoisted Pyrah to extra-cover, all inside the first 4.2 overs.

Notts looked to be getting back on course as Patel picked up three boundaries in quick succession but he then backed away, to give himself room, and was bowled by a top-spinner from Azeem Rafiq.

Franklin, on his Nottinghamshire debut, made a fine impression as he bludgeoned 27 from 23 deliveries, with two fours and a maximum.

He helped add 48 in six overs with his skipper but then holed out off Bresnan.

Gale entrusted the final four overs of the Outlaws innings to the experienced Sidebottom and youngster Robinson and both were rewarded with crucial wickets, all thanks to catches in the deep.

Sidebottom removed Chris Read cheaply and responded to being hit for six by Ajmal Shahzad by dismissing him next delivery.

Robinson, who finished with figures of 2-25, removed Mullaney and Fletcher but then saw Taylor hit him down the ground to reach his fifty from the final ball of the innings.

The win consolidates the Outlaws' third-place position in the North Group, two points behind both Worcestershire Rapids and Lancashire Lightning, with Yorkshire, in fifth, three points further adrift but with two games in hand.

Nottinghamshire seamer Fletcher felt the early removal of hard-hitting Australia batsman Finch was key.

"It was massive for us to get Aaron Finch so early; I just tried to cramp him for room and was a bit lucky in that he worked it straight into the hands of Harry Gurney," he said.

"Samit (Patel) and Mull (Mullaney) were immense for us, really brought their run-rate down and kept us in it and then I was pleased to come back and get those two wickets at the end. I spend hours practising bowling yorkers with our coach Andy Pick and it was nice to it all pay off when it mattered.

"This was a huge win for us and keeps our momentum going."

Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie added: "This was one which got away. We performed really well in the field and bowled extremely tidily but our batters have held their hands up.

"We never got going and were not positive enough with the bat. We lost our way in the middle overs and we must learn from our mistakes."

Worcestershire's academy director Damian D'Oliveira has died at the age of 53, the county have announced.

D'Oliveira, the son of Worcestershire and England legend Basil D'Oliveira, had been battling cancer for the last two and a half years.

A statement on the county's official website read: "Worcestershire are sad to report that academy director Damian D'Oliveira passed away in the early hours of this morning.

"The 53-year-old played for the county between 1982 and 1995.

Dolly's was the smiling face I saw first when I stepped off the plane all those years ago to join @WorcsCCC. A gentleman & mate #RIPDolly

— Matt Mason (@mattymase0417) June 29, 2014

"He scored more than 9,000 first-class runs, with a highest score of 237, and nearly 5,000 List A runs and was part of one of the most successful sides in Worcestershire's history.

"D'Oliveira was also responsible for the discovery of many of the current first-team squad which includes his son Brett D'Oliveira.

"The players were informed of the news of his death shortly before the start of today's LV= County Championship match with Glamorgan at New Road.

"He leaves his wife Tracey and two other children in Marcus and Dominic."

Reece Topley provided further proof of his blossoming talent with an impressive five-wicket haul before Essex let opponents Gloucestershire off the hook on the opening day of their LV= County Championship Division Two match at the Essex County Ground.

The 21-year-old left-arm seamer made use of the greenish pitch to claim his successes at a personal cost of 53 and in doing so went some way to confirming that he has overcome a stress fracture of the back.

He missed the first six championship games of the season but, now playing his third, has bagged 20 wickets - including 10 in the match against Glamorgan on his return to four-day cricket - after the hosts bowled Gloucestershire out for 224 before reaching 75 for no loss by stumps.

Admittedly some of his wickets against Gloucestershire owed much to indifferent batting, at least two of his victims perishing to wild slashes at deliveries wide of the off stump.

But his ability to swing the ball late posed all sorts of problems and on another day he could have reaped greater reward as he passed the bat on several occasions as opponents pushed forward without any real conviction.

David Masters played a major supporting role as he picked up 4-67.

