County cricket enthusiasts were treated to a thrilling day of action as Ben Stokes smashed a rapid half-century for Durham against Northamptonshire at Chester-le-Street. The England all-rounder reached his fifty off just 51 balls, hammering ten boundaries in a display of aggressive batting.
Stokes leads Durham charge
Stokes, who was dropped on 43 by Harry Conway, made the most of the reprieve to power to 86 not out by tea. He combined with Will Rhodes in a century partnership, with Rhodes contributing a solid 44 not out. Durham reached 130-3 at one stage, with Stokes dominating the bowling attack.
The day began with Northamptonshire being bowled out for 450, with Ben Sanderson and Justin Broad providing late resistance. Durham's bowlers, including Matthew Potts and Ben Raine, worked hard to wrap up the innings.
Key performances across the country
At Chelmsford, Jack Haynes scored his second century of the season for Nottinghamshire against Essex. His knock of 100 helped Notts build a lead of 160, with the visitors reaching 344-6. Simon Harmer and Liam Slater took three wickets each for Essex.
Tom Norton was the star for Surrey against Glamorgan, taking four wickets as Surrey slumped to 42-5. Norton dismissed Sam Curran, Dan Lawrence, Ollie Pope, and Dom Sibley to leave Surrey in trouble.
At Sophia Gardens, Mason Crane scored his maiden first-class century, reaching 103 not out for Glamorgan against Surrey. Rehan Ahmed also hit his first century of the season for Leicestershire against Yorkshire, scoring 100 not out.
Other notable moments
- Mitchell Stanley took five wickets for Derbyshire against Lancashire, with Derbyshire leading by 106.
- Gus Atkinson claimed four wickets for Surrey but Glamorgan posted 358 all out.
- Hampshire struggled in their second innings against Middlesex, slipping to 19-4.
- Sussex offered free tickets for Father's Day at Hove for their match against Hampshire.
Stokes' innings was the highlight of the day, with the England star looking in ominous form ahead of international duties. His aggressive strokeplay thrilled the crowd at Chester-le-Street, who witnessed a masterclass in attacking batting.
