The County Championship continued on Friday with a full round of matches, featuring the return of Ben Stokes for Durham against Worcestershire at New Road. Surrey traveled to Trent Bridge to face Nottinghamshire, while other key clashes included Glamorgan versus Somerset and Lancashire hosting Middlesex at Old Trafford.
Stokes Strikes Early for Durham
Ben Stokes made an immediate impact in his second over, using extra bounce to edge Dan Lategan's bat as he attempted to drive off the back foot. Worcestershire slumped to 15 for one early on, with Stokes looking sharp after his layoff. At lunch, Worcestershire were 93 for four, with Ben Raine taking two wickets and Stokes one.
Surrey vs Nottinghamshire: Early Wickets
At Trent Bridge, Surrey's Dan Worrall struck early, dismissing both Nottinghamshire openers. Ben Duckett remained unbeaten on 25 as Notts reached 56 for two. Surrey, top of Division One, looked to assert their dominance, but Notts were well placed at 105 for three at lunch.
Glamorgan vs Somerset: Lammonby and Thomas Shine
At Sophia Gardens, Tom Lammonby and Josh Thomas put on a century partnership, with Thomas scoring his second fifty of the season and Lammonby reaching his highest score of 2026 (44). Somerset reached 104 for one at lunch, but James Rew fell early for four after being promoted to open.
Other Key Updates
At Edgbaston, Warwickshire struggled at 80 for five against Yorkshire, with Jack White taking three wickets. Sam Hain top-scored with 57 before falling to Harry Brook's catch. At Hove, Sussex reached 110 for two against Leicestershire, with Rishi Patel and Jake Weatherald scoring freely. At Chelmsford, Essex reduced Hampshire to 88 for four, with Sam Cook and Shane Snater sharing wickets.
Division Two Roundup
At Old Trafford, Lancashire were 78 for three at lunch, with Keaton Jennings unbeaten on 52. Ryan Higgins took two wickets for Middlesex. At Bristol, Gloucestershire reached 96 for one against Kent, with Ben Charlesworth 42 not out. Derbyshire were 104 for no loss against Northamptonshire, with Luis Reece and Harry Came looking solid.
Bad Light Halts Play at New Road
Bad light and drizzle forced an early tea at New Road, with covers brought on. Play was suspended, but Worcestershire had recovered to 136 for four, thanks to Adam Hose's fifty and a partnership with Brett D'Oliveira.
Marcus North Likely New England Selector
In other news, former Australia and Durham batsman Marcus North is expected to be appointed as England's new men's selector, replacing Luke Wright. North beat competition from Steven Finn and Darren Gough for the role.
Division One Standings
Nottinghamshire lead Division One with 67 points, followed by Surrey (59) and Somerset (58). Warwickshire are fourth with 55, while Hampshire languish at the bottom with 26 points after four matches.
Division Two Standings
Durham top Division Two with 71 points, ahead of Northamptonshire (65) and Lancashire (60). Gloucestershire are bottom with 24 points.
