Ballance sets Yorkshire record with fifth successive century

Gary Ballance became the first Yorkshire batsman to score five centuries in as many Specsavers County Championship matches as his side drew with leaders Hampshire.

Ballance was trapped leg before by Mason Crane on 100 before the home side declared on 332 for five on the final, rain-affected, day at Headingley. That left Hampshire needing an unlikely 378. Oli Soames, Ajinkya Rahane and Sam Northeast departed with just 35 on the board, but they rallied to claim a draw after reaching 158 for five.

At Chelmsford, Simon Harmer claimed eight for 98 to complete match figures of 11 for 170 as Essex powered their way to a 113-run victory against Kent. Essex had earlier declared on 206 for seven to set the visitors a target of 338, but despite Daniel Bell-drummond’s stubborn 81, Harmer’s heroics proved too much for them.

Jeetan Patel took a career-best eight for 36 as Warwickshire claimed their first win of the season, beating Surrey by 130 runs at Edgbaston. Surrey off-spinner Gareth Batty also had a haul of eight for 64, including a hat-trick.

In Division Two, Derbyshire’s seamers wrapped up a 65-run win over Leicestershire at the Fischer County Ground. Having resumed on 110 for four, the home side needed a further 124 to win, but Luis Reece and Ravi Rampaul finished with three wickets apiece.

Tim Murtagh plundered six for 51 to help Middlesex to a first victory of the season. The 37-yearold made short work of the Worcestershire batsmen as they fell 127 short of their target of 353.

Marnus Labuschagne scored a career-best 182 to help Glamorgan ease to a draw with Sussex at Brighton. Glamorgan compiled a second-innings total of 466 all out and a lead of 233. The home side reached 47 for one in 15 overs by the close.

Gloucestershire’s Matt Taylor took five for 57 in a drawn match with Lancashire at Cheltenham. After the home side had reached 68 for two in their second innings, the two captains shook hands.