County Championship 2024

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The clocks have gone forward, spring has arrived, and it's time for another joyous iteration of cricket's County Championship. This year it is sponsored by sheer pace, as that's what Rob Key has ordered from on high.

There are some format changes to be aware of. Most notably, the points for a draw have gone back to eight, after last season's trial experiment of reducing them to five. The Kookaburra ball will be used for four rounds of the County Championship, up from two last season. And hybrid pitches are allowed for the first time, in a one season experiment.

Division One has lost Middlesex and Northants to relegation, and they are replaced by last year's runaway winners of Division Two, Durham, and the somewhat unlikely presence of Worcestershire.

Surrey are strong favourites to make it three titles in a row. If they achieve it, it would be the third time in County Championship history that Surrey have won it three times in a row, which is rather fitting. Strengthening their side this year is the addition of England's constant nearly man Dan Lawrence, from title rivals Essex.

As well as Essex, Warwickshire, Lancashire and Nottinghamshire are considered the leading rivals to stop Surrey's run. Nottinghamshire have added England quick Josh Tongue to their bowling arsenal, and supplemented the batting with the return of Kiwi Will Young for seven games. Lancashire have secured the services of Nathan Lyon for seven games this season. Essex are considered second favourites with the bookmakers, though they've lost an awful lot of players, including Cook and Lawrence, but they have added Dean Elgar to the ranks.

Worcestershire look doomed to relegation from the outset, not helped by losing Tongue. Kent have flirted with relegation in recent seasons, and are likely to be close to the drop again. They've added Parkinson to their bowling repertoire. Durham will also be looking over their shoulder, and they've added the intriguing figure of Scott Boland to their squad until the end of July.

Somerset and Hampshire occupy a curious middle ground. Neither look strong enough to mount a title challenge, but equally they shouldn't be threatened by the drop.

In Division Two, the most successful county of all time, Yorkshire, are once again trying to break out of the tyranny of the lower tier. They were strong favourites to bounce back up last year, but only managed three wins from 14, and their misery was compounded by a total of a 50 points deduction (but they would have still missed out on promotion even if that didn't happen). Their only squad addition this year is the permanent signing of Moriarty from Surrey, after a short loan stint last season.

Last year's two relegated teams, Middlesex and Northants, will be bidding to do what Yorkshire couldn't do last season and get straight back up. Most notably for Middlesex, they've lost Murtagh to retirement after 16 years at the county and over 1,000 wickets in all formats. Northants have added Bartlett from Somerset and the genuine pace of Scrimshaw from Derbyshire to the squad for this season.

Also giving promotion a damn good go will be Sussex, Leicestershire and Glamorgan, who all narrowly missed out last season. The exciting Jayden Seales will be available for Sussex for the early part of the year, but Jofra Archer sadly won't be. Leicestershire gave it a proper effort last season, despite plenty of off the field turmoil, and it'll be interesting to see if they can replicate it once more amongst quite a few squad changes. Glamorgan have added one-test Mason Crane to their side, while retaining the ability of Labuschagne for a few games. He's probably keen for a few runs.

Rounding off the division are Derbyshire and Gloucestershire. Neither of them won a game last season. Derbyshire have at least been very busy in the off season, adding (among others) Pat Brown, Blair Tickner and Samit Patel, though they have lost the stable presence of du Plooy and the aforementioned Scrimshaw.

All starts on Friday. On with the merriment.

Very eventful day on the return to nine fixtures.

Essex were on top early against Warwickshire, with Warwickshire 104/6, but unbroken centuries from Barnard and Burgess carried their side to 308/6 at stumps.

Lancashire on top with 350/9 v Durham. Jennings with the only ton, but Durham fought back well with 163/1 becoming 255/5. Mahmood with a counter attacking 40* pushed Lancashire to a position of strength. Most notably Stokes bowled 17 overs, getting two wickets, although he bowled four no-balls (so probably closer to 40 with the amount that get missed!) indicating issues with rhythm.

Notts battled hard to 212/9 at stumps. A real hard slog from 50/6, with James keeping them competitive with 92*. Abbas had very Abbas figures with 23-10-36-4.

Somerset steamrollered Kent, by making 440/7 in just 96 overs. Highly aggressive centuries for Banton and Rew; it was a FC high score of 133 for Banton.

17 wickets fell at The Oval. Surrey made 213, thanks mostly to a 148 partnership between Pope and Lawrence. Worrall then knocked over the top order to leave Worcestershire 53/5. D'Oliveira and Waite led a recovery to 111/5, but Roach took two in an over to make it 112/7 at stumps, with Surrey back in complete control.

Northants were solid with 297/5 v Derbyshire.

Glamorgan were bowled out for a slow 183, Helm with 4/44. Middlesex then cruised to 62/0 at stumps. Glamorgan's unbeaten record hanging by a thread.

Leicestershire had a day from hell. They put Gloucestershire into bat, then watched as Bancroft and Charlesworth put up a 316 opening partnership! They did eventually remove both openers, but Gloucestershire are sitting very pretty at 385/2. Rehan had 0/66 from 15, and Hull (named by Key as one to watch) had a day to forget with 0/75 from 18, on his first appearance of the season.

Sussex and Yorkshire, the two heavyweights of Division Two, had a very interesting first day. Sussex were bowled out for 150, with Hill getting 4/22. Sussex fought back well, but a 67 from Root, the only half-century of the day, squeezed Yorkshire into a narrow lead at 176/7. Could be over tomorrow, could go either way.

Warwickshire ending up with 397, then Essex were bundled out for 162. Che Simmons, on debut and once highly regarded (maybe still is), returning 3/12. Despite that big lead, Essex mustered a fightback, leaving Warwickshire 43/5 at stumps, a lead of 278. Keep it below 350 and maybe...

Lancashire took control against Durham and are on course for a vital first win of the year. Durham were bowled out for 236, Bedingham with a superb ton, but Stokes went for 2 (to Lyon) and England hopeful Robinson was out for a second ball duck. 5/41 for Aspinwall in his first bowling efforts at FC level, and 4/59 for Lyon, closing in on 800 FC wickets. Lancashire then moved to 91/2 at stumps, a lead of 212.

