Ganguly comes to Lancashire's aid

Sourav Ganguly put Lancashire's innings back on track after Durham's England pace prospect Steve Harmison struck two early blows on the first day of their County Championship First Division match yesterday.

Harmison, who finished with four for 74 to enhance his Test hopes, claimed the wickets of John Crawley and Andy Flintoff before the Indian right-hander steadied matters by posting 73. Leg-spinner Chris Schofield also chipped in with 50 to help the visitors to 263. At the close Durham had reached 60 for two.

The Somerset opener Marcus Trescothick posted a century to rescue his side at Leicester where bowlers also held the upper hand. Trescothick, who hit 105 before becoming the ninth man out, found an ally in Ian Blackwell (58), the pair sharing a century stand for the eighth wicket. The Indian spinner Anil Kumble ended their resistance, dismissing both to restrict Somerset to 262.

Northamptonshire's England A batsman David Sales produced the batting performance of the day against visiting Nottinghamshire in the second division. The 22-year-old posted an unbeaten 199 out of 402 for five.

Gloucestershire's Jonathan Lewis produced the best bowling performance of the day, taking five for 61 to help reduce Glamorgan to 169 for nine at Cardiff. The hosts were indebted to Australian Matthew Elliott (49) and Adrian Shaw (64 not out) for more than half that total.

Wickets tumbled at Worcester where Middlesex were the visitors. Stuart Lampitt and Alamgir Sheriyar claimed four victims each as Middlesex were dismissed for 161.

Worcestershire, apart from the opener Elliott Wilson (75 not out), also found scoring tough in reply, closing on 147 for eight.

Rain prevented any play in the first division match between Surrey and Kent at The Oval.