It also proved a rewarding day for Essex captain James Foster, who indicated just why he is considered by many as the best wicketkeeper in the country with an immaculate display which saw him take six catches.

WICKET A full length ball from Reece Topley bowls Tom Smith for 17 and gives the bowler a five-wickets haul. 123 for 8 #EssvGlo

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) June 29, 2014

The first of those arrived from only the third delivery of the match. Facing Masters, Will Tavare sparred at a delivery that moved late and pointed the way to the disintegration of the top order, the sixth wicket going down with only 56 runs on the board.

Topley had Chris Dent brilliantly caught by Foster, diving in front of first slip, before removing Hamish Marshall who drove to Nick Browne at point. Masters then found the edge when Ian Cockbain flirted outside off stump to leave the visitors 37 for four.

Nineteen runs later, the Gidman brothers became further Topley victims. Alex, on 22, steered the ball to Foster and his brother Will had scored 13 when he nudged to second slip.

Jesse Ryder's opening over cost 20 as Adam Rouse dispatched him for four boundaries, one somewhat fortuitous as the ball dissected the slip cordon. The over also contained two no-balls.

Rouse was undone by Topley with Foster's help immediately after the total moved into three figures but any hopes that Essex may have entertained of bringing the innings to a swift conclusion were halted by brothers Jack and Matt Taylor plus David Payne.

Close of play 75 for 0. Tom Westley 46, Nick Browne 28. #EssvGlo

— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) June 29, 2014

Jack Taylor scored 40 from 35 deliveries with the help of seven boundaries as he went on the offensive while younger brother Matt, 19, aided Payne in a last-wicket stand that yielded 66 in 14 overs and carried the visitors to an unexpected batting point.

Payne took a particular liking to Monty Panesar, who was thrown the ball for the first time in an effort to break the last-wicket partnership.

He dispatched the left-arm spinner over the midwicket boundary for six in his first over and followed up with another mighty blow, this time over long-on in Panesar's next over.

Not surprisingly Panesar was withdrawn from the attack but Matt Taylor continued to find the gaps with ease while his more adventurous partner went boldly for his strokes.

The innings was finally brought to a close when medium-pacer Graham Napier had Matt Taylor caught at first slip for 26 by Ryder, leaving Payne unbeaten just two runs short of a half-century in an innings that spanned 57 balls and contained four fours in addition to his two sixes.

It was another example of Essex's failing to deliver the knockout blow when they had their opponents on the rack. Several times in the past, they have demolished the top order only to allow the lower batsmen to stage an effective fightback.

Left with 19 overs to face, openers Tom Westley and Browne composed an unbroken partnership of 75 to close with 46 and 28 respectively.

Essex head coach Paul Grayson said: "I was delighted with our bowling in the first session but disappointed afterwards. We allowed Gloucestershire to put on 100 for the last two wickets and that was not acceptable."

Tom Fell scored his second consecutive LV= County Championship hundred in an immediate tribute to his mentor, Damian D'Oliveira, who died only hours before Worcestershire’s fixture with Glamorgan at New Road.

In a partnership between two of the many graduates from D'Oliveira's academy, Fell and Tom Kohler-Cadmore – with 133 and 60 not out - put on 168 as Worcestershire recovered to reach 266 for five after early problems on a sombre morning for the county.

Prolific captain Daryl Mitchell and Moeen Ali - England's defiant century-maker in defeat by Sri Lanka on Tuesday - were dismissed in three balls from Ruaidhri Smith in his new role opening the attack because of injury to Graham Wagg.

With Richard Oliver departing for 13 on his championship debut - the former Shropshire captain snapped up by Michael Hogan - promotion-chasing Worcestershire were in trouble at 39 for three before Fell launched his rescue mission.

Now in his first summer in full-time cricket following his studies at Oxford Brookes University, the 20-year-old Hillingdon-born batsman had to wait six weeks before making his first championship appearance of the season.

After a sluggish start - with only one score above 20 in five innings - he made an impact with 124 against Leicestershire at Grace Road as Worcestershire's fourth championship win kept them one point behind Division Two leaders Hampshire. 