Notts finished up with 235, but they restricted Hampshire to 276 to stay in the contest. 4/62 for Stone, good to see. Fifties for Dawson and Barker. Notts are 33/1 at stumps, trailing by 8, very well balanced.

Somerset, currently the leading rivals to Surrey, are closing in on an innings win over Kent. Somerset scored 554, and they left Kent battered at 108/5, with Leach picking up a couple on his return from injury. First ball duck for Crawley as his bad season continues.

Surrey are well on the path to victory. Worrall finishing with 6/22 as he took three in an over! Worcestershire all out for 128. Surrey then cruised to 342/5 in just 86 overs, far removed from their first innings struggles, a lead of 427.

Derbyshire battling valiantly, 170/2 in response to Northants' 422.

Middlesex up to 303/6 v Glamorgan, Stoneman with a ton. A lead of 120.

Gloucestershire called off the punishment at 706/6 declared against Leicestershire. And Leicestershire are 133/5, sliding to an innings defeat.

Yorkshire were finished off for 195. Sussex battled to 194/7 at stumps, a lead of 149, with Alsop 77* and leading the resistance. Could be a very interesting chase if Sussex squeeze another 50 runs.

Sussex complete a thrilling win over Yorkshire. They set Yorkshire 183 to win. The bowling continually chipped away, and Lamb trapped Root LBW for 10 to leave Yorkshire 45/4. But Lyth was still there. And he worked with Wharton, Tattersall and Revis to drag his side to 158/6.

But then Robinson produced an absolutely perfect bouncer to remove Lyth for 73, and that sparked a collapse, with Robinson removing two more in the next over, followed by a run out to complete a sensational win. Robinson finishing with 4/42 in a match winning spell, but all of Sussex's bowlers chipped in.

Superb game. A very important win for Sussex that keeps their advantage at the top of the table. Yorkshire's promotion hopes take a knock that they wouldn't have been expected after bowling Sussex out for 150 in the first innings.

Some excellent conclusions for tomorrow's play.

Essex might be completing one of the great comebacks. They finished off Warwickshire for 94, with spin taking seven wickets, leaving Essex needing 330 to win. At 12/2 it seemed all over, and when Elgar departed for 60 at 112/4 it also seemed all over, but an unbroken 112 stand between Cox and Critchley has taken them to 224/4 at stumps. 106 more to win. Crucial game in the title race.

Lancashire eventually set Durham 475 to win. Stokes took five. Potts might be injured, he didn't bowl today. Durham made a bright start to their chase, 83/0, but it soon hit a roadblock with the score at stumps being 134/3.

Notts and Hampshire, another one brilliantly balanced. Notts were bowled out for 209, only getting that far due to fifties from Clarke and Haynes, setting Hampshire 169 to win. Early on, Notts dominated with the ball to leave the opposition 44/5, Pennington and Paterson with two each, but Middleton and Fuller gave Hampshire plenty of hope. 84/5 at stumps. Halfway there for both teams.

Somerset showed why I generally don't like enforcing the follow on. They bowled Kent out for 178, enforced the follow on, and watched as Kent counter attacked for 409/5 in 86 overs. Crawley snapping back into form with a sudden 238 off 267! But a late flurry of wickets means Somerset are still likely to triumph.

Surrey completed a mammoth win by 281 runs. Worrall with 10/57 in the game. Difficult to see Surrey getting stopped this year.

Northants leading by 255, just two down, in the third innings against Derbyshire. Might be a speculative declaration tomorrow.

Glamorgan were 235/3, a small lead and threatening a grand comeback, thanks to centuries from Labuschagne and Ingram, before four late wickets put Middlesex in front again. 134 the lead, seven down. Could be an interesting chase.

Leicestershire only lost five wickets all day, as their lower order showed incredible resistance. They are following on, trailing by a lot, and will need to bat the day tomorrow to keep their unbeaten record alive.

Duty281 wrote:Some excellent conclusions for tomorrow's play.

Essex might be completing one of the great comebacks. They finished off Warwickshire for 94, with spin taking seven wickets, leaving Essex needing 330 to win. At 12/2 it seemed all over, and when Elgar departed for 60 at 112/4 it also seemed all over, but an unbroken 112 stand between Cox and Critchley has taken them to 224/4 at stumps. 106 more to win. Crucial game in the title race.

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Somerset showed why I generally don't like enforcing the follow on. They bowled Kent out for 178, enforced the follow on, and watched as Kent counter attacked for 409/5 in 86 overs. Crawley snapping back into form with a sudden 238 off 267! But a late flurry of wickets means Somerset are still likely to triumph.

...

Ha! Contrast and compare.

Somerset look as if they'll still win although admittedly it's going to take a lot longer than anticipated. On the other hand though, Essex have just beaten Warks who declined to enforce the follow on and got skittled second dig for 94!

Well at lunch suddenly Durham/Lancs is looking a tad bit more interesting - no Mahmood who is off the field for Lancs and Bedingham/Robinson have batted the entire session, with the English keeper going to an unbeaten hundred off Lyon.

284-3 - 191 runs needed, so still a long way to go, but with Stokes still in the hutch and Lancs a bowler down...they have a sniff

Essex do indeed win. Some turnaround from a 200+ first innings deficit, chasing down 331 with four wickets remaining to get back within 22 points of Surrey. Cox with a century and Critchley, cruelly, stranded on 99* in his 100th FC game!

Hampshire also completed a win, over Nottinghamshire. Middleton and Fuller took their side from 44/5 to 171/5 and victory. The only two out of single digits in the innings. An incredible partnership. Lifts Hampshire out of the relegation zone.

Bedingham and Robinson have batted through the morning unscathed for Durham. They were 97/3 when the two came together yesterday; they're now 284/3. 191 more needed to complete an even more astonishing win than Essex, and drive Lancashire further into oblivion. Mahmood was off the field earlier, an injury concern, but I think he is back on the field. Not sure how much of a role he can play.

