Coverage as the first round of 2014 LV= County Championship games reached their conclusion. Sussex, Nottinghamshire and Glamorgan all kicked off with wins.
By Rob Barnett and Dominic Farrell
Live Scores / Follow ECB_Cricket on Twitter
6.05pm - So that’s a wrap on the first round of 2014 LV= County Championship matches. We hope you’ve enjoyed following the action with us. Against all odds after Monday’s torrential rain, we’ve had wins for Nottinghamshire and Glamorgan in matches of high drama, while Middlesex must lick their wounds and respond to a humbling at the hands of Sussex.
Here’s an easy-to-digest summary of all that. See you on Sunday for the next round!
Division One
Sussex thrashed Middlesexby an innings and 127 runs at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground.
Nottinghamshire were made to sweat before wrapping up at 45-run victory over Lancashire at Trent Bridge.
Division Two
Glamorgan sensationally turned the tables on a remarkable morning at the Kia Oval before easing to a 10-wicket win over pre-season promotion favourites Surrey.
Hampshire and Worcestershire shook hands on a draw after rain all but obliterated the first two days of their Ageas Bowl encounter.
5.44pm - ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 303): Prince played so well for his century and he will undoubtedly be devastated by how his innings and Lancashire's resistance ended – missing a leg-stump full-toss to be bowled by Gurney. It was a hard slog but Notts got there in the end.
5.39pm - RESULT! Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) beat Lancashire (144 and 303) by 45 runs at Trent Bridge. Alas, it's not to be for Lancashire and Prince, who is bowled by Gurney for exactly 100. The Nottinghamshire left-armer held his nerve superbly to end with 4-84, dealing with pressure that frankly never appeared on the cards when Lancashire lunched on 99 for five. It was a superb effort in the end by the Red Rose but they were always likely to be undermined by a poor first innings with the bat.
5.35pm - CENTURY FOR ASHWELL PRINCE! Lancashire’s number three is retiring from first-class cricket at the end of this season and this must rank highly among his many fine knocks. The visitors need 46 more and Prince has last man Anderson for company. Surely not…
Prince moves to 99 as he smashes carter for 6 http://t.co/WAI2OkrCjQ
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
5.24pm - ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 292/9): As expected, the new ball has been crucial. Fletcher produced a good delivery to break the 147-run partnership between Prince and Smith before trapping White in front. Kabir then flicked Gurney straight to square-leg to leave Notts on the brink of a hard-fought victory. Prince opened his shoulders in the last over, however, and will not go down without a fight.
5.19pm - If Lancashire’s plan is to block out the remaining overs and hang on for the draw, it appears nobody has bothered to tell James Anderson. The England seamer, in at number 11, already has a pair of fours to his name.
5.15pm - RESULT! Hampshire (263 & 27/1) draw with Worcestershire (350/7d) at the Ageas Bowl- After rain dominated the equation for the opening two days in Southampton, a result was never really on the cards. Nevertheless, fans were treated to a superb unbeaten 172 from visiting captain Daryl Mitchell today.
5.11pm - Nottinghamshire are not thrown off course by Fletcher’s absence as Harry Gurney removes Kabir for seven. Alex Hales holds the catch at square-leg. Prince is still there on 87 but the veteran South Africa’s superb knock looks certain to be in vain.
Luke Fletcher has gone off the field with a muscle injury it seems. Lancs 277-8. 72 to win. #NottsvLancs
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
Graham Ford has spoken to Church after the 10 wicket defeat to Glamorgan http://t.co/G83CKcp40K
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 9, 2014
4.55pm - Stuart Broad isn’t the only Nottinghashire seamer delivering this afternoon (see below, sorry) - Fletcher strikes again, trapping White lbw and Lancashire are 265 for eight. New batsman Kabir Ali is off the mark with two runs first ball. Lancashire need 82; Notts need two wickets.
While Notts continue to battle @LancsCCC in a classic championship encounter, @StuartBroad8 is selling Weetabix pic.twitter.com/0OchqpxAxi
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) April 9, 2014
4.42pm - There’s no keeping Mitchell out of the game at the Ageas Bowl. He’s holds on to a catch to remove Michael Carberry off Moeen Ali. Hampshire are 13 for one in the ninth over.
4.35pm - BREAKTHROUGH FOR NOTTINGHAMSHIRE! Luke Fletcher has Smith caught at first slip by Riki Wessels for 76 to swing the match right back into the hosts’ favour. Wayne White is the new man and Lancashire still require 90 more on 259 for seven. With Prince still there on 79, Notts will try to prevent any more partnerships developing and wrap this up quickly
4.33pm - ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 259/6): Prince and Smith have picked up where they left off before tea and given Lancashire a real chance of claiming a win against all odds. However, the new ball has just been taken and Notts will be right back in it if they can strike early. The next 10 overs are huge.
