All six teams of Group 1 were in action on Day 1 in the seventh round of the County Championship 2021. Let us have a look at how it went for them.
Worcestershire v Derbyshire. New Road
Worcestershire 336/7 (Haynes 97; Conners 2-56) vs Derbyshire
Jack Haynes scored his career-best of 97 to help Worcestershire post 330/7 against Derbyshire at day one stumps in front of 870 spectators at New Road. Haynes was well supported by Brett D’Oliveira (71) as the pair added 114 runs for the fifth wicket. Wicketkeeper Ben Cox (49) and Ed Barnard (48 not out) also played their part.
For Derbyshire, seamer Sam Conners claimed two wickets, while Dustin Melton, Fynn Hudson-Prentice, Matthew Critchley and Ben Aitchison had one each.
Durham v Essex, Chester-le-Street
Essex 182 (Pepper 92; Rushworth 4-32, Raine 4-45) lead Durham 58/6 (Bancroft 20; S Cook 3-20) by 124 runs
Essex picked up six wickets in the final session of Day 1 after collapsing early in the first innings against Durham. In the first sessions, Chris Rushworth (4-32) and Ben Raine (4-45) bowled out Essex for 182. Their last five wickets fell for just three runs. Coming at No. 4, Michael Pepper top-scored with 92.
In reply, opener Alex Lees fell for nought to Jamie Porter in the third over. Sam Cook then picked up three wickets, while Peter Siddle had two as Durham struggled to reach 58/6 before the close of play.
Warwickshire v Nottinghamshire, Edgbaston
Warwickshire 250/6 (Rhodes 91; Paterson 3-57) vs Nottinghamshire
Skipper Will Rhodes (91) and Sam Hain (61) helped Warwickshire put on 250/6 against group toppers Nottinghamshire after Day 1. The pair added 85 runs for the third wicket before Rhodes fell to Liam Patterson-White.
Warwickshire were 238/3 at one stage. However, three late strikes from Dane Paterson with the second new ball brought Nottinghamshire back into the game before the close of play. Notts captain Steven Mullaney and Lyndon James also had a wicket apiece. Matthew Lamb (43 not out) is still in the middle, with Danny Briggs.