Middlesex need 213 to beat Glamorgan, after some great resistance from the Welsh county. Gloucestershire need 7 more wickets to defeat Leicestershire. Northants 9 more wickets to defeat Derbyshire. And Somerset should get over the line, but they need a couple more Kent wickets before they can begin the chase.

Durham 362/5 with the second new ball coming out. Still 113 to get. Robinson on 139*, but they have lost Bedingham and Stokes since lunch.

Brilliant bowling from Balderson. A wonderfully tight line and away movement getting him two wickets in three balls. 380/7, Robinson still there, but Lancashire have moved back ahead.

380/6 now. A fantastic match.

Durham bat deep. Coughlin and Raine are genuinely decent bats. Both strong number 8s. Whilst Potts and Parkinson are no mugs.

But Coughlin goes as I'm typing. Lancs heavy favourites again. Robinson is going to need to do something very special on top of an already fantastic knock.

Balderson doing it all after pulling off an exceptional caught and bowled.

And fittingly Balderson takes the last wicket as well. A superb spell of bowling with the second new ball. Lancashire win by 60 runs, their first win of the season. Bedingham 103 and Robinson stranded on 171*, but not enough support from elsewhere to pull off a chase of this magnitude. 313/3 to 414ao.

Still a fantastic match there and a terrific knock from Robinson!

Yes, and quite a few fantastic games.

Derbyshire survived against Northants, needing to bat out the last 11 balls with nine wickets down. One edge flew through the slip cordon in those final 11 balls, but no one went for it.

Middlesex scraped home in their chase, 213/8, a 52 stand between Davies and Helm carrying them to victory, after Stoneman's earlier work, on a pitch with sharp turn and low bounce. Tough for Glamorgan, and Crane who got five wickets in vain.

Leicestershire somehow preserved their unbeaten record. They only lost 12 wickets in the final two days against Gloucestershire. Six games, six draws.

Somerset cruised their chase, after a big effort to finally bowl out Kent.

Surrey lead Division One with 114 points. Somerset and Essex, 96 and 92, the only realistic challengers with eight games left. Just 15 points separating 4th place Nottingham and last place Lancashire, so relegation is very open.

Division Two a bit narrower. Sussex lead with 96 points, Middlesex in 2nd on 89. Leicestershire in 3rd with 79, plus Gloucestershire, Northampton and Glamorgan all in the promotion race. Then come Yorkshire, 26 points off promotion, and really needing to string something together. Derbyshire perhaps the only ones that can be counted out.

Just one more round of county fixtures, then a break, two game weeks in June, then nothing until the end of August.

Well an interesting day in the title race.

Second-placed Somerset were knocked over for 171. Test veterans Siddle and Stokes doing the damage; 3/27 and 4/54 respectively. Only a 50 from number nine Pretorious giving Somerset something to work with. And their bowlers did respond, limiting Durham to 177/6. It was that man Bedingham again. He struck an unbeaten century in 109 balls, phenomenal in the circumstances. His fifth century in 10 innings, far and away the leading run scorer in Division One, and a season average of nearly 100 at a SR of 74. The only support for Bedingham was from England hopeful Robinson who made 46 - no one else out of single figures, including Stokes who made a duck.

And unbeaten leaders Surrey were humbled by Hampshire. Surrey were bowled out for 127, Abbott with 5/25, and Hampshire gritted their way to 102/1 from 47 overs at stumps. Long way back for Surrey to preserve that unbeaten record.

Those games are shaping up nicely for third-placed Essex, who dominated their day, with 287/4 versus Kent. But not going to be many batting bonus points with that run rate.

And Warwickshire made a brave decision to bat first after a lengthy rain delay, but at 89/3 perhaps it wasn't the best call. All three wickets for Lancashire from Bailey.

No play between Worcestershire and Nottingham due to rain.

Derbyshire, the only team off the promotion pace in Division Two, injected themselves into life with some ferocious bazballing - 434/5 in 96 overs against Gloucestershire. Lamb leading the way with a career best 186*.

Leicestershire, who have drawn every game thus far, fought back late against Glamorgan. Glamorgan were 246/3, with half centuries for Byrom, Carlson and Northeast, but Currie led a counter attack as Leicestershire took 5/106 to leave Glamorgan 352/8 at stumps.

Sussex played Middlesex, first versus second, and Sussex took the opening day by reaching 295/4, with an unbroken fifth wicket stand of 131 between Pujara and Simpson putting them in control.

And Yorkshire, still hunting a maiden win, and minus Root and Brook, scored 312/7 against Northants. Lyth with a century and Masood with 60, but a bit of a late wobble took them from 202/1 to 312/7 and plenty of encouragement for Northants.

Weather not looking the best for Sunday and Monday, so might be a few draws.

guildfordbat wrote:Many thanks, Duty. A good and informative intro to the 2024 Championship season.

I had missed the news in the winter that hybrid pitches are to be allowed for a trial basis. I'll be interested to see how much they are used and what effect they have. First thoughts are it seems a bit too unnatural and will overly aid the batters in their second dig through preventing (or far lessening) break up of the wicket. There again, pitch preparation has long been a mystery to me.

I was aware of the change back to eight points for a draw. That may hinder Surrey. As Championship winners for the last two seasons and favourites going into this one, I suspect several opponents will be content to play for and emerge with the increased points for a draw rather than taking the risk of going for the win.

As usual in recent years, calls by England for players to play Tests (always pleasing) and rest (often infuriating) will potentially impact each county's strength throughout the season. Surrey stand to lose a lot of runs there with Pope, Lawrence, Foakes and even Smith being in consideration for this summer's Tests. Hants shouldn't have that issue and so their experienced squad may do better than Duty's suggested mid-table finish.

Hants have too often looked like an ageing team this season but yesterday they used their experience to devastating effect. Just disappointed it was against Surrey!

Beddingham with a 4th century in a row, 5 for the season. 10 innings with a low score of 33*. An absolute gun.

