Borthwick hits 100 after Essex skittled for 96

Scott Borthwick hit his first century since returning to Durham after Essex were bowled out for below 100 at Chelmsford for the first time since 2014 and 18 wickets fell in the day.

Essex, the reigning champions, were all out for 96 as Chris Rushworth and Brydon Carse both claimed three wickets. Borthwick, who returned to his home county this winter after four seasons at Surrey, scored exactly 100 as Durham ended the day on 148 for eight.

Adam Lyth struck 97 as Yorkshire had the better of the opening day against Kent. Harry Brook made 54 in Yorkshire’s 358 for eight at Canterbury. Kent all-rounder Darren Stevens celebrated being named as one of Wisden’s Cricketers of the Year by taking three for 52 and Matt Milnes claimed two for 63, including the prize scalp of England captain Joe Root for 11. Wicketkeeper Ollie Robinson took five catches.

A gritty 35 not out from Kyle Abbott off 108 balls helped Hampshire recover from 221 for seven to 281 for eight against Middlesex. Ian Holland made 64 and Sam Northeast 63 before Hampshire slipped from a promising 128 for two.

Simon Kerrigan produced an excellent bowling display to ensure Northamptonshire kept Lancashire in check. The left-arm spinner marked his return to the club where he won the championship in 2011 with figures of three for 53 from 30.4 overs as Lancashire closed on 264 for eight.

Steve Davies relieved the pressure as Somerset posted 312 against Gloucestershire at Taunton. Going in at 80 for four, Davies made 87, sharing a sixth-wicket stand of 116 with Craig Overton.