Flintoff fails to impress in comeback for Lancashire

Andrew Flintoff's return to County Championship action for Lancashire was overshadowed by the form of his team-mate, Sajid Mahmood, against the First Division champions Sussex at Hove yesterday.

Mahmood claimed 5 for 76 as the hosts were dismissed for 252. Flintoff, recently out injured with a side strain and in recovery from an ankle operation, bowled 15 overs for 43 without success. At least it was encouraging for Flintoff in his bid to fit for England's first Test against South Africa.

Only Robin Martin-Jenkins' 70 off 98 balls prevented an even worse scenario for Sussex, although the visitors made a disastrous start to their reply as they slumped to 67 for 4 at stumps.

Mark Ramprakash's bid for a 100th first-class century continues after the former England batsman was out for 48 as Surrey closed on 251 for 4 against Kent.

Nottinghamshire's New Zealander Andre Adams took 4 for 63 as Hampshire were dismissed for 293 at the Rose Bowl. The visitors had reduced the deficit by 13 for 0 at stumps.

A rain-interrupted day could not prevent Hamish Marshall from scoring a century for Gloucestershire against Second Division leaders Warwickshire. The New Zealander had to leave the field on 94 when the weather closed in but was able to return to progress to 107 in his side's total of 190 for 2. England opener Alastair Cook warmed up for the first Test on Thursday week with 95 in Essex's 365 for 7 against Derbyshire. Ryan ten Doeschate made 118 not out, sharing an eighth-wicket stand of 126 with Alex Tudor (53 not out).

Dawid Malan's unbeaten century rescued Middlesex from 36 for 4 against Northamptonshire, allowing the hosts to close on 317 for 7. Andrew Strauss made just 2. Worcestershire opened up a 55-run lead over Leicestershire after Simon Jones claimed 5 for 30 to dismiss their hosts for 120. Vikram Solanki (93 not out) and Daryl Mitchell (49) led the response.