3 more wickets for Stokes too. Very promising indeed.

Bit of a humiliation for Somerset. They had to watch this morning as Durham's 10 and 11, Raine and Siddle, put on a last wicket stand of 66 from 68 balls, giving Durham a significant lead of 94. Somerset were then skittled for 88, with Stokes ending with match figures of 8/77.

Welcome news for Surrey, who are looking likely to pick up just one point in their game v Hampshire.

Surrey heading for a mammoth defeat. Hampshire scored nearly 400 on the second day, taking their total to 495/4, a lead of 368. Centuries for Albert and Gubbins, with Brown overnight on 99*.

That, and Somerset's defeat, is great for Essex, who finished up 591/7 declared, led by a double ton for Cox. Kent are 118/4 at stumps, so a great chance for Essex to close the gap on the leaders.

Warwickshire struggled to 284ao, in 111 overs, with Davies carrying his bat for 127* to give his side a chance. Lancashire are 66/3 at stumps, so Warwickshire certainly still in it.

Worcestershire's game got underway today, and they'll have wished the rain remained. They were put in by Notts, and Notts bowled them out for just 80. Notts then piled on the agony by amassing 234/3, a century for Hameed and 73* for Clarke.

Derbyshire ended with 526ao, Lamb with a double ton, but their efforts for a maiden win were frustrated by only taking four wickets, as Gloucestershire scored 243/4. Bracey closing on a ton.

Leicestershire looking good to preserve their unbeaten record. 280/5 in reply to Glamorgan's 387ao, Handscomb with a ton and Hill with 92.

Sussex finishing up with 554/9 declared in their top of the table battle, but Middlesex with a solid start at 62/1.

Yorkshire added 50 to their overnight score, 362ao, and Northants responded with an aggressive 301ao in 82 overs, with an unbeaten century for Proctor. A last wicket stand of 58 was important in reducing the lead. Yorkshire sent up their number ten as a night watchman with one over to see out...he lasted three balls!

Rare to see Surrey struggle with the bat in both innings. Although it's felt like a matter of time for Hampshire's bowling lineup to start performing.

Was indeed a shocker for Surrey. Losing by an innings and 278 runs, spin picking up nine of the last ten wickets.

Essex can close the gap at the top to two points, if they beat Kent. Essex have got a lead of 197 and will surely enforce the follow on tomorrow, but they would have been frustrated at needing 143.1 overs to bowl out Kent first time around. Possibility of rain tomorrow makes the task harder.

Warwickshire have a lead of 231, and they're three wickets down in the third innings. They bowled Lancashire out for a paltry 149. Going to be tough to force a win with forecast rain.

No play at all possible at Worcester, the second time a full day has been rained off. Weather looks mostly dry for tomorrow, so Notts can declare straight away and try to bowl Worcester out for a sub 200 score and try to win the game...or they could take the safer option, thrash the ball for 38 overs and try to pick up a few extra batting bonus points, but vastly decrease their chances of victory.

Derbyshire and Gloucester is heading for a draw.

Glamorgan lead Leicestershire by 58, one wicket down in the third innings, so another likely draw, unless Leicestershire pull off some bowling heroics tomorrow.

Sussex and Middlesex is also heading for a draw. Middlesex, resuming at 62/1, finished today with 403/6, due to centuries from Robson and Higgins. Robinson and Seales a combined 2/147.

Yorkshire and Northants is intriguingly placed. Yorkshire struggled up to 156/5, with Masood's 82* doing most of the work, which is a lead of 217. Weather for tomorrow looks a bit rubbish if you believe the Met Office, but almost entirely dry if you favour the BBC. Can Yorkshire force a win, which they really need (24 points off promotion and no wins yet), with quick runs and an ambitious declaration; or can Northants take the final five quickly and set up a 250ish chase?

Kent folded very easily, so Essex picked up their fourth win. Just two points off Surrey at the top at halfway.

Warwickshire made a very generous declaration against Lancashire, but further rain scuppered a positive result.

No further play at Worcester. Three days of rain saved them from a thrashing.

Derbyshire and Gloucester was a draw. Leicestershire kept their 100% drawing record alive. Sussex/Middlesex another draw.

And so was Yorkshire and Northants, but that was exciting. Yorkshire declared with Northants needing 326 to win in 71 overs, but further rain reduced it to 57 overs. A determined century from Vasconcelos brought victory into view, before a collapse required the opener to dig in for a draw, which was achieved with two wickets remaining. Leaves Yorkshire without a win after seven.

Duty281 wrote:Kent folded very easily, so Essex picked up their fourth win. Just two points off Surrey at the top at halfway.

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No further play at Worcester. Three days of rain saved them from a thrashing.

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Fine win for Essex, especially as Sam Cook became crocked early in the game and was only able to bowl 6 overs in Kent's first dig.

Tough on Notts to only get 11 points at Worcester whilst the hosts were bl**dy lucky to get 9.

Last round of games before a LONG hiatus.

Surrey with a comfortable enough victory over Kent in the end, but got pushed to the last session.

Having suggested Somerset were just batting out the draw, they are now only 110 runs away from a win of 5 wickets away from a defeat against Warwickshire, in a game they've been behind throughout.

Lancashire v Notts draw as Notts see out the final day.

Hampshire pushing for a win, needing another 138 runs in about 24 overs, and having just lost their first wicket.

Only D2 game to reach the 4th day is heading towards a remarkable finish - Gloucestershire v Glamorgan after mediocre first innings have found runs much easier to come by in the second knock - Glouc declaring on 610-5 (remarkably, that included 2 ducks and a single figure score), and Glamorgan are 84 runs from chasing a target of 593 with 4 (now 3) wickets remaining.

dummy_half wrote:Last round of games before a LONG hiatus.

Surrey with a comfortable enough victory over Kent in the end, but got pushed to the last session.

Having suggested Somerset were just batting out the draw, they are now only 110 runs away from a win of 5 wickets away from a defeat against Warwickshire, in a game they've been behind throughout.