@WorcsCCC @braddersatbbc yes! 100 for Tom Fell #COYP 198/4. pic.twitter.com/7ZLILjwao6

— Jack (@srsmithy) June 29, 2014

Having gone a week without a four-day fixture, Fell was straight back in the groove, reaching another century after a second 50 from 51 balls and hitting 20 fours before he was bowled by Hogan, who took 3-54.

His performance over 275 minutes was the good news that the county desperately wanted after the sadness of the day.

Former players - gathering for their annual reunion lunch - and the current squad were told of D'Oliveira's death shortly before the start.

Both teams wore black armbands and a minute's silence was observed before Worcestershire began their struggle against an impressively accurate Glamorgan attack.

Oliver and Mitchell both sliced catches to gully and Moeen, who was greeted by a standing ovation after his maiden Test century, top-edged a pull which was well held by Chris Cooke, running back towards backward square-leg.

Alexei Kervezee was first to help Fell in repelling Glamorgan's seamers. Their stand of 54 took Worcestershire into the afternoon session before Kervezee, on 21, edged behind for Hogan's 36th championship wicket of the season.

Fell was then joined by Kohler-Cadmore, his flatmate in Worcester, as two of the county's brightest prospects underlined D'Oliveira's legacy to the club. 

Great character shown from each of the @WorcsCCC lads playing on a such a sad day.

— Gareth Andrew (@GAndrew14) June 29, 2014

With as many as seven of his academy discoveries playing in this match, chief executive David Leatherdale said: "It shows that Dolly had an eye to spot talent."

Teenager Kohler-Cadmore, who broke the Malvern College record with 1,409 runs last season, emulated Fell in improving his career-best from 56 at Leicester to 60 not out with six fours and from 153 balls.

Worcestershire director of cricket Steve Rhodes saluted Fell and Kohler-Cadmore for seeing the team through a difficult day after D'Oliveira's death.

"I have a lot of fond memories of Damian," he said.

"When we found out and told the lads, it was very tough, and through the minute's silence as well.

"Difficult at the start but the way the two lads - one 20, the other 19 - fought back with their partnership was fantastic."

A sparkling unbeaten 114 by the in-form Jason Roy coupled with half-centuries from Tillakaratne Dilshan and Gary Wilson helped Surrey dominate a rain-interrupted second day against Hampshire at the Kia Oval.

Five wet weather delays failed to hamper Surrey's flow or curtail an eye-catching unbroken sixth-wicket stand between Roy and Wilson which added 159 in 33.1 overs to help the hosts close on 382 for five.

Resuming on their overnight score of 68 for one following a truncated opening day of only 26 overs, Surrey lost two wickets on a brighter, breezier second morning in SE11.

Rory Burns added 12 to his overnight score, including a dabbed boundary to third man off Danny Briggs, only to depart leg before when working across the line to the left-arm spinner's next delivery.

Surrey raised three figures through Vikram Solanki, who stroked a brace of fours off James Tomlinson to post an 81-ball half-century.

In Briggs' next over, though, he was bowled as he played back in defence and shook his head in disappointment before trudging off with 57 to his name.

Dilshan marched in to make an aggressive start to his championship career. The Sri Lanka veteran spanked three boundaries in four balls only to be pegged back by some accurate bowling from Tomlinson and Brad Taylor, a 17-year-old off-spinner making only his second championship appearance for Hampshire. 

STUMPS - Surrey 382-5 @JasonRoy20 114*, @gwilson14 63* pic.twitter.com/lN0LfKwv8x

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 29, 2014

The teenager enjoyed success with his first delivery after lunch to break a fourth-wicket stand of 73 in 20.4 overs between Steven Davies and Dilshan.

Aiming to punish a slightly short one from Taylor, Davies - on 30 - skied to midwicket where Matt Coles took an over-the-shoulder catch on the run.

The tussle between Dilshan and Tomlinson proved fascinating, with the left-armer opting to cut his pace back and bowl off-cutters largely from around the wicket.