MATCH PIC: Hampshire celebrate the wicket of Ross Whiteley in the afternoon session at @TheAgeasBowl today. pic.twitter.com/4xzmiC5ovp
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) April 9, 2014
4.25pm - DECLARATION. Upon chalking off a fourth batting bonus point, Worcestershire have brought their innings of 350 for seven to a close at the Ageas Bowl. Unbeaten skipper Daryl Mitchell was responsible for 172 of those and it leaves Hampshire with a deficit of 87 and 27 overs to negotiate. In all probability, hands will have been shaken before we get to that stage.
Lancashire now require less than 100. Prince and Tom Smith have 78 and 75 respectively. Hold on to your hats, folks - this one’s going to the wire.
PHOTO: Sussex players congratulate @magsy64 as his fifth wicket confirms a huge victory over Middlesex #GOSBTSpic.twitter.com/DZ77Zn0pBs
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 9, 2014
4.05pm - Glamorgan’s win is their record margin of victory by wickets at the Kia Oval. The Welsh side’s previous best at the famous London ground was a nine-wicket triumph, registered way back in 1961.
At Trent Bridge, Ashwell Prince just got the reverse-sweep out to send Samit Patel to the fence. Lancashire really seem to fancy this. They were 95 for five this morning.
Mitchell currently 170* having faced 300 balls. #captainfantastichttp://t.co/uYqi1cppjt
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) April 9, 2014
3.53pm – RESULT! Glamorgan (209 & 156/0) beat Surrey (Surrey 280 & 81) by 10 wickets at the Kia Oval - So Glamorgan complete an emphatic win over Surrey, who many fancy for promotion this year under Graeme Smith’s leadership. Shows you never can tell…
And Glamorgan win by 10 wickets...Glamorgan 156-0 Rees 75*, Bragg 72* @BBCLondonSport
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 9, 2014
3.46pm – It’s also tea at the Ageas Bowl where Worcestershire are 330 for seven with Mitchell moving to 170 not out.
Glamorgan are on the brink of victory over Surrey so tea is delayed at the Kia Oval.
3.42pm – ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 218/6): Notts have stemmed the flow of runs but they are no nearer wrapping this match up as Smith raises a fifty shortly before tea. With both Lancashire batsmen set, the home side will be hoping the interval will disrupt their rhythm. All three results are still possible with just one session remaining. The Red Rose need another 131 to win.
100 partnership in 27 overs between Smith and Prince. Lancs are 212-6 #NottsvLancs
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
3.29pm – Prince and Rees have half-centuries while Matt Coles strikes twice in an over, trapping Ben Cox and Gareth Andrew in front. Worcestershire are therefore 311 for seven.
View from the commentary box with @EdBevanCricket@BBCLondonSport@BBCRadioWales@GlamCricketpic.twitter.com/JyLrnoVVw5
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 9, 2014
3.17pm – Glamorgan, who are close to defeating Surrey, have just entered three figures.
Ross Whiteley c Jimmy Adams off Ervine for 23. Worcestershire currently 302-5. Mitchell 151*
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) April 9, 2014
3.04pm – ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 190/6): Lancashire look as if they fancy this chase, with the stand between Prince and Smith now worth 78 – 44 of those coming in just seven overs. Notts remain in the driving seat but they may be getting a little twitchy given the ease this Lancashire pair are batting with.
Bragg completes a 96-ball half-century. Glam now 84/0 and a further 69 runs are required.
— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) April 9, 2014
First fifty of the season for a Lancashire player. Prince 69 balls with 8x4s. Lancs 188-6.
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
2.46pm – Will Bragg and Gareth Rees are steadily taking Glamorgan towards victory. The vistors to the Kia Oval require another 90 runs with 10 wickets in hand.
Prince and Smith are doing well in their task to save the game at Trent Bridge.
Centurion Mitchell has found a new ally in Ross Whiteley at the Ageas Bowl, where a draw is all-but certain.
Runs coming aplenty. Four boundaries in the last seven balls, five in the last ten. Smith hit four of them. 166-6 #NottsvLancs
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
Bragg strikes Meaker for 4 and 3 off successive balls - Glam 50/0 in the 20th over. 103 runs required to win.
— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) April 9, 2014
2.18pm - ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 131/6): Alex Davies came out firing after the interval as he hit three fours in quick succession, but his short stay at the crease was ended by a rising delivery from Harry Gurney. Lancashire's survival hopes now rest on Prince and Tom Smith, who is enjoying a good match. They will need to dig deep to ensure the Red Rose do not get their first season back in the top flight off to the worst possible start.
He's arrived! pic.twitter.com/rgS0XdLQ3V
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) April 9, 2014
Will Smith has picked up a wicket with his first over for Hampshire! An excellent high take from Dawson dismisses Kervezee (10). 227-4
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) April 9, 2014
1.59pm – Consolidation seems to be the watchword for the three teams batting, although Glamorgan won’t want to dally in pursuing another 118 to beat Surrey.
Here's the action from day 3 at Hove as Sussex cemented their dominant position in this season opening LV=CC fixture http://t.co/yISM9Ky8Dh
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) April 9, 2014
Glamorgan 30-0..Rees 9*, Bragg 18* @BBCLondonSportpic.twitter.com/Frcht3B0W1
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 9, 2014
Gurney gets Davies caught behind by Read. Lancashire 112-6 #NottsvLancs
— Nottinghamshire CCC (@TrentBridge) April 9, 2014
1.43pm – The action resumes in the remaining three games and Worcestershire captain Daryl Mitchell soon goes to three figures, becoming the second LV= County Championship centurion of the season and first in Division Two.
1.13pm – Here are the scores on the doors:
Division One
Sussex thrashed Middlesexby an innings and 127 runs at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground.
At Trent Bridge Lancashire are 99 for five, needing another 250 to beat Nottinghamshire who are more likely winners given they require five wickets.
Division Two
Glamorgan are 26 for none, needing another 127 to beat Surrey at the Kia Oval.
Worcestershire are 213 for three in their first innings, replying to Hampshire’s 263 at the Ageas Bowl. Skipper Daryl Mitchell is unbeaten on 99. Enjoy your lunch, Daryl!
1.08pm – RESULT! Sussex (386) beat Middlesex (105 & 154) by an innings and 127 runs at the BrightonandHoveJobs.Com County Ground - Sussex are the first winners of the 2014 LV= County Championship! They have taken Middlesex’s last nine wicket for 65 runs today.Fittingly, Magoffin seals the deal for figures of 5-56, ending Steven Finn’s resistance on 26.
Magoffin bowls Finn and Sussex have beaten Middlesex by an innings and 127 runs at Hove. GOOD OLD SUSSEX BY THE SEA!!! #GOSBTS
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 9, 2014
1.03pm – Lunch arrives in three of the four games but, with Sussex needing one wicket to beat Middlesex, an extra half hour is being played at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground. The lunch scores will follow shortly.
1pm – ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 99/5): The door is well and truly open now thanks to the spin of England hopeful Patel and Ball's second wicket of the morning. Much will depend on experienced South African Ashwell Prince, who survived a stumping chance off Patel in the final over before lunch, as Lancashire look to bat out the final 66 overs for a draw.
After several unsuccessful swings Finn times one and puts Magoffin onto the Pavilion for six! Middlesex 148/9...
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 9, 2014
Finn has an almighty swing at Anyon and the ball flies over the slips for four. 139/9 now #GOSBTS
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 9, 2014
Procter gone! He's been caught behind off Ball without scoring. It's 95-5. #NottsvLancs
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
12.44pm – Sussex need one more strike after Magoffin cleans up James Harris for 10.
Samit Patel has two wickets in two overs when nightwatchman Kerrigan, who faced 84 balls, is leg-before for 33. That makes Lancashire 90 for four.
Liam Dawson strikes twice in an over as first-class debutant Tom Kohler-Cadmore goes for two in his first championship innings.
#thebeardthatsfeared has been bowled by Dawson for 69. Worcestershire 201-2
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) April 9, 2014
Glamorgan 7-0...Rees 3*, Bragg 1* @BBCLondonSportpic.twitter.com/HIb58RC6eB
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 9, 2014
12.35pm – Steve Magoffin breaks through twice in two balls, making Toby Roland-Jones the second victim. Sussex need two more wickets for victory! Tim Murtagh averts a hat-trick.
Agathangelou gone! Caught at slip by Wessels off Patel, 4. 89-3. #NottsvLancs
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
WICKET..Magoffin strikes from the Cromwell Road End! Simpson edges to Yardy at second slip. Middlesex 113/7 now #GOSBTS
— Sussex CCC (@SussexCCC) April 9, 2014
12.23pm - ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 85/2): Lancashire pair Horton and Kerrigan took 42 runs from the first 10 overs this morning and made steady progress thereafter on their way to and beyond a fifty partnership. It took a good ball by Jake Ball to account for Horton (41) and open the door slightly for Notts.
