The Republic Bank Caribbean Premier League and Massy Women’s Caribbean Premier League created a total economic impact of US$55,258,616 for Trinidad & Tobago during the 2023 tournament. This is a 15 per cent increase from the total generated in 2022.

 There were six men’s matches and four Women’s matches in Trinidad between 5 and 10 September with games taking place at the Queen’s Park Oval and the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, including the WCPL final.

 The total event impact is calculated by world renowned research organization, YouGov Sport. The figure is based on organizer spend, visitor spend and media value for Trinidad & Tobago.

The tournament filled 13,961 hotel room nights in Trinidad, made up by CPL’s significant cohort which included players, coaches, administrators, TV and media crews, team owner groups, league and franchise event management teams, alongside overseas visitors who arrived to watch the games. A large part of the total economic impact figure stems from the money spent by these overseas visitors who spend time in Trinidad & Tobago during the event.

Trinidad & Tobago also benefited from the tournament being broadcast around the world with CPL’s audience reaching 853.5million total viewers in 2023. As always, the tournament worked closely with the local tourism authorities to create world class content which highlighted the unique sports tourism opportunities that Trinidad & Tobago had to offer. These exclusive features and vignettes were shown during the CPL matches, further promoting the tourism message.

Pete Russell, Republic Bank CPL’s CEO, said: “History was created in Trinidad & Tobago in 2023 when the Barbados Royals won an expanded WCPL in front of a sell-out crowd at the Brian Lara Cricket Academy, and it was fantastic to once again be somewhere that is the beating heart of CPL cricket. ”

Also weighing in in on the League’s impact was Minister of Sport and Community Development, the Honourable Shamfa Cudjoe-Lewis, who said: “Once again, the Caribbean Premier League had demonstrated its remarkable impact on generating economic activity in Trinidad and Tobago. CPL’s statistics underscore the league’s pivotal role in advancing and developing our nation’s sport tourism portfolio. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago, through the Ministry of Sport and Community Development and the Sports Company of Trinidad and Tobago (SporTT), looks forward to the return of the CPL in 2024, as we remain committed to harnessing the power of sport to drive economic growth and fostering community development across the nation.”

As the much-anticipated ICC Men’s T20 World Cup draws closer, Cricket West Indies president Dr Kishore Shallow expressed satisfaction with the region’s state of readiness for global showpiece which is jointly hosted by in the Caribbean and United States.

Shallow’s remarks followed a recent visit Kensington Oval in Barbados where he was assured that all was on course for the June 1-29 tournament.

Barbados will host nine matches– five in the group stage, three in the Super Eight second stage, and the final on June 29, which will mark the third such ICC marquee game to be staged at the venue following on from the historic One-Day International World Cup in 2007 and the 2010 T20 World Cup.

Though West Indies will not feature in any group stage games at the Oval, a box office fixture between reigning T20 World champions England and Australia is on the cards for June 8.

Ambassador Noel Lynch, chairman of the National Organising Committee, in a recent media conference said that the major elements of the storied venue would be delivered to tournament authorities next week while the remaining elements would be completed by month end.

“On the eastern concourse where there’s the party stand and the temporary facility, and all of those facilities that are coming in, we are sure that we’ll hand over those on the 30th of April. But we’ll hand over the major parts that you know – the 3Ws, the Greenidge and Haynes, the Media Centre, the field of play, the scoreboards, all of the electronic boards – will be finished within a week and handed over,” Lynch said.

“I think that’s ahead of schedule. I think Barbados has done an exceptional job. It wasn’t my job … when I came back from the US, we were already very far advanced in terms of the progress – the infrastructural progress at Kensington Oval,” he added.

Shallow agreed, as he gave the thumbs up to Barbados and other host venues across the region, who are well advanced in preparation for the tournament.

“Well ahead of schedule. I’m happy with the progress we’ve made so far with the World Cup and it’s definitely going to be a spectacle of an event and something we should all look forward to,” Shallow said.

He later revealed that there was one territory that was lagging behind in their preparations, but was reluctant to name the island.

Along with Barbados, games will also be played in Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“Only one facility in the Caribbean, one country (is) probably a couple weeks behind schedule, but we have their commitment that they are going to accelerate. It might take some day and night application but no doubt, by June 1, every country in the Caribbean is going to be ready,” Shallow shared.

Josh Tongue still marvels at his “crazy summer” last year but the swiftness of his rise and injury setbacks along the way have taught the England fast bowler not to look too far ahead.

Tongue followed up a five-wicket haul on Test debut against Ireland at Lord’s last June by returning to the venue weeks later and snaring David Warner and Steve Smith in both innings in his lone Ashes match.