Having seen Surrey make a racing start, Tomlinson's theory helped restrict Dilshan to singles for the best part of half an hour, but the Sri Lankan broke the shackles once Tomlinson rested.

His imperious on-drive on the up against Kyle Abbott heralded a ninth boundary and his maiden championship half-century from 80 balls but, in looking to move through the gears, 37-year-old Dilshan became Briggs' third victim of the day.

With his score on 69, Dilshan rocked back to cut only to be caught via the toe-end of his bat by wicketkeeper Adam Wheater.

Roy, fresh from scoring 63 from 25 balls in Friday's corresponding NatWest T20 Blast encounter between these two sides, took up Dilshan's cause to accelerate the run-rate.

He drove Taylor for a brace of straight sixes to move past the 2,000-run milestone in first-class cricket and, after two mid-afternoon breaks for showers, the flow of boundaries continued against the second new ball as Roy and Wilson added 112 in 20 overs through to tea. 

WATCH the moment @JasonRoy20 moved to his century with a bit of commentary from Church http://t.co/6Qf7QH4Kxi@BBCLondonSport

— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) June 29, 2014

Surrey skipper Wilson reached an 80-ball fifty with 10 fours soon after the interval then, following two further breaks for rain, Roy posted his second ton of the championship campaign.

He took 102 deliveries, and hit 13 fours and three sixes, closing on 114 from 113 balls with Wilson unbeaten on 63 at the other end.

Having seen Roy dismantle his side's bowling attack for the second time in 72 hours, Hampshire coach Dale Benkenstein was full of praise for the 23-year-old.

"From a Hampshire point of view we'll be glad to see the back of him, but from a cricketing perspective it's been wonderful to see someone with his talent starting to get it together," said former Durham batsman Benkenstein.

"He's maybe flattered to deceive in the past, especially in the four-day game, but he hits the ball like an international-class player and hardly played a false shot today.

"Clearly, it helps that this is such a good pitch, but I think Jason is starting to come of age and, if he continues to show that level of concentration and starts enjoying making big scores on a regular basis, then there's every chance of him playing at an even higher level.

"We want to bat well tomorrow, then it will be tough for anyone to force a result on this pitch."

Paul Horton returned to the scene of his highest score for Lancashire to hit a fighting century on the opening day of the LV= County Championship Division One match with Somerset at Taunton.

The 31-year-old opener, who made 173 in the corresponding match five years ago, played a solo hand with 140 as his side struggled to 221 for six, having won the toss. None of the other batsmen reached 20. Horton faced 256 balls and hit 21 fours.

But Jos Buttler's hopes of a big score on his first return to the County Ground since leaving Somerset were scuppered when he fell for 18.

There were two wickets each for Alfonso Thomas and Lewis Gregory, who both emerged with credit for their accuracy and economy.

After the start had been delayed by rain until 12.05pm, Lancashire progressed steadily to 30 in the 16th over when Alex Davies edged Peter Trego to third slip where Alviro Petersen pouched a straightforward catch.

By lunch the visitors had battled their way to 47 for one off 23 overs. Usman Khawaja fell to the second ball he faced after the interval, miscuing an attempted pull shot off Thomas to Chris Jones at mid-on and departing for nine. 

Horton 115-ball half-century, including 9x4s. The last couple of those have been off successive cover driven boundaries off Overton. 84-3.

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) June 29, 2014

Ashwell Prince soon followed, lbw to Thomas on the back foot playing across the line for five, and at 71 for three Somerset could feel well satisfied with their efforts.

Horton reached a sound half-century off 115 balls with a sumptuous extra-cover drive for four off Craig Overton. But on 54 he survived a chance to James Hildreth, an edge flashing between the first slip and wicketkeeper Craig Kieswetter.

The total had moved to 112 when Lancashire lost their fourth wicket, Steven Croft, on 18, well caught by Kieswetter as he edged a sweep shot off left-arm spinner George Dockrell.