12.16pm - Surrey are skittled for 81, leaving 153 needed for a stunning Glamorgan win! Hogan bowls Tim Linley for nought for his fourth strike. He has figures of 4-31 and Wagg a career-best 6-29. What a morning at the Kia Oval!
12.11pm – England’s Moeen Ali joins his captain Daryl Mitchell on a half-century. Worcestershire’s second-wicket pair have added 132 to make a draw at the Ageas Bowl almost certain.
Meanwhile, Wagg has a sixth scalp, Chris Tremlett lbw, to leave Surrey nine down and Sussex’s Anyon gets a third victim when Adam Rossington falls in the same fashion.
12.01pm – Perhaps a draw at Hove isn’t the likeliest result? Middlesex lose Neil Dexter and Eoin Morgan in consecutive overs to Jon Lewis and Anyon respectively.
A draw certainly isn’t likely at the Kia Oval as Wagg bags a five-for by trapping Steven Davies in front, leaving Surrey 76 for eight.
Kerrigan do a cracking job here. He's 16 not out. Lancs 56-1 in the 24th. 50 stand between him and Horton. #NottsvLancs
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
Another wicket for Hogan as Curran chops onto his stumps. Surrey 76/7.
— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) April 9, 2014
11.43am – Chris Rogers, one of Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year, is caught behind off James Anyon for 41, ending a stand of 80 with Dawid Malan that means a draw is the most likely result between Sussex and Middlesex.
50 up for Mitchell #COYP
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) April 9, 2014
11.27am – ecb.co.uk's James O'Brien at Nottinghamshire (272 & 220) v Lancashire (144 & 33/1): Lancashire opener Paul Horton left the field last night having failed to score off 24 balls but needed only two this morning to open his account with a neat drive through mid-off for four. Harry Gurney soon hit his line and length and found the outside edge of nightwatchman Simon Kerrigan's bat in the third over, only for Michael Lumb to put the chance down at gully. There have been few other alarms for Lancashire, who need 316 runs from 90 overs for an unlikely win.
11.23am – It gets worse for Surrey, who are now staring at defeat, as Graham Wagg has Jason Roy caught at first slip for his fourth wicket of the innings. Graeme Smith’s side, who lead by just 132, have lost four wickets for 11 runs today.
Not a cloud in the sky @SussexCCCpic.twitter.com/0rscSYKDpx
— KirstieH (@Kirstie2k11) April 9, 2014
11.20am – While we wait for further developments, why not read about Charlotte Edwards and Joe Root being among Wisden’s Five Cricketers of the Year? We have an exclusive interview with Edwards and other reaction to her award. By the way, below is a Twitterpic from this morning of one of the other winners.
Chris Rogers Wisden cricketer of yr but he's just arrived Hove job to do @Middlesex_CCC hear more @BBC5LSX from 10.55 pic.twitter.com/G41IVvAyED
— Kevin Howells (@kevinhowellsbbc) April 9, 2014
Surrey 50-5..Wilson c Wallace b Hogan 0 lead by 121 @BBCLondonSport
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 9, 2014
Kerrigan dropped by Lumb at gully off Gurney - should have been taken. 18-1.
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 9, 2014
11.07am – Surrey are in a spot of bother as Michael Hogan bowls Dominic Sibley for Glamorgan’s second strike of the day. The Kia Oval hosts lead by 121 with six wickets left.
Wagg strikes with the day's first ball as Ansari edges into Wallace's gloves. Surrey 50/3
— Glamorgan Cricket (@GlamCricket) April 9, 2014
10.55am – Hello and welcome to our LV= County Championship blog. Here’s how the games stand going into the last day of the first round:
Division One
Lancashire are seven for one, needing another 342 for victory against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge.
Middlesex are 57 for one in their second innings, still 224 behind Sussex at the BrightonandHoveJobs.com County Ground.
Division Two
Surrey are 50 for two in their second innings against Glamorgan at the Kia Oval, a lead of 121.
Worcestershire are 103 for one in response to Hampshire’s 263 all out at the Ageas Bowl.
Day 4 vs @WorcsCCC@LV_Cricket#countycricket#ageasbowl#countycricketlive#cricketpic.twitter.com/N6tfYcSXdA
— Karl McDermott (@Karl_McDermott) April 9, 2014
Glorious day in Hove. Big effort needed. #middlesex150
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) April 9, 2014
A lovely view from the commentary box @BBCLondonSport@BBCRadioWalespic.twitter.com/vNEtkiaJky
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 9, 2014