That's it for today folks, I hope you've enjoyed the coverage. Steve Marshall
will be in the chair from 1000 in the morning to guide you through tomorrow's action.
Ok, I've done some maths and by my reckoning it's as you were in both divisions:Division One
Essex 119Division Two
The final action of the day concludes at Chelmsford as Essex move to 248-9 against Durham. My calculator is out, so stand by for some updated tables.
And now we're done at The Oval where Surrey have reached 324-6 against promotion-chasing Glamorgan.
As every Saturday cricketer knows, one wicket is generally followed by another. Northants have removed nightwatchman James Anyon to leave Sussex 236-2 at the close.
And that's the close at Trent Bridge, with Yorkshire 260-8. They've totally dominated and blown the title race wide open, as well as possibly denting Nottinghamshire's confidence beyond repair. Captain Andrew Gale ends unbeaten on 147, with his side 201 in front.
Northants have finally claimed a wicket at Hove. Michael Thornley has been bowled by Jack Brooks for 89 to end his first-wicket stand with Chris Nash at 228.
1752:From Matthew Roller in the TMS inbox:
I haven't mentioned the games at Hove or The Oval for a little while. Sussex have moved to 225-0, a lead of 100 over Northants, while Surrey are 303-6 against Glamorgan. Captain Rory Hamilton-Brown has missed out on a century, falling for 96.
"Maybe a table as it stands might help, Stephan."I'll see what I can do at the end of the day.
Another reason to love cricket is its ability to throw up the absurd. England paceman and number 11 Steven Finn has opened the batting as a nightwatchman for Middlesex against Worcestershire. He safely negotiated the one over he had to face to see the hosts to the close.
Dear oh dear, Notts really are making life tough for themselves. Andrew Gale has been put down again, this time on 139 by Andre Adams off Samit Patel. At Chelmsford, Michael Comber has been bowled by Ian Blackwell to leave Essex 213-7 against Durham.
We have our first closures of the day, with Somerset reaching 54-1 after bowling Lancashire out for 259 and Kent moving to 15-1 in reply to Hampshire's 204. Meanwhile, Ajmal Shahzad falls to Paul Franks to leave Yorkshire 251-9 at Trent Bridge. That's just 192 in front of Notts.
1733:From Dave in Yeovil, in the TMS inbox:
Sussex's domination of Northants continues as Chris Nash moves to three figures. With Worcestershire being bowled out for 313 against Middlesex at Lord's, it seems pretty certain that the boys from Hove will be promoted tomorrow.
"Re: Mark Wilson (1718) - That will be Yorkshire with a 2001 population of five million compared to Somerset's 500,000. No wonder we have to import players, but who is to begrudge us our first ever title if we win the last two matches?"
1725:From Steve in the TMS inbox:
Lancashire have got a wicket and it's a big one. Marcus Trescothick is caught by Tom Smith off Gary Keedy, who's having quite a good day, for 33. Elsewhere, Worcestershire have managed to delay the Sussex promotion party by going past 300 and earning a third batting point.
"Will Yorkshire declare when the eighth wicket falls to prevent Notts getting that last bonus point? It could be a clever move to make."See, this is the sort of question that make cricket the greatest sport in the world. I love this stuff - subterfuge, intrigue, tactics. Thoughts please.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan on Twitter:
Adil Rashid falls to Samit Patel to leave Yorkshire 228-6 at Trent Bridge while Somerset have moved to 33-0 in reply to Lancashire's 259 at Taunton. Essex and Durham have returned after the rain, with Tom Westley being run out to reduce the struggling hosts to 197-6.
"Inspector pitch on the way to Trent Bridge. Notts could be throwing points away."From Mark Wilson in the TMS inbox:
There's only one team that deserves to win the title and that's Yorkshire. Notts and Somerset have tried to buy success with their imports but they'll never buy what Yorkshire have with nine or 10 home-grown players in every match.
Those two wickets for Glamorgan mean that two precious bowling bonus points are in the bag. Surrey 263-6.