That brought in Buttler to a warm ovation from both sets of supporters. His second scoring shot was a six off Dockrell, lifted handsomely over long-off as Lancashire moved to 130 for four at tea.

The fifth ball after the interval saw Buttler hit another maximum off Dockrell, this time with one hand off the bat, which did not stop the ball sailing over long-on and into the River Tone.

Thomas had a bit of fun at the expense of his old team-mate, threatening to run out Buttler backing-up, as had happened to him in the one-day international series between England and Sri Lanka. This time it was all smiles as Thomas gave Buttler a friendly hug before going back to restart his run-up.

Horton was on 99 when Buttler had his off stump uprooted by a good length, seaming delivery from Gregory, who claimed his 50th first-class wicket. 

Thomas has just pretended to Mankad Buttler, but then gives him a hug. to howls of laughter from crowd. 137-4.

— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) June 29, 2014

Tom Smith got off the mark with a Chinese cut off Gregory for four, the ball just missing his leg stump.

Horton then brought up his century, pulling a short ball from Dockrell to the midwicket boundary for his 16th four, having faced 209 balls.

The second new ball was taken at 214 for five in the 81st over. It soon accounted for Horton, lbw on the back foot trying to work Gregory through the leg side.

At the close, Horton said: "Every first-class hundred you score is special. I had been averaging under 30 this season and that was my motivation because it isn't good enough for an opening batsman.

"It's a dry pitch, which won't get any better so if we can push on to 300 tomorrow I think we will be well in the game."

Gregory said: "It's a slow pitch, which means it isn't easy to bat or bowl on it. We're pleased with our efforts so far and need to come out with the same approach tomorrow."

Nick Gubbins, a 20-year-old left-hander from Richmond, made 54 on his LV= County Championship debut as Middlesex reached 280 for three on a weather-affected first day in their Division One match against Northamptonshire at Lord's.

Gubbins, given his chance because England's management have chosen to rest Sam Robson from this round of championship games along with most of the Test team beaten by Sri Lanka at Headingley, put on 128 with Chris Rogers for Middlesex's first wicket after Northants captain Stephen Peters had chosen to bowl first.

Australia opener Rogers made 86 to take his championship run-tally this season to 907 at an average of 69.76, and Dawid Malan also flourished later with 72 not out on an afternoon interrupted by four stoppages for rain.

Eoin Morgan, in need of runs to push his own England Test claims, survived a sketchy start to reach 27 but was then bowled by Andrew Hall soon after the fourth weather delay.

Northants, adrift at the bottom of the Division One table with seven defeats from eight matches, tried hard with the ball after seeing a green tinge in the pitch but they could not take a couple of early chances to split Rogers and Gubbins and paid the price on another sobering day for them in the championship top tier.

Radley School product Gubbins, calling for a sharp single into the off side to get off the mark, would have run out Rogers if a throw at the stumps had hit, and then on eight he was dropped by Matt Spriegel in the gully off Muhammad Azhar Ullah.

It was a let-off the youngster gratefully received, pulling Maurice Chambers for six - to the longest boundary on the Grandstand side of the ground - to go to 36 and past his previous best first-class score of 31 not out, which he made in one of eight innings for Leeds-Bradford MCCU.

At lunch he was on 43, with Rogers having already completed his half-century and Middlesex in control at 105 without loss.

Gubbins went to his own 105-ball fifty early in the afternoon session, driving with some power down the ground and through the covers, before attempting to pull Azhar from the last ball of the 38th over and skying to mid-on.

Malan was quickly into his stride and 40 runs had come in eight overs for Middlesex's second wicket, and with ominous ease for Northants' bowlers, when Rogers perhaps over-confidently aimed a drive at a full ball from Steven Crook, delivered from around the wicket, and was bowled after a 152-ball stay.

Crook deserved some reward for working up a decent pace and he was perhaps the pick of an ordinary-looking Northants attack, twice beating Morgan early on outside the left-hander's off stump.

