Durham toiled in the sun against Lancashire while wickets tumbled at Northampton and Worcestershire’s Libby and D’Oliveira made hundreds 7.54pm BST
As the rest of the country sweltered, the sun shone beatifically at Chester-le-Street; with the land left to run wild behind the nets by the head groundsman, Vic Demain, buzzing with bees, butterflies and birds. Perfect weather for batting – or so you would think.
Unfortunately for Durham, after winning the toss and batting against Lancashire, they suffered a catalogue of errors, the most painful a couple of run-outs in the afternoon session – Gareth Harte, just after he had put on 50 with Alex Lees for the fourth wicket, and Lees himself, for a patient 66. There was excellent morning bowling from Tom Bailey and Luke Wood, on his Lancashire debut, and, later, three wickets for Richard Gleeson. Having dismissed Durham for 180, Lancashire closed on 33 for 0. 5.08pm BST
What the heck is happening at The County Ground? Northants now 61-5.