Lancashire v Notts draw as Notts see out the final day.

Hampshire pushing for a win, needing another 138 runs in about 24 overs, and having just lost their first wicket.

Only D2 game to reach the 4th day is heading towards a remarkable finish - Gloucestershire v Glamorgan after mediocre first innings have found runs much easier to come by in the second knock - Glouc declaring on 610-5 (remarkably, that included 2 ducks and a single figure score), and Glamorgan are 84 runs from chasing a target of 593 with 4 (now 3) wickets remaining.

They did have Warks 40-4 on Day 1, so were basically on top for in the game for two sessions - the first and the last! Brilliant knock from Abell, taking 20 off 4 balls to end it and reach his 150, but an underrated run a ball 50 from Rew when it looked liked they were behind the rate.

What a finish in Glamorgan vs Gloucs.

Glamorgan needing 6 runs and Gloucs 1 wicket on the final ball of the penultimate over. McIlroy tickles one down the leg side, just past Bracey's gloves and gets 4 runs.

2 runs needed from the final over. 1 wicket for Gloucs. 1 run would be a tie.

Singh Dale bowling.

Dot first ball.

Wow. Second ball, Mason Crane turns down the single that would have tied it at least. Hmm. Not sure about that! McIlroy has 5 from 6 balls.

Dot on the third.

Dot on the fourth. Odd shot too. Tries to flay a fairly straight through the offside.

Single taken on the fifth. Scores level. All four results in play for the final ball. Does Bracey consider coming up to the stumps to prevent running a bye? Wicket will be a tie anyway from a Glamorgan perspective now. McIlroy can swing away.

Wicket off the last!! Bracey is standing back but he has his right glove off to throw down the stumps. McIlroy swings, gets an edge, Bracey takes a brilliant diving grab with his gloveless hand. Tied game. The highest ever first-class chase stops one run short. What a remarkable game of cricket!

That's possibly the greatest game ever played. An absolutely stunning catch to tie the game. 592 in a fourth innings. Wow.

Also had Somerset's 400 chase. Astonishing.

It's the third highest 4th innings total of all time. I can't imagine this as now the highest score to tie a match will ever be beaten, but a run chase of over 600 will probably happen eventually

Duty281 wrote:That's possibly the greatest game ever played. An absolutely stunning catch to tie the game. 592 in a fourth innings. Wow.

Also had Somerset's 400 chase. Astonishing.

The scenario at the end must stretch the bounds of possibility very close to breaking - two balls from the end of the day, all 4 results were still possible, with Glamorgan needing 2 runs to record by FAR the highest winning run chase in CC history and the highest of any in first class cricket worldwide, Gloucester needing one wicket to win, and it ends with a single and a wicket to be a tied game.

Wikipedia lists 67 tied first class matches, and a quick scan through the list suggests that the highest previous 4th innings in the CC in a tied game was Sussex scoring 436 v Kent in 1991. I suspect this is a record that will stand a very long time

The 2024 County Championship begins its final run of games tomorrow.

Surrey have a 23 point advantage at the top of Division One, with Somerset the nearest pursuers. Essex and Hampshire not out of the title race either. Kent look relegated already, but the final relegation spot is very tight. Just 11 points separate 5th placed Durham and 9th placed Worcestershire.

Sussex also have a 23 point advantage at the top of their division. Perhaps as many as six teams going for the second promotion spot, with Middlesex currently holding a very narrow four point lead over Yorkshire.

Durham launched themselves away from the relegation places, after a powerful 393/5 on the opening day v Notts, after being put into bat. A speedy century for McKinney, just after his Lions appearance, backed up by a more watchful century from fellow opener Lees. Not a good day for Olly Stone - figures of 0/87 from 15, his team's most expensive bowler.

Surrey, with a good lead at the top, further enhanced their title hopes. They bowled Lancashire out for 204, the last six wickets being taken for 49 runs, and Burns and Sibley were undefeated until stumps, leaving Surrey 83/0 in reply. Clark will be on a hattrick in the second innings. The game was most notable for Rocky Flintoff's debut.

Two of Surrey's title rivals, Hampshire and Essex, had their game rained off completely on the first day, further boosting Surrey.

Somerset, the team in 2nd, had an average day. Their opponents Warwickshire recovered from 165/6 to finish the first day 277/6, the source of Somerset's frustration being half centuries from Bethell and Burgess.

At the bottom of the table, Kent needed a win over 9th placed Worcestershire to have any realistic hope of staying up, but the day was a complete car crash for Kent. They were bowled out for 171, having been 73/0, with Joe Leach taking 6/52, and then Worcestershire reached 137/2 at stumps. Survival for Kent looking ever more remote.

The most interesting clash in Division Two was Sussex v Yorkshire. Sussex will lose their comfortable advantage at the top if they are defeated here, and they struggled on the opening day, reaching 187/9 from 72 overs. And they only got that far because of Alsop's battling 84* and Hughes' 53. No one else got above 16. Ollie Robinson and Bairstow both playing in this one.

Second placed Middlesex had a better day, reducing Northants to 113/7, before a late rally from McManus and Sanderson got their team to 167/7 at stumps.

Leicestershire's promotion hopes aren't quite over, and they had a good start v Gloucestershire, reaching 291/7. A century for Holland and a punchy 60 from Rehan Ahmed.

Derbyshire also have a chance of getting their first win of the season. They bowled Glamorgan out for 168, although that was a decent comeback from being 32/6, with Chappell taking 6/47. Derbyshire finished up 119/2 and well in control.

Durham finishing with 531/7 declared, Turner becoming the third centurion of the innings. Wagner then led Durham's bowling, with four wickets, to limit Notts to 220/8 at stumps. Debutant McCann and James with fifties.

Surrey increased their grip on the title by scoring 444/9 declared, led by Burns' double ton and Foakes' 82.

Somerset fell further behind in the title race after a poor day. They eventually bowled Warwickshire out for 337, but in response Somerset were dispatched for just 239. Barnard with 5/54. Warwickshire got to 27/1 at stumps, a lead of 125.