Double breakthrough for promotion-chasing Glamorgan at The Oval. Big-hitting batsman and part-time seamer Mark Cosgrove bowls Gary Wilson and four balls later Dean Cosker has home skipper Rory Hamilton-Brown stumped by Mark Wallace four short of a ton. Meanwhile, at Trent Bridge Samit Patel puts down Andrew Gale off his own bowling. That could be a crucial let-off.
1700:From Chris in the TMS inbox:
It's raining at Chelmsford, with Essex 183-5 in their must-win clash with Durham.
"Re: Bruce in The Hague (see 1644) - What are you talking about? Notts don't deserve to win it any more than Somerset after Lancashire gifted them victory with a ridiculous declaration. If Notts blow it with their demise they deserve everything they get."
1652:From Richard in the TMS inbox:
Worcestershire have slipped to 263-8 against Middlesex at Lord's. If they are bowled out for less than 300, Sussex will only need to reach 250 against Northants to seal their promotion. They are currently 147-0. At the bottom of Division One, Jaik Mickleburgh has gone for 72 to leave Essex 174-5 against Durham.
"Don't worry Hampshire supporters, 200 is massive total against Kent going by our batting this year. Knowing us you will probably be enforcing the follow-on in about an hour."
1644:From Bruce in The Hague, in the TMS inbox:
Openers Chris Nash and Michael Thornely have both hit half-centuries to move Sussex into the lead against Northants at Hove. Elsewhere in Division Two, Leicestershire have been bowled out for 295 against Gloucestershire.
"Somerset don't deserve to benefit from Notts' demise and win Division One given their appalling decision to shut up shop and play out a draw at Canterbury in August. Their lack of ambition summed up everything bad about the County Championship points system and relying on home advantage."
A wicket each at Canterbury and Trent Bridge. First Sam Northeast is bowled by Dominic Cork to leave Kent 1-1 against Hampshire then Gerard Brophy shoulders arms and sees his stumps disturbed by Andre Adams. Yorkshire 195-5.
Great stuff this, Andrew Gale brings up his century from just 85 balls. The Yorkshire captain is putting his side into a winning position and is gradually opening the door for a grandstand finish to the season.
1634:BBC Radio Lancashire's Scott Read at
Ah, it took a little longer than I expected, but that stand between Kerrigan and Keedy is now over. Keedy is bowled by Ben Phillips to leave Lancashire 259 all out.
"A great effort by Gary Keedy and Simon Kerrigan - 50 partnership (innings high) and another batting point for Lancashire."BBC London's Mark Church at
"Great counter attack from Rory Hamilton-Brown. Surrey are playing very positive, entertaining cricket."Surrey have moved onto 229-4, with Hamilton-Brown 68 not out and Gary Wilson unbeaten on 33.
Will Briggs is trapped lbw by Malinga Bandara to bring the Hampshire innings to an end for 204 at Canterbury. Briggs and James Tomlinson managed to add 10 for the last wicket to earn Hampshire a batting bonus point. How important could that turn out to be?
The commentator's curse has struck, but at Trent Bridge rather than Taunton. Bairstow is trapped lbw by Adams for 36 to bring his 111-run stand with Gale to an end. Yorkshire are 171-3. Incidentally, Keedy and Kerrigan are still going at Taunton.
1615:From David Taylor in the TMS inbox:
Captain Andrew Gale and Jonny Bairstow take their fourth-wicket stand past century mark for Yorkshire. At the same time they move the Tykes' lead over Nottinghamshire past 100.
"We won the Ashes without Pietersen last year and we can do it again. Leave him behind."
1607:From Iain in Cape Town, in the TMS inbox:
Lancashire's last-wicket pair of Gary Keedy and Simon Kerrigan have added an unbroken stand of 39 to take the visitors of 242-9. I may be new to text commentary, but I know there's every chance that I have just sealed their fate. Apologies in advance to all you Lancashire fans.
"I wouldn't include Pietersen in the touring team. A bit of humble pie would do him the world of good and prove that he is not indispensable."BBC London's Kevin Hand at
"Owais Shah, in his last game at Lord's for Middlesex, has persuaded Shakib Al Hasan to hit a full toss to mid wicket. Worcestershire are 204-5."