A couple of separate pectoral issues – unconnected to a shoulder nerve problem that sidelined him between June 2021 and August 2022 – have interrupted his progress, denying him an ODI debut in the Caribbean at the back end of last year and possible involvement in England’s recent Test tour of India.

After going under the knife in December, Tongue is back bowling in practice again ahead of schedule and awaiting the green light to return to competitive action for the first time since last August.

Having switched counties over the winter from Worcestershire to Nottinghamshire, the 26-year-old’s focus is on impressing at Trent Bridge rather than looking ahead to the English Test summer.

“I don’t really look into the future at all,” he told the PA news agency. “Last summer, I didn’t think I would have ever played for England and then all of a sudden, I had the phone call and I was selected.

“It was a crazy summer and it all happened so quickly. It took me a while to let it all sink in. Getting out the world’s top-class batters is an amazing feeling.

“Whatever I do as a bowler is to try and do the best for the team. When I do get back playing, I just want to focus on doing as well as I can for Notts and if England do come knocking then happy days.”

Having handed Tongue a two-year central contract, England are likely to be keeping a close eye on him, with the first Test of the summer not starting until July 10 against the West Indies at Lord’s.

There is at least one seamer vacancy following Stuart Broad’s retirement last year and with Rob Key, England’s director of men’s cricket, suggesting recently they are on the lookout for bowlers who can consistently operate in the mid-to-high 80mph range, Tongue fits the bill.

“There’s loads of fast bowlers in the country so there’s a good group of us now who are going to push for a spot,” Tongue said.

“Every team likes having fast bowlers, they’ve got a point of difference, especially when there’s not much going out there and you need someone that bowls 85-90mph to change the game.”

While Broad has also left a sizeable hole at Nottinghamshire, Tongue rejected out of hand the suggestion he could be the long-term replacement.

“Not at all,” he said. “I’m a different bowler. I go about things differently to what Broady would have done.

“He was an unbelievable bowler and somebody I grew up watching. To share the changing room for England last year was amazing. I haven’t thought about filling his shoes at all, I just want to do the best I can for Notts.”

Tongue was not alone in leaving Worcestershire for Nottinghamshire in the close-season, with Dillon Pennington and Jack Haynes also moving to the east midlands.

“I just want to win games for Notts, that’s why I came here,” Tongue added. “I want to win trophies. It’s every cricketer’s aim.”

Nottinghamshire, who were beaten by Essex in their Vitality County Championship opener, are due to welcome Worcestershire this week although Tongue is unlikely to be available against his former club.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) director of cricket Miles Bascombe has confirmed that a new Caribbean T20 tournament is being planned for next year.

Bascombe pointed out that the tournament, which has the blessings of Caribbean Premier League (CPL) organizers, is aimed at unearthing a wider range of new talent and is being earmarked for next year May.

“There is some recognition that the CPL may not necessarily be where those stars would emerge, so we are working with CPL to have an emerging players regional T20 tournament,” Bascombe revealed during a CWI press conference in Barbados Monday.

“We recognise in terms of T20 cricket that we need a way to find our next crop of T20 players. We have had success in T20 cricket and I’m sure the head coach [Darren Sammy] is anticipating some more success as we play at home in this (T20) World Cup. But we generally still have to work hard at finding our next crop of emerging T20 stars," he added.

News of the tournament initially came to the fore last December when CWI vice-president Azim Bassarath and Caribbean Premier League CEO Pete Russell indicated that the two bodies were in discussions about a secondary T20 spectacle. Russell at that point hinted at the prospect that the emerging players tournament could come to fruition.

“We feel that’s an important part of any cricket system, even CPL. So, we want to support that in as big a way as possible," Russell said.

With the ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup now less than two months away, West Indies Head coach, Daren Sammy says he has just about settled on his squad for the global showpiece, which will be jointly hosted in the Caribbean and United States.

Sammy, who captained the West Indies in T20 titles in 2012 and 2016, is aiming to cop his first title as a coach and, by extension, lead the regional side to a third crown. As such, he pointed to three Ps –personnel, preparation and purpose –which has guided his decision-making where selecting players is concerned.

“We’ve selected squads and exposed about 22 players over the last year in preparation for this main event that is coming, and fine-tuning and giving clear guidance as to what roles are required in the different positions, to help us to be successful,” Sammy told journalists during a press briefing on Monday.