Essex/Hampshire began on day two, and Essex have established complete control by making 404/8, thanks to centuries from Elgar and England hopeful Cox. They really need to defeat Hampshire in this one if they want to chase down Surrey and that's going to be a tough ask with only two days left.

At the other end of the table, Worcestershire finished with 447, a lead of 276. Remarkably, no centuries in that 447. Kent, battling desperately, reached 104/2 at stumps, with Muyeye following up a first innings fifty with a counter attacking 80*. But still so much to do.

In Division Two, Sussex are trying to hang on to Yorkshire. Sussex were bowled out for 189, and Yorkshire established a firm lead with 326ao, with fifties from Luxton and Bairstow. Carson took 5/83, while Robinson had a tidy 2/57, though didn't make any strikes with the new ball. Sussex are 26/0 in the third innings, trailing by 111.

Middlesex faltered a little on day two. They conceded 40 more runs, bowling Northants out for 207, but Middlesex missed an opportunity to establish dominance when a late rally from Northants took Middlesex from 201/4 to 250/7 at stumps. Sanderson 5/58.

Leicestershire, resuming on 291/7, managed to score 402, with number ten Scriven making 60. However, Gloucestershire are 227/3 at stumps, so any optimism has been punctured for now for Leicestershire. England hopeful Hull had another expensive day with 13-0-63-1.  He must have the worst control of any frontline county bowler?

And Derbyshire might get a first win of the season. They were bowled out for 429, a lead of 261 over Glamorgan. It was another 400+ score with no centuries!

Rain dominating today.

Durham got eight wickets closer to victory. They made Notts follow on, and Notts still trail by 90 with four wickets separating them from defeat. Weather looks terrible from tomorrow afternoon onwards, so Durham might only have the morning to finish the job.

Barely any play for Surrey, just 11 overs in which Wells was bowled. Lancashire nine wickets left, trail by 214, with a dry forecast for Sunday.

Warwickshire increased their lead to 277, five down, thanks to Davies' century.

Hampshire batted like it was 1924, taking 28 overs to score 40/1 in their first innings. They should avoid defeat tomorrow, but they won't get too many batting bonus points!

Kent showed tremendous fight, reaching 353/8, a lead of 77. It was all thanks to Muyeye, who made a career best 211 from 279 balls, but fell to the final ball of the day. Rain looks unlikely to save them, so they'll need some heroics from the tail. Great from Muyeye, though, and it would be superb to see him produce these games more consistently.

Yorkshire bowled Sussex out for just 239, with Coad taking 5/69. That has left Yorkshire just 103 to win and a very minor wobble has placed them 28/2 at stumps. Might want to get the runs quickly tomorrow, with afternoon rain forecast in Scarbados.

No play for Middlesex.

Gloucestershire moved from 227/3 to 544/4 declared, in just a total of 123 overs, with double tons for Charlesworth and Bracey (remember him!). Hull conceded a further 70 runs from ten more overs today. Leicestershire were unscathed until stumps, 41/0, but still trailing by 101 going into day four.

And Glamorgan are 236/7, still trailing by 25, so Derbyshire nearly have that first win.

Durham closed out an innings win over Notts, with Hogg taking 7/66. It gives Durham a big boost in staying away from the drop, they're now 23 points clear, but Notts are just one point off relegation...with Surrey to come next!

Surrey managed to win today, by an innings and 63 runs. An easy assignment for them. Seven wins out of ten. Puts them 35 clear of second place, with none of their title rivals winning. Losers Lancashire are now in the drop zone.

Warwickshire and Somerset ended up as a draw. Somerset were set a speculative 369, but they were pretty untroubled by Warwickshire, closing out on 206/4.

Hampshire picked up the pace to collect some batting bonus points, ending up with 424/8 declared. Centuries for Prest and Albert. A bizarre finish as Essex took three wickets in the final four balls of the game.

Kent had no more fight left, and Worcestershire easily chased down the target of 102 with eight wickets left. Means Kent are 35 points adrift of safety and in need of a miracle, while Worcestershire have given themselves an 11 point buffer.

Yorkshire completed their win over Sussex. A bit of a late wobble, finishing 103/6, but home nonetheless.

More remarkably, Middlesex forced a win on the last day. They bowled Northants out in 60 overs, with Roland-Jones taking 6/58, and Middlesex then chased the 111 down inside 17 overs, thanks to Robson's 64*. That leaves Middlesex in 2nd on 147 points, with Yorkshire on 144 and Sussex on 153. A very close race for promotion...and Middlesex play Yorkshire next.

Leicestershire secured a bore draw v Gloucestershire, ending with 304/5. Just 19 wickets fell across the four days.

And Derbyshire completed their first win of the season, by ten wickets, taking them off the foot of the table.

Gloucestershire v Northants has been abandoned on day one. Gloucestershire were bowled out for 125, Northants were 116/2 in reply, but after a delivery sharply rose and struck Keogh on the glove, the umpires took the players off and it was subsequently abandoned due to an unfit pitch.

Guessing there were quite a few dangerous balls before the one that hit Keogh, but you wouldn't have thought it was horrific if Northants were 116/2 (and one batsman did retire hurt).

Worcestershire started horrendously, at 10/4 and 46/5, but fifties from D'Oliveira and Taylor, plus an unlikely 42 from Virdi, lifted them to a halfway decent 266ao v Essex. Porter 5/52. Essex's response started strong, but they did lose Elgar off the final ball of the day to finish 50/1.

Lancashire fought back late v Hampshire. Hampshire were 249/3, Gubbins with an early 75 and Middleton with a ton, but Lancashire responded to take six wickets for 68 runs, with the score at stumps being 330/9.

Surrey continue to cruise to the title. They're 339/5 at stumps v Notts, but they were 308/2. It was 16 year old Farhan Ahmed, in his first County Championship game, leading Notts' fight, with 4/69, including getting Foakes first ball! Burns got a big ton, and was supported with fifties from Jacks and Patel.

