Durham and Worcestershire secure wins to push Northants down to fourth

Darren Lehmann's side sat out the action over the weekend, and after wins for both Durham and Worcester, they have slipped down the rankings, although they are still in touch with early-season leaders Lancashire.

That's because the Red Rose suffered a first loss of the campaign, going down by eight wickets to Durham, who have risen to second.

That win came about thanks to a big ton from former Northants man Emilio Gay, whose 159 not out was the backbone of the north east county's second innings of 336 for two that saw them ease to victory by eight wickets.

The loss means Lancashire are 17 points better off than Northants, while the County are 14 points shy of Durham in second, and eight points behind third-placed Worcester.

The Pears have enjoyed a good start to the season following their relegation from the top flight, and they claimed a second win of the season on Sunday as they thrashed Kent by an innings and two runs.

Another former Northants man, Tom Taylor, claimed five for 56 as Kent were dismissed for 249 in their second innings.

Northants have yet to win a game this summer, having played out three draws to date.

Northants IIs started a three day game at the County Ground on Monday, and there were a clutch of promising performances with the bat.

Taking on Loughborough UCCE in a three-day friendly, Northants posted 380 all out.

After Gus Miller was dismissed for a three-ball duck, there were strong performances from Rob Keogh (79) and Justin Broad (55) as Northants eased to 151 for one, but a collapse then saw them slip to 207 for six.

Saif Zaib was dismissed for 12, Louis Kimber for 28, Stuart van der Merwe for 9 and Arush Buchake for two.

Enter teenager Adam Fox, who hit 15 fours and a six in his 87 from 72 balls to life the County's score, with support coming from Raphy Weatherall (28).