“So you would’ve seen … different guys getting different opportunities over a consistent period of time in different roles, and it has brought us down to probably the final 15, 16, 20 players, and it’s about fine-tuning now. I’m probably quite sure as to what my World Cup team will be. It’s based on the measures that we’ve taken and the strategic roles we have given players,” he added.

Sammy expressed satisfaction with the entire thought process that goes into their preparation to ensure that players’ mindset and performances align with their objectives. He also welcomed the fact that the core group of players are already showing a heightened sense of belief, which he believes is vital to their charge.

“Where before 2023 we were averaging six or so runs per over between overs number seven to 15 whereas international teams were going at seven, close to eight, we have now changed that to seven. Still, we need improvement but the small measures that we’re taking and the preciseness with which we’re working has enabled us to take little strides,” Sammy noted.

“Where our team is really strong is in the engine room. What I call the engine room is from number four to seven, where you have your all-rounders coming in and keeping on the pressure. I’m quite happy with where we are as a T20 team as we’re building towards the main event. I see a group of men that believe that they can win,” he declared.

Sammy’s side, to be led by Jamaican Rovman Powell, will contest Group C alongside New Zealand, Afghanistan, Papua New Guinea and Uganda in the preliminary stage of the June 1-29 tournament.

Their group campaign will be spread across Guyana, St Lucia and Trinidad, and Sammy said much of the planning took into consideration the various venues.

“A lot goes into our thinking when we select different teams and with the different venues that we have, if you see the different teams we play, it’s right in line with the strength of our team and understanding what it will take to defeat these guys,” Sammy shared.

“The biggest thing for us has been preparation and it shows that when we prepare well, we’ve given ourselves the best chance of performing. The system that we’ve implemented is just geared towards winning the World Cup, and that’s what we have to do,” he ended.

Cricket West Indies (CWI) is announcing the appointment of three women to its Board of Directors, marking a historic milestone for gender diversity and inclusion within the organization.

Ms. Diann Campbell and Mrs. Louise Victor-Frederick join as new appointees, while Mrs. Debra Coryat-Patton returns to the board.

Ms. Diann Campbell, a distinguished Jamaican cricket administrator with nearly three decades of experience, holds a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management and a Bachelor’s degree in History with a minor in Politics. Her expertise in cricket administration, corporate governance, and organizational development will greatly benefit CWI's strategic initiatives.

Mrs. Louise Victor-Frederick, a seasoned branding and communications strategist from St. Lucia, brings a wealth of experience to the board. With a Master’s degree in International Public Relations and Global Communications Management, along with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Mrs. Victor has made significant contributions to the corporate landscape of St. Lucia. She also serves as a Director of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry & Agriculture.

Returning to the Board of Directors is Mrs. Debra Coryat-Patton, an accomplished Attorney-at-Law from Trinidad & Tobago. Mrs. Coryat-Patton specializes in Employment Law, Intellectual Property Law, and Diplomatic Protocol, bringing invaluable legal expertise to the board. She is also a Chartered Director and Chartered Corporate Secretary, reflecting her commitment to governance excellence.

In addition to these appointments, Mr. Hallam Nichols has been reappointed as an Independent Director, further enhancing the board's collective expertise and vision. Mr. Nichols is a prominent Barbadian entrepreneur. He served on the CWI Stakeholders Relations Committee.

Dr. Kishore Shallow, President of Cricket West Indies, expressed his enthusiasm for the new appointments, stating, "We are thrilled to welcome Ms. Campbell and Mrs. Victor-Frederick as new appointees, and we warmly welcome back Mrs. Coryat-Patton and Mr. Nichols to the CWI Board of Directors. Their diverse backgrounds, extensive experience, and unwavering commitment to excellence will undoubtedly strengthen our organization and contribute to the advancement of cricket in the West Indies."

Regarding diversity on the board, President Shallow emphasized, "Since the beginning, I've advocated for diversity within CWI to ensure fairness both on and off the field. This appointment is a natural progression of our ongoing commitment."

President Shallow also thanked the outgoing Independent Directors saying "My profound gratitude to both Manniram Prashad and Gail Mathurin for their service as independent directors. They have certainly made meaningful contributions to West Indies Cricket, and we anticipate their continued involvement and impact in other capacities".

With these appointments, CWI reaffirms its commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, setting a new standard for cricket governance in the region. All four appointments are for a one-year period ending March 2025.

Essex underlined their Vitality County Championship title credentials as seamer Sam Cook spearheaded a comprehensive 254-run win over Nottinghamshire.

Cook took six for 14 to go with his first-innings hat-trick as the home side were bowled out for just 80 in their second innings. He finished with match figures of 10 for 73.

