Yorkshire propelled by Martyn's onslaught

Colin Crompton
Thursday 18 September 2003 00:00 BST
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It is impossible to argue with Darren Gough's description of the first day's play at Headingley as "carnage".

He was referring in particular to Damien Martyn's batting. The Australian batsman hit 238 off 128 balls as Yorkshire piled up a total of 476 and seized control of their County Championship match with Gloucestershire, the winners of which will be assured of a place in the First Division next season.

Martyn's tour de force included the fastest century of the season, off 65 balls, eight fewer than Bilal Shafayat's century against Durham UCCE in April.

Worcestershire are a point away from being crowned Second Division champions after their off-spinners Gareth Batty (4 for 53) and Shaftab Khalid (3 for 70) joined forces to dismiss second-placed Northamptonshire cheaply at Wantage Road.Northamptonshire were bowled out for 196.

Graeme Swann took 4 for 56 as Worcestershire reached 139 for 6. The visitors will take the title if they reach a first batting point at 200 or deny Northamptonshire maximum bowling points.

Dominic Cork failed in what could be his penultimate Derbyshire innings as James Hamblin celebrated career-best figures for Hampshire in the match that will decide the destination of the wooden spoon.

Cork has asked to be released from the last two years of his contract following doubts over the continuation of his captaincy.

Derbyshire made 317 with Hamblin striking three times in his first five overs. He picked up three more scalps to finish with 6 for 93.

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