1556:From Clive in the TMS inbox:
We're back under way at Trent Bridge and Taunton in the games at the top of Division One. Hampshire have also returned to the crease against Kent but have lost Dominic Cork lbw to Malinga Bandara for 20.
"I'm just pondering whether I can get from Trevose in Cornwall late on Wednesday, 15 September to Chester-le-Street in the unlikely event Somerset have a chance to win their first ever Championship. Anyone got a plane they can pick me up in?"BBC Radio Leeds' Dave Callaghan at
"Yorkshire are in a great position. Batting is not easy but they are making a better fist of it than Notts. The title race has taken a twist."From Jonny in Cornwall, in the TMS inbox:
"How about you ask Ricky Ponting or any Australian if they want KP strolling in at four on 25 November. I can guarantee you that KP is the one guy that they don't want to walk down the steps towards the crease."I thought that my Pietersen question may provoke a response, but I've been inundated. Keep them coming. From William in the TMS inbox:
"Pietersen gets the nod for the Ashes from me. He'll be having a bit of time off soon to put his feet up and stay out of the limelight which I think will do him good. Besides, who would come in to replace him? It's not as if England are stocked to the gills with in-form batsmen."
From Telekemis on 606:
Oh dear, Sussex really are racing along against Northants. They are 73-0 off 13 overs, just 52 behind, with Chris Nash already having passed 50.
I like KP, but can you really take him in this form? Save a few good one-day knocks over the past few months, he's done nothing to warrant a place.
Tea has also been called at Trent Bridge, with Yorkshire dominating. The Tykes have reached 129-3, with Andrew Gale 61 not out and Jonathan Bairstow unbeaten on 24.
1533:From BBC Radio Kent's Peter Guise at
Lancashire have made in to tea on 230-9 against Somerset at Taunton. The home side must be cockahoop at the news of Nottinghamshire's struggles. In Division Two, Worcestershire are 188-4 against Middlesex and Leicestershire are 259-8 against Gloucestershire.
"Hampshire go to tea on 178-6. The threatened rain has stayed away enabling both sides to press on toward a positive result, although it's odds on that Hampshire will miss out on maximum batting points in this relegation battle."
1526:From Piet in the TMS inbox:
Essex continue their fight against relegation in the shape of Jaik Mickleburgh, who brings up his half-century against Durham. The hosts are 138-3 at Chelmsford.
"For most improved player you have to be looking at Jimmy Adams of Hampshire. If Michael Carberry is being listed as a possible for the Ashes tour then Jimmy's name must be up there."
OK, I may live to regret asking this question but here goes. Should Kevin Pietersen be in the England side when they take the field in the first Ashes Test in Brisbane on 25 November? I've put my helmet on, so feel free to come off your long run.
1517:From Ian in the TMS inbox:
Hampshire have moved onto 178-6 against Kent, with Jimmy Adams unbeaten on 78. In Division Two, Sussex are looking to make light work of Northants having reached 39-0 inside six overs.
"Just how predictable it is that Pietersen got out to a left-arm spinner? Glamorgan were always going to have Cosker bowling when KP came in."Incidentally, Cosker has now removed Ramprakash lo leave Surrey 136-4.BBC London's Mark Church at
"Pietersen pushed forward to Cosker, was hit on the front pad and after a long look, umpire Cook put his finger up."
Can you believe this? Kevin Pietersen is trapped lbw by Dean Cosker for second-ball duck. Surrey 119-3.
1458:From Ed in the TMS inbox:
Jason Roy is bowled by Dean Cosker to leave Surrey 119-2. Out strolls Kevin Pietersen...
The most improved player at Lancashire would have to go to Sajid Mahmood for his contributions with the bat and ball this year. He's scoring runs at the bottom of the innings for fun now.I'm sure you meant well Ed but Mahmood has just fallen to Murali Kartik to leave Lancashire 209-9 against Somerset.
Northants are all out for 125 at
Sussex are just five points from promotion to Division One.
Tom Collins in TMS inbox:
Thanks Steve. I'm welcomed back into the chair by another wicket at Trent Bridge as Paul Franks accounts for Anthony McGrath. Yorkshire are 60-3.
