Wickets tumble at Old Trafford
Andrew Flintoff failed with the bat but shone with the ball as 20 wickets tumbled on the opening day of Lancashire’s LV County Championship Division One clash with Durham.
Hoping to make a statement of intent to England’s selectors just days before the announcement of the squad to face New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s, Flintoff suffered the ignominy of a golden duck as his county slumped to 143 all out before tea at Old Trafford.
Only Mal Loye (39) and Sajid Mahmood (31) made an impact during a first innings which saw four wickets fall with the score on 93, as Mark Davies took 7-33.
Another England hopeful, Steve Harmison, claimed figures of 1-49 from 18 overs, but Lancashire hit back in spectacular style as they skittled Durham for 114.
Flintoff (4-21) and fellow Test star James Anderson (4-31) tore through the visitors with a display of pace bowling that will be noted with interest and concern by the Black Caps.
There was more good news for Kevin Pietersen, who warmed up for the npower Test series with a century as Hampshire seized the advantage over Somerset at Taunton.
James Tomlinson took 8-46 as Hampshire bowled out Somerset for 126 shortly after lunch.
Kevin Pietersen made hay with a century against Somerset as Hampshire tightened their grip In response the visitors made a poor start to their innings, finding themselves three for two before Pietersen took control.
His innings of 100 - accumulated in 159 balls - was ended by Peter Trego shortly before the close, but John Crawley (78 not out), with whom Pietersen enjoyed a stand of 190, remained unbeaten as the visitors reached 194 for three.
Kent remain on the brink of disaster after sliding to 33 for four in response to Nottinghamshire’s 202 at Trent Bridge.
Adam Voges (43) and Mark Wagh (42) led the hosts to a seemingly modest total, Martin Saggers and Darren Stevens each taking a trio of inexpensive wickets.
But Kent’s response was nothing short of horrific as three of the top four fell for ducks in a closing total boosted by 16 extras.
England shoo-in Ryan Sidebottom was the chief assassin with 3-8 off six overs.
In Division Two, England opener Andrew Strauss made a watchful 88 as Middlesex closed on 263 for seven against Essex at Chelmsford.
Ed Joyce also struck 66 as James Middlebrook led the resistance with the ball, claiming 5-59 from 32 overs.
Warwickshire will fancy their chances of making up a 256-run deficit on Derbyshire after the first day at the County Ground in Derby.
The hosts made 270 thanks largely to half-centuries from Jonathan Clare (66) and Tom Lungley (50), Neil Carter claiming four victims for 65 runs.
Ian Westwood and Darren Maddy made sure Warwickshire ended the day on 14 without loss.
James Tomlinson was the chief destroyer for Hampshire at Taunton © Getty Images
