Harmer strikes twice to push Sussex on to the back foot

Simon Harmer produced another impressive performance for champions Essex on a rain-affected second day against Sussex at Hove.

The South African off-spinner picked up two wickets, to add to the 20 he had taken in Essex’s previous matches against Kent and Surrey, in a 16-over spell during which he conceded just 21 runs.

The 31-year-old removed captain Ben Brown and Delray Rawlins with Sussex 155 for six from 61 overs when rain drove the players off just before lunch.

The rain eventually gave way to sunshine but, after a second inspection at 5pm, umpires Ian Gould and Mark Newell decided there would be no further play because of a wet outfield, with the run-ups a particular concern.

At Sophia Gardens, Glamorgan were struggling against Gloucestershire’s five-man seam attack when rain brought a premature halt to proceedings.

After two sessions, the home team had laboured to 80 for five from 48 overs.

The bowlers were so disciplined that only two boundaries were struck in front of the wicket throughout the 48 overs.

Only 22.3 overs were possible on an entertaining second day of the match between Leicestershire and

Durham, but despite the limited action at the Fischer County Ground, there was still room for 51 runs and three wickets to fall as Durham moved to 227 for six.

Opener Alex Lees added two runs to his overnight score of 62 before edging Tom Taylor. Jack Burnham hit six boundaries before edging a Will Davis outswinger to second slip, for 31. Gareth Harte followed two balls later for 17.