YORKSHIRE V LANCASHIRE - DAY 1

It is probably best to draw a veil over Yorkshire's first innings. When Khan was the third batsman to go for a duck, there was only a single run on the board, and at 22 for 5, the situation looked little better. Bresnan's 39 and Rashid's 34 attempted to give the score an almost respectable look, but after they both fell there was only a brief rearguard action from Gillespie before Flintoff polished off the tail with two wickets from two balls. The small consolation for the Yorkshire batsmen as they prepared to bowl, was that rivals Sussex were 35 for 5 chasing 433.

By comparison, when it was Lancashire's turn to bat, wickets were hard to come by. A direct hit from Sayers ran out Chilton for 24, and Hodge was lbw to Bresnan for 29, but at the close Lancashire had edged into a 2 run lead with 146 on the board. Yorkshire's bowlers, particularly the opening duo, were economical enough, but Lancashire look as though they can generate a big first innings lead.

All in all it was a strange day around the counties. LVCC table leaders Sussex were bowled out for 168 by fourth placed Warwickshire, and fifth place Hampshire dismissed Worcestershire for 86 before losing 8 second innings wickets for 103 themselves. Durham, currently third, must have been relieved they were playing a tour match!