Morkel clinches a thriller to keep Surrey on title course

Morne Morkel’s superb six for 57 bowled leaders Surrey to a dramatic six-run win against Lancashire in their day-night match at the Oval.

Substitute fielder Will Jacks took a brilliant short-leg catch as Morkel dismissed last man Matt Parkinson to clinch overwhelming title favourites Surrey’s seventh win from nine Division One matches.

Morkel also hit the top of Graham Onions’s off stump in his previous over as, armed with the second new ball immediately after the first interval, the giant South African paceman proved to be the difference in a thrilling finale, the visitors ending on 264 all out.

Somerset remain the biggest threat to Surrey as they chase their first championship title, thanks to a 45-run win over Essex at Taunton.

Left-arm spinner Jack Leach boosted his hopes of returning to the England side with a masterly display to return career-best figures of eight for 85 on a fourthday pitch that gave him plenty of encouragement.

Chasing a daunting 336 to win, Essex looked well placed at 256 for four, but captain Ryan ten Doeschate fell to Leach for 50 and the match swung Somerset’s way.

Hampshire enjoyed a comfortable win as Kyle Abbott impressed in their 270-run success against Nottinghamshire at the Ageas Bowl. The fast bowler took four for 36 as the hosts dismissed the last six Nottinghamshire players before lunch on the final day.

Sussex regained second spot in Division Two with a comprehensive 243-run win over Derbyshire.