"Oi, Marshall, I'll cut you some slack as a first timer, but cut out that temping fate stuff please sunshine (1435)! No news is good news. Come on Yorkshire!"Tom, Tom, rest assured I'm completely impartial in this. Anyway, it's time for me to hand back to Stephan Shemilt, and I'll be back with you in the morning.
1441:Steve from Hull in TMS inbox:
Could Kent be about to dig themselves out of the relegation mire? They've struck twice in quick succession to remove James Vince and Sean Ervine to leave Hampshire 134-5.
"Adam Lyth c Adam Voges b Andre Adams 19. Is that a record for the number of people called Adam involved in a dismissal?"
As a wicket hasn't gone down at Trent Bridge or Taunton for a couple of minutes, I think it's time for a quick peek at what's going on at The Oval. Still no KP in sight but Jason Roy has shown him how it's done by reaching his half-century off 47 balls, with 10 fours.
Let's make that three shall we. This time Willoughby traps Kyle Hogg lbw to leave Lancashire 169-8 and struggling to pick up a single bonus batting point. Out of interest, that's the fifth lbw decision of the innings.
1427:Paul Grant in TMS inbox:
Yes, Paul, you're quite right. And not just one wicket to bring you but two. Charl Willoughby traps Gareth Cross leg before, before Kartik does the same with Luke Procter to leave Lancashire 164-7.
"Let's have more chat about Somerset please - it's raining wickets down here as well."Stuart in Birmingham in TMS inbox:
"Think of those on the other side of thesis/dissertation divide...I have three MSc plus one MPhil dissertations to mark today. Progress is NOT helped by following Sussex's progress at Hove."
1418:BBC London's Kevin Hand at
Blimey, we could do a live text from Trent Bridge alone! Adam Lyth is caught by Adam Voges to leave Adams on a hat-trick after taking wickets with the last and first balls of successive overs to leave Yorkshire 31-2. Tykes skipper Andrew Gale defends the hat-trick ball and then promptly almost gets himself run out. Breathless stuff.
"Third big drop of the day at Lord's. Solanki on 31 pulled Roland-Jones to Collins at mid-on but he put down a reasonably comfortable chance. This gives me chance for a score update. Worcestershire are 107-2, Steve Finn just having bowled Daryl Mitchell for 47.
Notts have a breakthrough. Jacques Rudolph can only steer Andre Adams to Ali Brown at gully and Yorkshire are 30-1.
BBC Sussex's John Lees at
Big wicket for Lancashire to lose and Somerset to pick up. Marcus Trescothick takes the catch to remove Chanderpaul off Murali Kartik.
"Rain stops play with Northants 107-7 in the 37th over. The rain is coming down hard, they'll have to put the covers on."
As a text commentary virgin, I'd taken my eye off the ball at Taunton, what with all those wickets going down at Trent Bridge. Anyway, Lancashire have since moved on to 148-4, but more importantly Shivnarine Chanderpaul has brought up his half-century off 72 balls, with seven fours.
1356:BBC Sport's Chris Ellis says:
Peter Trego runs out Steven Croft to leave Lancashire 126-4 at Taunton.
I think it is Notts' lowest score for 22 years since 44 v Warwickshire at Edgbaston in 1988, and lowest at Trent Bridge since a game against Middlesex 1977 when they got 57.
Notts are back out in the field at Trent Bridge, but sadly Notts fans I can't bring you details of a Yorkshire wicket. No, they're back out at Chelmsford but Alastair Cook is back in the hutch, caught by Mitch Claydon off Liam Plunkett. Esex 53-2.
Afternoon all. If you've got a sec would you be so kind as to hit manual refresh. And hold on to your hats - I've got news of a big wicket for you.
1339:From Stephen Groves, in the TMS inbox:
It's time for me to take a short break so I will leave you in the hands of man who would never swear on Twitter, Steve Marshall
"I sympathise with Ian and his dissertation. I'm a PhD student trying to write an article for a peer review journal but this Championship climax is just too distracting. It reminds me of my teaching days when I used to stare at the updating electronic scoreboards in free periods."Ian has been in touch to tell us that his dissertation is on the extent to which minority ethnic front-line staff improve service delivery for minority ethnic communities. Unfortunately I don't feel I'm qualified to help with that one but if anyone is writing about Only Fools and Horses, the works of New York rock band The Strokes or crisp flavours I feel I'm more than able to help.
