The domestic game's premier competition was won by Durham – just 16 years after their formation, a statistic that should put a few other clubs to shame – with the destination of the trophy not decided until mid-afternoon on the final day of the season.

This indicates that the four-day game is in good shape and, despite the weather playing a major part, that the best team came out on top.

While Durham's success is entirely deserved, one issue has been brought up in the aftermath.

Kent, who were thrashed by Durham in the final game, were relegated to division two yet won more games than three of the sides who finished above them.

While this is the case, Kent also lost the most games in the top-flight.

With the bonus point system likely to stay unchanged – there are arguments for both instances – but for all the flaws the system may contain, Kent went into their last game with their fate in their own hands.

That they went down had nothing to do with winning more games than Yorkshire or Somerset, but everything to do with not playing the system as well as their rivals.