Malan, on 32, was dropped at second slip off Hall, although Rob Keogh was almost at full stretch as he dived to his left to try to pull off the catch. Despite the loss of Morgan after a stand of 62 in 18 overs, Malan kept Middlesex moving forward with a purposeful innings featuring 12 fours from 112 balls.

By stumps Neil Dexter, with an unbeaten 19, had helped Malan to add a further 50 for the fourth wicket and ensure Middlesex took the opening day honours.

Gubbins said: "I am obviously absolutely delighted to get past 50 on my championship debut.

"When I woke up this morning I was pretty nervous, but this is what you work hard for when you are young and trying to develop your cricket."

Nottinghamshire batsman Alex Hales again showed his affection for Edgbaston with a season's best 183 which left Warwickshire's acting captain Varun Chopra regretting his decision to bowl first on the opening day of their LV= County Championship Division One match.

Hales' century was his third at Edgbaston, a ground where he now averages 130 having reached 50 in six of his eight first-class innings, and helped guide Nottinghamshire to 397 for seven.

The England Twenty20 international had a disappointing time in championship cricket last year when he mustered just 251 runs in 18 innings but he has bounced back this season having failed to land an Indian Premier League contract.

Hales' second century of the season was the eighth of his career and it was an innings of two distinct parts. He struck 12 fours in his first 63 balls but then found the boundary only three more times in reaching a 134-ball ton.

Those figures also reflected how Warwickshire bowled.

They squandered any initiative there might have been in bowling first by pitching short and conceding 146 runs in a damaging first session.

Alex Hales has passed 150. Nottinghamshire now 365/5 Hales 159* Read 8* http://t.co/zaIHLFztAZ#WarksvNotts

— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) June 29, 2014

It required the unlikely intervention of Jonathan Trott as a bowler to bring a measure of control and the England batsman made an important breakthrough on the stroke of lunch when he took his first championship wicket in four years.

Trott was playing his first championship match in more than two months in his latest comeback from the stress-related illness that forced him to return early from the winter Ashes tour.

Chopra called him into the attack ahead of England paceman Boyd Rankin and he struck with his 17th ball when Phil Jaques edged one that was angled across him to wicketkeeper Tim Ambrose for 77.

Jaques and Hales had plundered 91 in 16 overs for the second wicket after Steven Mullaney had gifted toiling Warwickshire their first wicket when he picked out Chris Woakes at deep midwicket when he tried to pull Rikki Clarke over the short boundary in front of the Eric Hollies Stand.

There were ironic cheers from Warwickshire supporters when Chopra eventually introduced Rankin in the 43rd over and more when the tall Irishman struck in his second and third overs.

James Taylor and Samit Patel were both caught behind working to leg but Hales reined in his natural attacking instincts to see off Rankin's threat and to reach his century with successive fours off New Zealand off-spinner Jeetan Patel.

The thoughts of everyone at Warwickshire are with the family of Damian D'Oliveira, and our friends at @WorcsCCC#RIP

— Warwickshire CCC (@CricketingBears) June 29, 2014

Riki Wessels helped Hales add 119 for the fifth wicket and reached his seventh fifty of the season with a pulled six off Keith Barker in the second over with the second new ball.

Wessels then slapped Barker to point, Hales perished one short of equalling his career-best score when he was lbw to Rankin and Peter Siddle edged Chris Wright to first slip.

Reflecting on his innings, Hales said: "It's been a good month. I'm really pleased with how it's gone especially after how last year was. I have put in a lot of hard work over the last couple of months and I'm glad to see some rewards.

"The whole of the winter before all I was doing was practising Twenty20 cricket and that was always on my mind. My technique suffered a bit from that, my four-day form slid down a bit but I have put that back to a priority this year and it's coming off nicely."

Chopra was less than pleased with his team's bowling display.

He said: "As a side it's probably the worst we have bowled since I have been at the club which is disappointing.

"It wasn't due to lack of effort or commitment. Everyone stood up and wanted the ball and kept coming in but, unfortunately, it was one of those days where the bowlers just couldn't find their rhythm."