And so it ends, Darren Pattinson edges Oliver Hannon-Dalby behind to leave Nottinghamshire 59 all out. The Trent Bridge pitch may be helpful for the bowlers, but Yorkshire have been aided by some poor batting.
Notts now 52-9 after the departure of Andre Adams. Meanwhile, in the other top-of-the-table clash, Lancashire have moved to 113-3 against Somerset with Shivnarine Chanderpaul unbeaten on 41.From Matt Moore, in the TMS inbox:
"The topic of my dissertation is Nietzsche's crisis of modernity and descent into nihilism. It's very intense stuff. I do get the feeling however that if Nietzsche had discovered cricket, he might not have been so very pessimistic. Unless of course he was a Notts fan..."BBC London's Mark Church at
"Good news. The sun is out and play is due to get underway at 1330."
And another! Mark Wagh edges Ajmal Shahzad to Jacques Rudolph at slip. Notts are eight down with just 49 on the board. Luke Fletcher, come on down.
...and another wicket falls. Steven Mullaney is lbw to Oliver Hannon-Dalby for a duck. Notts 47-7.
1311:BBC London's Kevin Hand at
Back under way at Trent Bridge...
"We've been very lucky with the rain, there's a whole load in the distance heading from south east to west. Weather appears to be coming directly from the south, which is clear.
statts2000 on 606:
"The annual choke is in full swing at Trent Bridge... much like the ball it seems or seams!
Ian Chapman in the TMS inbox: "Whilst I should be worrying about finishing the 4,500 words I need to hand in my Masters dissertation by tomorrow lunch time, I can't help but be distracted by Darren Stevens opening the bowling for Kent. Strange times."
What's your dissertation on Ian? Perhaps we can help out.
BBC Radio Leeds Dave Callaghan at
"A marvellous morning for Yorkshire. Notts have found it really hard going with just three boundaries in the whole session and they are now struggling with their title charge.
In Division One, Hampshire lost Liam Dawson on the stroke of lunch to go to the interval 68-3 against Kent at Canterbury, while Essex reached 53-1 against Durham before rain stopped play at Chelmsford.
Rich_Owl on 606:
Time for a quick Division Two lunchtime scores round-up. Sussex are well on the way to promotion after reducing Northants to 71-7, while Worcestershire have made it to 62-1 against Middlesex at Lord's. Leicestershire have recovered to 113-4 at home to Gloucestershire and only 5.2 overs have been possible at The Oval, with Surrey going to 22-0 against Glamorgan.
"Are Yorkshire bowling really well, or have Notts prepared a VERY seamer friendly pitch to get a result in two days?"
1231:BBC Radio Nottingham's Dave Bracegirdle at
This is unbelievable. Now captain Chris Read has edged the final ball of the morning session behind to leave Notts 47-6. At Taunton, Lancashire have gone to lunch 86-3 and we now seem to have a genuine four-horse race for the title.
"Ali Brown is a big wicket for Yorkshire. Nottinghamshire's first innings in absolute ruin now and there's stunned silence from the members at Trent Bridge."
Notts are in turmoil. Oliver Hannon-Dalby traps Ali Brown lbw to leave the leaders 41-5. After losing to Durham last week, are the leaders going to fall Devon Loch-style on the home straight?
1223:From Ed in Leeds, in the TMS inbox:
Right, where are we? Phil Hughes has gone for one to leave Hampshire 44-2 at
Northants are now 64-6 at
while there's no more play before lunch at
"Never mind the County Championship, there's a Chinese takeaway riding on our fantasy cricket competition. I need Lyth, Rudolph, Bairstow and Rashid to do well to defend my title."I'll have a chicken chow mein and a beef in black bean sauce please. Oh, and some prawn crackers too.
BBC Sussex's John Lees at
"Panesar and Anyon each get wickets in their first overs. Sussex aren't hanging around. You get the feeling this game won't last too long if they keep going at this rate."
