Key occasions
They’re slowly dragging the covers off at New Highway. I’m going to shortly write one thing up for tomorrow whereas keeping track of issues at The Oval, Lord’s and Chelmsford. Do hold chatting beneath the road as nicely.
Rain now at Chelmsford, and the little males scurry again into the climate home.
Northants having a torrid time towards Kemar Roach at The Oval, however are nonetheless intact, 17-0. Surrey captain Rory Burns is now shorn after reducing his ponytail off for charity.
Saudi bosses look to sugar-coat their new event with the nicest males in English cricket:
EXC: England stars Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes held talks with Saudi chiefs about being ambassadors for Kingdom’s new T20 competitors.
Extra England gamers set to be approached @MailSport https://t.co/XPBaifHL5n
— Isaan Khan (@IsaanKhan_) September 18, 2023
An early wicket, and it’s Sir Alastair – might it’s, might it’s his penultimate recreation – bowled for a 3 ball duck. Essex 6-1.
Make that three, on at Lord’s as nicely, the place Middlesex haven’t but misplaced a wicket.
No play wherever actually, besides within the massive two Division One video games, at The Oval and Chelmsford.
It’s now raining at New Highway, the leaves on the outdated horse chestnut yellowing by the hospitality tent.
Delays, delays…. at New Highway, Outdated Trafford, the County Floor and Grace Highway.
The lanterns have been lit crossing the bridge to New Highway, which wasn’t an ideal signal. Certain sufficient the covers are on and the wind screams over the bottom.
Climate watch
Autumnal:
Cloud and rain shortly spreading in from the west by means of the morning, although after a spell of rain, drier with some brilliant spells for southern elements of the UK. Windy with a threat of coastal gales. Met Workplace.
Background to Sussex’s promotion-ending penalty factors:
Division Two desk
1 Durham (12) 198
2 Worcestershire (12) 154
3 Leicestershire (12) 133
4 Glamorgan (13) 131
5 Sussex (12) 124
6 Derbyshire (12) 96
7 Gloucestershire (13) 95
8 Yorkshire (12) 81
Division One Desk (all sides have performed 12 video games)
1 Surrey 205
2 Essex 187
3 Hampshire 153
4 Warwickshire 149
5 Lancashire 146
6 Somerset 128
7 Nottinghamshire 122
8 Middlesex 95
9 Kent 93
10 Northants 63
Fixtures
DIVISION ONE
Chelmsford: Essex v Hampshire
Outdated Trafford: Lancashire v Nottinghamshire
Lord’s: Middlesex v Warwickshire
Taunton: Somerset v Kent
The Oval: Surrey v Northamptonshire
DIVISION TWO
The County Floor: Derbyshire v Sussex
Grace Highway: Leicestershire v Yorkshire
New Highway: Worcestershire v Durham
Preamble
Good morning! The bells have been peeling damply over New Highway this morning, the roof tops moist, the hills pulling on their cobweb cardigans by means of the mist. Welcome to mid-September and the penultimate spherical of this 12 months’s County Championship, with each group on the sector besides Glamorgan and Gloucestershire.
I’m at New Highway right this moment, to observe what appears prone to be the 2 golf equipment promoted to Division One subsequent season. Second-placed Worcestershire’s hopes look sunnier due to Sussex being landed with an automated 12-point deduction after selecting up 4 fixed-penalties within the season. Jack Carlson (stage two penalty breach) and Tom Haines (stage one penalty breach) have each been dropped by Sussex for right this moment’s match towards Derbyshire, whereas Cheteshwar Pujara receives an automated one-match suspension because the captain on the sector. Ari Karvelas has additionally been withdrawn, pending an investigation. A tragic finish to what has been an encouraging season at Hove, and which leaves them down in fifth place, 30 factors behind Worcestershire.
Durham want simply 5 factors at New Highway to safe the Division Two title, whereas Leicestershire, new magnificent one-day cup Champions, can hold the stress on Worcestershire if they will flip over Yorkshire at Grace Highway.
In Division One, Surrey can win the title this spherical in the event that they flip over cellar dwellers Northamptonshire and Essex lose towards Hampshire; whereas Northants destiny might be sealed if both Middlesex or Kent – divided by simply two factors in eighth and ninth – win. Relegation, promotion, an opportunity for the title -what extra might you ask for? Play begins at 10.30am. Don’t neglect your anorak.
