The first day between Surrey and Yorkshire was a pretty fair reflection of the teams' respective positions at the top and bottom of Division One. Ed Giddins (three for 48) and Rikki Clarke (three for 41) excelled as the Tykes were bowled out for just 172, with none of their batsmen getting beyond 26. Jonathan Batty (78*) and Ali Brown (50) then ensured Surrey were in front by stumps, on 207 for five.

Leicestershire look unlikely to improve on their position in second place after day one against fourth-placed Kent, who bowled them out for 131 at Grace Road. Martin Saggers (five for 44) and David Masters (four for 36) were the hosts' tormentors. England Academy batsman Rob Key then pressed home Kent's advantage, with an unbeaten 103 as the visitors closed on 183 for four, 52 runs ahead.

Nick Knight ended the day just two runs short of a double century as Warwickshire dominated third-placed Sussex at Edgbaston. Mike Powell (57) and Jim Troughton (45) gave Knight useful support as the hosts reached 368 for seven.

In Division Two, leaders Middlesex had an indifferent day at Cheltenham, where second-from-bottom Gloucestershire ended the day on 367 for six. A century from Tim Hancock provided the hosts' main bulwark, while the diminutive Chris Taylor (67), Matt Windows (55) and the newly-reappointed skipper Mark Alleyne (62) all made positive contributions. Abdur Razzaq (four for 93) and Aaron Laraman (two for 82) were the wicket takers.

Essex's mid-season wobble continued as Glamorgan bowled them out for 231 at Chelmsford. Alex Wharf initially reduced the hosts to 38 for three, and they later subsided to 122 for seven before veteran John Stephenson (46) and James Middlebrook (42) managed a partial revival. Glamorgan closed on six without loss in reply.

A century from Usman Afzaal set up a healthy Nottinghamshire total against Durham at The Riverside. Afzaal made 103, while Jason Gallian continued his good form with 75 before Paul Franks (60) ensured a respectable total of 362 all out at stumps. Steve Harmison, Mark Davies and Nick Phillips each took two wickets.

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