Somerset scored runs at a very quick rate, notching up 395/6 on the opening day v Durham. Abell with 124 and Banton 73. Rew is currently pushing the innings along with 89*.

Kent sink further into the abyss. They were bowled out for 156, having been 101/3, and then opponents Warwickshire breezed to 207/3. Rhodes 82*.

Glamorgan have the advantage over Leicestershire. Leicestershire were bowled out for 251, no fifties but many starts, and Glamorgan are 109/2.

Sussex responded to their loss v Yorkshire by smashing 391/4 v Derbyshire. Hughes with a ton.

In the main game of Division Two, Yorkshire have started strong v Middlesex, reaching 372/5. Bairstow reaching a furious 107* in just 130 balls!

Very typical of Bairstow. His Test record was inconsistent but his CC record has always been brilliant. He averages just over 50 in F-C cricket when you take the Test numbers out. Which is slightly better than Root's F-C record outside of Tests! Obviously that doesn't mean he's better than Root. Pope's F-C average is also outstanding for instance. It has been the conundrum for England throughout Bairstow's fallow periods though. He'll get dropped and usually looks better than the other options when he plays for Yorks. Then they get faced with the dilemma of recalling someone who's got clear weaknesses at the top level or sticking with replacements who often looked likely to do worse. With Root, Brook, Stokes and Smith looking so good it's unlikely to be a debate that needs having again. Particularly when Jordan Cox is also suited to a lower middle order spots. It's just amusing that even this post leg break version of YJB who has been dropped from the white ball and Test side is still doing that same thing as soon as he plays in the CC!

Essex taking full control, being bowled out for 404, a lead of 138 over Worcestershire. Pepper's unbeaten century the main effort.

Hampshire managed to take their 330/9 up to a final score of 389, which is highly impressive when you consider the number eleven was Abbas! He held up an end while Dawson got to 104* at the other. Dawson then followed this with 4/46 in Lancashire's innings, including removing Flintoff for a duck. Lancashire are 193/8 at stumps, Jennings the only fifty maker.

Surrey finished up with 525, but the innings was perhaps most notable for Farhan Ahmed's final figures of 50.4-6-140-7, in what is his first CC appearance. Maybe Rehan was just the warm up act for Farhan? Notts resisted well, at 140/1, though lost two late wickets to Jacks to finish 144/3.

Somerset were finally bowled out for 492, Rew making a century. Durham regularly lost wickets in response, slumping to 170/6, but an unbeaten century stand from Carse and Raine lifted them to 272/6 at stumps, with a chance of still getting a draw. Leach was the main wicket taker with three, and Michael Vaughan's son Archie claimed his first FC wicket.

Warwickshire were dismissed for 420, with Rhodes making a double ton, which was a lead of 264 over Kent. Kent haven't folded easily in the second innings, however, getting to 157/3.

Glamorgan took firm control over Leicestershire, converting their overnight position of 109/2 to a score of 431/7, a lead of 180. They were led by Ingram's 206*.

Sussex piled on further agony to Derbyshire, eventually declaring on 607/8! The innings only had two century makers, with Carson falling agonisingly short on 97. Madsen leads the resistance for Derbyshire with 79*, but their overnight score is 178/6. No wickets for Ollie Robinson.

Yorkshire also reached 600, finishing with 601/6 declared. Bairstow's 160 was narrowly overtaken by Hill's 169*. However, the track is probably a road, because Middlesex have sauntered to 141/1 at stumps, with spin accounting for 42 of the 50 overs bowled.

Worcestershire have made it somewhat interesting going into the final day v Essex. They've scored 303/8, nearly everyone chipping in with something, and that's got them a lead of 165. Another 40+ tomorrow and it's a potential banana skin chase for Essex.

Hampshire took the final 12 Lancashire wickets today to wrap up an innings win. Dawson with five wicket hauls in both innings, backing up his century. How he hasn't played a test since 2017 is a joke! Lancashire in desperate trouble as they slip into the relegation zone.

19 year old Freddie McCann hit 154 v Surrey, as Notts scored 405. Jacks with 7/129. That's made a Surrey win very unlikely, and Farhan Ahmed took the wicket of Sibley before stumps, and they'll try to spark a dramatic collapse tomorrow. Surrey lead by 133.

Durham were bowled out for 336, Leach got five and Carse got a century. Somerset then engaged one-day mode to strike 263/5 in 52 overs, setting Durham 420 to win. Any hopes of Durham resistance seem to be dashed as they lost three wickets before stumps for only 15 runs. Spin is dominating these games this week, with all 13 overs of Durham's second innings being spin.

Kent's overnight score of 157/3 finished with 243ao, Hannon-Dalby with 6/43, and that's an innings win for Warwickshire. Kent can start thinking about the second division.

Glamorgan finished with 550/9 declared, Ingram ending up with 257* in a ten hour innings. That left Leicestershire trailing by 299. They were 74/3, but an unbroken stand between Rahane and Handscomb of 70 has given them an outside chance of squeezing a draw from the game.

Sussex eventually bowled Derbyshire out for 290 and then enforced the follow-on. But, as is so often the way, it wasn't as simple for Sussex with the ball the second time around, and Derbyshire are 141/2 at stumps, still trailing by 176.

Middlesex's 141/1 turned into 441/5 at stumps, with centuries for Higgins and Robson. It's going to be a bore draw. Bess has bowled 64 overs and Moriarty 52!

Essex five down for 79, 105 more needed against Worcestershire. Big finish in store

Is Farhan Ahmed going to be a rare case where, "the younger brother is actually even more talented", isn't complete guff...?

Worcestershire got the surprise win. No one took ownership of the chase for Essex and they fell 44 runs short of the target.

I think that's three wins in a row for Worcestershire. They might stay up!

Surrey/Notts finished up as a draw.

Jack Leach took 7/50 as Somerset bowled Durham out for 126, to win by 293 runs, after being delayed by early rain. That sets up the title race between Surrey and Somerset. Surrey have a 24 point advantage with three games to play. The next game is Surrey v Somerset, and Somerset must win it to have a realistic chance. A draw wouldn't do. Somerset are still in line in both limited overs competitions as well - maybe they'll win a shock treble?

