LONDON, April 15: Australian batsman Mike Hussey converted his overnight century into a commanding 253 for new county Durham as they strengthened their grip away to Leicestershire during the first round of the 2005 English County Championship. Durham skipper Hussey, who resumed on 165, faced 426 balls with three sixes and 33 fours before he was finally caught by Aftab Habib off Darren Masters.
Durham eventually declared on 523 for eight on the second day of their Second Division fixture at Grace Road on Thursday.
Leicestershire were then bowled out for 123, with pace bowler Liam Plunkett taking five for 43. The hosts were forced to follow-on, ending the day 390 runs behind.
In the top flight county champions Warwickshire saw Michael Powell make 144 and England contender Ian Bell strike 96 against Glamorgan at Edgbaston.
The Bears began the day with a deficit of 130 runs but Bell, hoping to regain a place in the England Test team, was in good touch before falling lbw to ex-England off-spinner Robert Croft.
Warwickshire will resume on 415 for four, a lead of 217 runs.
At The Oval, left-hander Michael Yardy hit 111 as Sussex were bowled out for 370 against Surrey with the home side six for one in reply when rain ended play.
Elsewhere former Sussex seamer Billy Taylor gave Hampshire hope before Gloucestershire regained control at the Rose Bowl.
Taylor took three wickets as the visitors were held to 221 — a first innings lead of just 24. But Hampshire suffered their second batting collapse of the match and were 111 for six at the close with captain and Australian leg-spin great Shane Warne 14 not out at the close.
Thursday’s close of play scores:
(Second day of four):
First Division:
At The Rose Bowl: Hampshire 197 (S.M. Katich 72 not out) and 111-6; Gloucestershire 221 (W.P.C. Weston 66).
At The Oval: Sussex 370 (M. Yardy 111, M.J. Prior 59; R. Clarke 4-91); Surrey 6-1.
At Edgbaston: Glamorgan 198 (M.T.G. Elliott 84; A.F. Giles 6-44); Warwickshire 415-4 (M.J. Powell 144 not out, I.R. Bell 96, D,R. Brown 85 not out).
Second Division:
At Derby: Worcestershire 350-9 declared (G.A. Hick 80, S.D. Peters 55); Derbyshire 135 and 10-0.
At Chelmsford: Essex 327-4 (W Jefferson 149, G.W. Flower 65) v Yorkshire.
At Old Trafford: Lancashire 323 (D.G. Cork 65, S.I. Mahmood 57, M.B. Loye 53; A.R. Caddick 4-78); Somerset 193-7 (I.D. Blackwell 74 not out).
At Grace Road: Durham 523-8 declared (M.E.K. Hussey 253, G. Muchall 82, J.J.B. Lewis 50); Leicestershire 123 (L. Plunkett 5-43) and 10-0.—AFP