More wickets. Michael Carberry falls to Darren Stevens at
while Northants are now 53-5 against promotion-bound Sussex at
1147:BBC London's Mark Church at
What's deeper than deep trouble? Notts are finding out as Samit Patel is adjudged to have edged Moin Ashraf behind. Portly Patel feels a little disgruntled, but he has to make the trek back to the pavilion with Notts 18-4.
"Raining very heavily...very wet rain!"
Notts are deep in trouble now. Adam Voges has had his stumps disturbed by Championship debutant
The leaders have slipped to 18-3 at
From Royal Gooner on 606:
Rain has stopped play at
with Essex 53-1. In Division Two, they're still off at
while Worcestershire are 29-0 against Middlesex and Gloucestershire have reduced Leicestershire to 57-3.
"Any other comments from 606 going to make it onto the main page today?"Yes, yes they are.
Martin in the TMS inbox: "As a Somerset fan, I hope the weather holds off long enough this week for us to stuff Lancashire. I'm still smarting from their ridiculously generous declaration a couple of weeks ago (setting 260 at barely four an over) which effectively handed Notts the title, while rain denied us even the opportunity for any bowling points against Durham."
Moving into Division Two, Sussex, who are just eight points from promotion have reduced Northants to 23-3 at
Another wicket falls at
as Paul Horton edges onto his stumps off Charl Willoughby. Lancashire 32-2.
1118:Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell tells BBC Radio Nottingham:
I feel like I may have been concentrating too much on the games at the top of Division One. In the relegation battle, Hampshire have reached 22-0 against Kent at
while Essex are 37-1 against Durham at
"Yorkshire see this as a must-win game as they know if they lose the Championship is ours."
1111:BBC London's Kevin Hand at
Somerset draw first blood at
as Charl Willoughby traps Tom Smith lbw for 23. Lancashire 31-1.
"There's a bit of swing early on, it will either be a brave or foolish decision by Worcestershire to bat first. The weather behind the Mound and Tavern stands looks pretty rough as the rain is falling heavily in the east/south east."
BBC London's Mark Church at
It's looking like a good toss to win for Yorkshire as Alex Hales finds Adil Rashid in the slips to give Shahzad his second wicket. Notts are 4-2.
"Interesting start. Surrey 22-0 with new opening pair of Lancefield and Roy starting solidly against Harris and Waters but sadly, we're off for rain.
From RKW - Bred Pole on 606:
Don't forget that you can get involved via e-mail on email@example.com
or by texting 81111
. I'm particularly keen to hear from Yorkshire fans finding themselves in the unusual position of cheering on Lancashire and vice versa.
"Come on Yorkshire - even if we don't win the title, at least win against Notts to mark what has been a fantastic season."
1035:Matt in Paris:
Gone! The first wicket falls at
as makeshift opener Paul Franks edges Ajmal Shahzad to Jonathan Bairstow at slip. The leaders are 1-1.
"Live text for the County Championship?! It's the stuff dreams are made of! Just think how much more time I can waste."
1029:BBC Radio Lancashire's Scott Read at Taunton:
At Trent Bridge, Yorkshire have won the toss and asked Nottinghamshire to bat. Paceman Darren Pattinson has passed a fitness test for Notts while Yorkshire include Ajmal Shahzad, who could be called back to the England squad at any time.
"In sunny Somerset, the home side have won the toss and invited Lancashire to bat. There are green wickets and green wickets and then there is this one at Taunton."
BBC London's Mark Church at The Oval: "The coin has gone up, Surrey win the toss and decide to bat. Pietersen makes his first-class debut for Surrey."
Right, there's a few issues that could be resolved this week. The big one goes something like this; if Nottinghamshire beat Yorkshire and Somerset fail to defeat Lancashire then Notts will be crowned champions. However, should Yorkshire win at Trent Bridge then all of the fours sides I've just mentioned could have a chance of taking the title next week. Essex will be relegated from Division One if they lose to Durham, being joined eventually by one of Warwickshire, Hampshire or Kent. In Division Two, Sussex and Glamorgan are poised for promotion but the Welsh side are at The Oval to face Surrey, who have some bloke called Pietersen playing for them. I've never heard of him either.