Cricket: Lewis carries bat into Durham lore

Round-up

Jon Lewis became only the second Durham player to carry his bat in a first-class innings against Kent at Darlington yesterday, making 158 not out in his side's 251 all out.

Remarkably, the previous Durham opener to achieve it, Wayne Larkins, made the same score against Gloucestershire at Gateshead three years ago.

Kent struggled in response with Mel Betts taking advantage of overcast conditions with 2 for 24 in the visitors' 138 for 4 after 43.3 overs.

Middlesex's bowling attack were again in form, dismissing Gloucestershire for a dismal 99 at Bristol. In their last Championship match Middlesex reduced Glamorgan to 31 all out to win by an innings, and Richard Johnson led the latest rout with 4 for 27.

But Middlesex struggled themselves in their second innings, stumbling to 78 for 6 at the close on a questionable wicket, a lead of 216 runs.

Graeme Hick, made a rapid unbeaten 48 for Worcestershire as they responded bravely to Surrey's massive 452 for 9 at New Road. The home side looked set for a beating when Hick arrived after the early loss of Tim Curtis for no score, but he looked composed helping the total to 81 for 1 after 15 overs at the close in partnership with Phil Weston.

Play was abandoned for the day without a ball being bowled at Liverpool, where Lancashire play Glamorgan, and there was precious little action at Northampton where Hampshire took their overnight 335 for 4 to 373 for 6 in the 13 overs available.