Thorpe hits century

Graham Thorpe celebrated his return to the England fold by hitting 143 as the newly crowned First Division champions, Surrey, reached 422 for 8 in their second innings against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl yesterday. The Surrey captain, Ian Ward, also hit 156 as his side amassed a 513-run lead going into the final day.

Phil Tufnell was the hero for Middlesex as they sealed promotion to the First Division after their thrilling 73-run victory over Derbyshire at the County Ground yesterday.

The former England off-spinner took 5 for 35 as Derbyshire, who were docked eight points because of the substandard pitch that saw 23 wickets fall on Thursday, were eventually bowled out for 232 in their second innings.

The fast bowler Ashley Nofke, with 4 for 84, offered able support for Tufnell as the home side saw their own promotion hopes take a severe setback. Middlesex have a 29.25-point lead at the top of the Second Division but now face a tense wait next week to see if they are crowned champions.