Cricket: Barnett takes charge

BAT IS beating ball somewhat comprehensively at Derby where Kim Barnett (155 not out) dominated Derbyshire's reply to Lancashire's 477. Wasim Akram completed his century before Devon Malcolm, whose wife gave birth to their second daughter early yesterday morning, added two more wickets to his three from Thursday. Then Barnett took charge, scoring his 41st century for the county.

It was more bad news for Gloucestershire who were on the end of a career-best 153, unbeaten at that, by Justin Benson as Leicestershire piled up 433 for 7. In his first Championship innings of the season Benson shared partnerships of 104 with Tim Boon and 123 with Laurie Potter.

The old campaigner, Ian Botham, played gooseberry to his old team-mates as he helped Durham to 177 for 5, a second- innings lead of 87 against Wor- cestershire. He hit an unbeaten 52 in his more usual place of No 6 rather than opening.