England fast bowler Josh Tongue strengthened his case for a Test spot against New Zealand by taking five wickets for defending champions Nottinghamshire against Warwickshire at Trent Bridge. The visitors were struggling at 179 for six after being asked to bat first, but captain Ed Barnard's unbeaten 134 guided the Bears to 375 for eight.
Surrey Struggle Against Essex
Surrey, still searching for their first win of the season, also elected to bowl first, but Essex made them pay as Dean Elgar (92) and Paul Walter shared a 183-run opening stand. Walter was dismissed for 101, and Surrey claimed three quick wickets before Essex reached 325 for six at stumps. England bowler Gus Atkinson struck late in his first match since the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Root Awaits Turn
Joe Root made his first County Championship appearance of the season but had to wait as Yorkshire opted to bowl first against Sussex at Headingley. Tom Price made 93 and shared a 165-run partnership with John Simpson, who ended the day unbeaten on 101, as Sussex closed on 373 for six. Glamorgan also started strongly, with captain Kiran Carlson (95) and Sean Dickson (90) steering them to 334 for seven against Leicestershire.
Crawley's Woes Continue
In Division Two, Zak Crawley's hopes of retaining his place as England's Test opener suffered another blow. The 28-year-old hit six fours before being dismissed for 27 for Kent against Worcestershire, edging to the wicketkeeper off Matthew Waite. It was Crawley's highest score of the season, but his chances of being retained for England's first Test against New Zealand in June continue to fade.
Harris Stars for Lancashire
Australian Marcus Harris scored his second century of the season to steer early leaders Lancashire to 356 for seven after being asked to bat first at Durham. Harris remained unbeaten on 135 at Chester-le-Street despite regular wickets falling. Miles Hammond's unbeaten 140 guided Gloucestershire, who have lost their first three matches, to 287 for six at Derbyshire.