Leicestershire batted through another 70 overs to secure a draw, with rain covering the rest.

Sussex were able to force a last day win by taking the final eight wickets in just 25 overs, after Derbyshire had previously resisted for 84 overs for the loss of just two. Carson took 11/157 in the game, but Robinson bowled 34 wicketless overs in the match.

Sussex's win means that, with Yorkshire/Middlesex drawing, they've opened up a healthy 19 point lead over second. Middlesex and Yorkshire are separated by just a point in the battle for promotion.

Today, Leicestershire became the first county (I think) to charge a price for watching their County Championship stream.

Also today, Leicestershire slumped to 11/6 v Yorkshire on the first morning.

11/6 !!! Sounds like one of those Samoan u13 games... what on earth are they playing on ?

Well, they did recover from 15/7 to make 98ao.

But it might be over already, a good boost to Yorkshire's promotion prospects.

alfie wrote:11/6  !!!   Sounds like one of those Samoan u13 games...  what on earth are they playing on ?

Judging by the pictures on the BBC live text, possibly the outfield.

A significant turn in the title race, as Somerset collapsed from a fairly strong 305/5 to 317ao. Worrall and the newly drafted Shakib doing the business for Surrey, overshadowing Banton's century. Surrey will still need a good day with the bat tomorrow.

At the other end of the table, Kent need to win pretty much every game from here, with a 45 point deficit from safety. They managed to limit Hampshire to 213/7 on the first day. Vince making 88.

Lancashire are also in the relegation spots at the moment. They had a sluggish Monday with the bat, crawling to 177/6 v Durham in 78 overs. Hurst the only half centurion.

Notts, just above Lancashire, were frustrated by a Westley century, which took Essex from 86/4 to 262/5 at stumps. He was supported by Walter's 72.

The mid-table clash of the Ws saw Worcestershire scramble to 294/8, having been 116/5, versus Warwickshire.

In Division Two, all three promotion hopefuls had strong first days. Sussex bowled Glamorgan out for 186, Unadkat again impressing with 4/52, and then Sussex marched to 121/1 at stumps.

Yorkshire, as mentioned, bowled Leicestershire out for 98. Coad with 5/15. Yorkshire did wobble in their innings at 56/4, but captain Tattersall dug in for 90 and his side are 263/8 at stumps. Could be over tomorrow!

And Middlesex scored 377ao v Gloucestershire, Jack Davies top scoring with 91. Those batting points might give Middlesex a slight edge over Yorkshire, should they complete a win here.

In the basement battle, Northants were dismissed for 219. Derbyshire used seven different bowlers, and all seven took a wicket! In reply, Derbyshire fought their way to 65/1 from 29 overs.

Surrey had a solid day with the bat. 169/3 in 70 overs. All three wickets for Vaughan. Somerset need to cause a collapse tomorrow.

Kent and Lancashire sunk further down. Hampshire took their overnight 213/7 to a very strong 403, with a century from Prest, and then Kent got heavily damaged, slumping to 64/5 and they're in need of a minor miracle.

Lancashire managed to add 51 runs, a total of 228, and they were well in the game when they reduced Durham to 99/4, before powerful centuries from Bedingham and Ackermann took the game away from them. Durham 367/4 at stumps.

Essex added nearly 200 runs, making 457ao, with Farhan Ahmed taking three more wickets. Notts moved to 37/1 at stumps.

Worcestershire and Warwickshire still well balanced. Worcestershire bowled out for 307 and Warwickshire are 112/4.

In Division Two, Sussex batted through the day, advancing to 407/5, a lead of 221. An unbeaten century from Simpson.

Yorkshire scrambled plenty of extra batting points, going from 263/8 to 379ao, with Fisher adding an unlikely 88. Yorkshire are eight wickets away from the win, with Leicestershire 35/2 at stumps.

Middlesex limited Gloucestershire to 154/5 and they still trail by 223.

Derbyshire were bowled out for 165 after being 65/1. Chahal took 5/45 on a spinning surface, and some of his dismissals are well worth watching. Northants then battled to 178/5, a lead of 232, and it's likely beyond Derbyshire already.

Amazing scenes between Surrey and Somerset, as Somerset pinch a win with about four minutes left. There were nearly 20k watching the YouTube stream. Surrey were nudged into a narrow first innings lead by Curran's heroics down the order, but when faced with a 221 target, they did not show the mentality of champions. They aimed to block it out for a draw, reaching 109 in 78 overs, and were rightly punished.

Amazingly, Leach and Vaughan took all 20 wickets for Somerset. Vaughan with match figures of 11/140. Leach 9/142. I think that leaves Somerset eight points behind Surrey with two games left. Somerset's time at last?

Elsewhere, Durham beat Lancashire by an innings, with Potts taking 9/68 in the second innings and Bedingham piled up 279. Notts also lost by an innings, Harmer spun them into submission, and that leaves Lancashire and Notts battling to stay out of the final relegation spot. Notts 11 points ahead.

Kent appear to have battled well to secure a draw v Hampshire, after following on, with Leaning getting a ton, but Kent are still going down.

Warwickshire also avoided defeat after following on v Worcestershire.

The promotion battle in Division Two took a very interesting turn. Middlesex had a 68 run first innings lead v Gloucestershire, and, keen to score quick runs, Middlesex advanced to 122/2 in 16.4 overs (The Hundred!). With The Hundred over, Middlesex had a shocking collapse, losing eight wickets in just under 13 overs. That left Gloucestershire 234 to win, far from easy, but they got there for the loss of six, thanks to Hammond and Bracey initially, before Gohar and Price guided them to the finish line.

That's a huge setback for Middlesex in the promotion race. Yorkshire won by an innings, so their advantage is 15 points over Middlesex with two to play. Sussex have run away with the Division title after beating Glamorgan by an innings.

Northants triumphed in the basement battle v Derbyshire, with Chahal taking nine in the match.