Cricket / Round-Up: Hick puts doubt to one side

ENGLAND players whose places are constantly in doubt showed that county cricket is a touch easier, writes Richard Wetherell. Messrs Hick and Such appeared against New Zealand with little success while Messrs Caddick and Lewis hope, with perhaps a touch of undue optimism, for a recall.

Graeme Hick hit his third Championship century of the season (and the 75th of his career) as Worcestershire established a commanding lead of 276 against Kent. His hundred came off 123 balls and included 15 fours and a six. Kent will rue the dropped catch when he was eight as Hick finished unbeaten on 129.

Peter Such took five wickets for the third time this season as Essex bowled out Glamorgan for 248. As only Tony Cottey reached fifty, Such took 5 for 78 from 28 overs.

Andy Caddick helped Somerset take control at Taunton with 6 for 70 against Nottinghamshire. Only Chris Lewis provided much resistance with 52 off just 36 balls. Lewis then dismissed both Somerset openers, but not before Marcus Trescothick completed his second half-century of the match.

Winston Benjamin finally came good for Hampshire, both with bat and ball. He took five wickets for the first time for his new county and then hit 54 to help set Gloucestershire 281 for victory. That looked along way off when Shaun Udal turned the ball sharply to take two wickets and they finished on 43 for 4.

Middlesex collapsed to 87 all out before lunch thanks to Franklyn Stephenson's five wickets and Jason Lewry who took 4 for 40 on his Championship debut.

Taking on a lead of 141 Sussex extended it to 337 by the close.