Opening batsman Paul Horton featured in his second double-century stand in consecutive Roses matches as Lancashire worked their way into a strong position at Headingley Carnegie.
A quick kill by Simon Jones gave Worcestershire the momentum to take charge of their LV County Championship match with Division Two rivals Essex at New Road.
Darren Stevens made the most of his good fortune after being dropped three times to hit 127 for Kent against Hampshire in the LV County Championship Division One clash at the Rose Bowl.
Tim Southee put the frustrations of injury and sickness behind him with his third five-wicket haul to put himself in good heart for next week's Trent Bridge Test.
New Zealand centurion Aaron Redmond has backed team-mate Daniel Flynn to regain his confidence with the bat after losing two teeth to a James Anderson bouncer in the second Test.
Rajasthan skipper Shane Warne had nothing but praise for his players after the Royals secured a commanding victory over Delhi Daredevils in the semi-finals of the Indian Premier League.
With so much emphasis on fitness as an essential part of a modern cricketer's lifestyle, several counties have employed specialist coaches to make the most of all resources available to them.
Tim Southee proved he is back in rude health by taking the first four Northamptonshire wickets as New Zealand began to assume control on day two of their tour match.
Afghanistan and Jersey qualified for the ICC World Cricket League Division 4, the next stage of progression for the 2011 World Cup, when they won their ICC World Cricket League Division 5 semi-finals in Jersey.
Luke Wright has been given the chance to become England's new pinch-hitter after being given a licence to thrill during the forthcoming one-day series against New Zealand.
Simon Katich hit an unbeaten century as Australia moved into a strong position on the first day of the second Test against West Indies - but it was Ricky Ponting who stole the limelight in Antigua.
