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At The Oval, Jamie Overton has been forced to leave the field due to injury, with Rory Burns completing the over. Looks like Rory should stick to his day job. Surprisingly, Northants has only lost one wicket, with Emilio Gay caught off Jordan Clark for 16. Northants’ score is currently 48-1.
Over at Grace Road, the toss will take place at 12:15, followed by lunch. Play is expected to start at 12:55. To celebrate Leicester’s win in the One-day trophy, entry is free. And if you want a photo of the cup, head to the club shop.
In terms of promotion, Leicestershire’s hopes will be dashed if Worcestershire beats Durham, earns at least two bonus points, and claims three more points in total than Leicestershire. I believe that over the past 20 years, Worcestershire has been promoted six times, but please correct me if I’m mistaken.
They are slowly removing the covers at New Road. While keeping an eye on The Oval, Lord’s, and Chelmsford, I’ll quickly write something for tomorrow. Feel free to continue the conversation below.
It’s raining now at Chelmsford, and the officials are making their way back indoors.
Northants are struggling against Kemar Roach at The Oval, but they are still standing strong at 17-0. Surrey captain Rory Burns has cut off his ponytail for charity.
Updated at 10:58 BST
Saudi bosses are attempting to improve the reputation of their new tournament by involving well-regarded English cricketers. Moeen Ali and Chris Woakes have held talks with Saudi officials about becoming ambassadors for the Kingdom’s new T20 competition. More England players are expected to be approached.
An early wicket has fallen at Essex, with Sir Alastair Cook bowled for a three-ball duck. Essex’s score is currently 6-1.
Updated at 11:51 BST
Three wickets have fallen at Lord’s, as Middlesex remains unscathed. No play is happening anywhere else, except for The Oval and Chelmsford.
It’s now raining at New Road, with the leaves on the old horse chestnut trees turning yellow.
Delays are taking place at New Road, Old Trafford, the County Ground, and Grace Road.
Updated at 11:51 BST
The lanterns were lit while crossing the bridge to New Road, which is not a good sign. The covers are now on, and the wind is howling over the ground.
Weather Forecast:
Autumn has arrived with cloud and rain moving in from the west throughout the morning. However, after a spell of rain, southern parts of the UK can expect drier conditions with some bright spells. It will be windy, with a risk of coastal gales according to the Met Office.
Background to Sussex’s penalty points that ended their chances of promotion:
Division Two Table:
1. Durham (12) – 1982 points
2. Worcestershire (12) – 1543 points
3. Leicestershire (12) – 1334 points
4. Glamorgan (13) – 1315 points
5. Sussex (12) – 124 points
6. Derbyshire (12) – 96 points
7. Gloucestershire (13) – 95 points
8. Yorkshire (12) – 81 points
Division One Table (all teams have played 12 games):
1. Surrey – 205 points
2. Essex – 187 points
3. Hampshire – 153 points
4. Warwickshire – 149 points
5. Lancashire – 146 points
6. Somerset – 128 points
7. Nottinghamshire – 122 points
8. Middlesex – 95 points
9. Kent – 93 points
10. Northants – 63 points
Fixtures:
DIVISION ONE
Chelmsford: Essex vs. Hampshire
Old Trafford: Lancashire vs. Nottinghamshire
Lord’s: Middlesex vs. Warwickshire
Taunton: Somerset vs. Kent
The Oval: Surrey vs. Northamptonshire
DIVISION TWO
The County Ground: Derbyshire vs. Sussex
Grace Road: Leicestershire vs. Yorkshire
New Road: Worcestershire vs. Durham
Preamble:
Good morning! The sound of damp bells fills the air at New Road, as the mist-covered hills wear their cobweb cardigans. Welcome to mid-September and the penultimate round of this year’s County Championship. Every team is on the field, except for Glamorgan and Gloucestershire.
I’m at New Road today to witness what appears to be the two clubs earning promotion to Division One next season. Second-place Worcestershire’s chances look brighter with Sussex receiving an automatic 12-point deduction for violating regulations. Sussex players Jack Carlson and Tom Haines have been dropped for today’s match against Derbyshire, while captain Cheteshwar Pujara has received a one-match suspension. Ari Karvelas is also under investigation. It’s a disappointing end to Sussex’s season, leaving them in fifth place, 30 points behind Worcestershire.
Durham only needs five points at New Road to secure the Division Two title, while Leicestershire, the magnificent one-day cup champions, can challenge Worcestershire if they defeat Yorkshire at Grace Road.
In Division One, Surrey has a chance to win the title this round if they defeat last-place Northamptonshire and Essex loses to Hampshire. Northants’ destiny will be decided if either Middlesex or Kent, separated by just two points in the eighth and ninth positions, win. With the prospect of relegation, promotion, and a shot at the title, what more could you ask for? Play begins at 10:30 am. Don’t forget your raincoat.
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