Strike partner Jamie Porter took three for 43 as Joe Clarke top-scored with a modest 19.

However, Essex face an anxious wait to see if they will suffer a points deduction after opener Feroze Khushi’s bat failed an on-field dimensions check during their second innings.

Joe Denly and Daniel Bell-Drummond both hit centuries as Kent survived a mid-morning scare to earn a draw with Somerset at Canterbury.

Kent were in trouble on 10 for two and again at 70 for three, but a partnership of 222 for the fourth wicket took the sting out of the contest and they closed on 290 for four declared.

Warwickshire and Worcestershire drew after bad weather ruined an intriguing game at Edgbaston.

Worcestershire were frustratingly denied a chance to press for victory on their return to Division One after a wet outfield prevented play before lunch.

In the sliver of play that was possible on the final day, they took their overnight score from 237 for two to 295 for three – a lead of 322.

The match between Lancashire and Surrey ended in a draw after no play was possible on the final day at Emirates Old Trafford.

The outfield remained too wet after heavy overnight rain and a morning shower, with umpires carrying out three inspections before finally pulling the plug at 2.15pm.

Durham and Hampshire also had to settle for a draw after rain prevented any play at Chester-le-Street.

After the opening three days at Seat Unique Riverside had been washed out, there had seemed a possibility of play on day four, but captains Scott Borthwick and James Vince shook hands on a draw following a midday inspection.

In Division Two, England star Harry Brook hit a stunning final-day 100 not out in his first competitive innings since December as Yorkshire and Leicestershire had to settle for an opening-round draw at Headingley.

Brook arrived at the crease four balls into day four of this weather-ravaged fixture, overnight rain and a wet outfield once again delaying the start of play.

Brook smashed 14 fours and two sixes in 69 balls, Yorkshire declaring immediately on 264 for six just before tea in order to improve a slow over rate from the first innings.

They did this successfully as spinners Dan Moriarty and Adam Lyth raced through 7.2 overs before the rain arrived at 4pm with Leicestershire on 26 without loss in their second innings. No more play was possible, with Yorkshire taking 12 points and Leicestershire 13.

Middlesex all-rounder Ryan Higgins recorded his highest first-class score of 221 as his side’s opener against Glamorgan at Lord’s drifted to an inevitable draw.

Higgins’ epic effort, which contained 21 fours and two sixes, was his first double-hundred and featured a ninth-wicket partnership of 114 with Tom Helm, who also posted a career-best 64. A share of the spoils had always seemed virtually guaranteed on a batting-friendly pitch where only 15 wickets fell in the course of four days.

Lewis McManus’ determined resistance and bad light frustrated Sussex’s bid to pull off an unlikely victory over Northamptonshire on a gripping final day at Hove.

McManus (13 not out) batted for an hour as four partners came and went and Northants lurched to 170 for nine before umpires decided it was too gloomy even for spin with the visitors ahead by 63.

The start of the new season at Derby ended in anti-climax and frustration when the match between Derbyshire and Gloucestershire was abandoned without a ball bowled due to bad weather.

Bad light and determined resistance by Lewis McManus frustrated Sussex's bid to pull off an unlikely victory over Northamptonshire on Monday's fourth and final day at Hove.

McManus batted for an hour as four partners came and went and Northants crawled  to 170-9 before the umpires called an end to proceedings with Northants ahead by 63.

The loss of more than 100 overs eventually proved decisive but Sussex will have drawn a lot of encouragement after making most of the running, especially on the last two days. They took 15 points and Northants 13.

Having established a first-innings lead of 107, they reduced Northants to 57 for 4. Skipper Luke Procter (41) settled the nerves before left-arm spinner James Coles revived Sussex hopes with three of the four wickets that fell in 7.1 overs after tea that left them 152 for 8.

McManus and Ben Sanderson resisted for eight overs until the light improved sufficiently to enable Sussex skipper John Simpson to bring back his quicks Jayden Seales and Ollie Robinson for two overs each.

Robinson responded with an unplayable yorker to uproot Sanderson's middle stump, a fitting way to celebrate his 400th first-class wicket. Spinners Coles and Jack Carson returned but the light didn't improve and the players shook hands shortly after 6pm.

Sussex had declared their first innings on 478 for 9 after adding 127 in 20 overs to collect maximum batting points. Fynn Hudson-Prentice and Danny Lamb extended their seventh wicket stand to 99 from just 14.1 overs with Lamb contributing 41 before Chris Tremain held an excellent low catch at midwicket off Sanderson.

Hudson-Prentice, who made nine Championship fifties last season, demonstrated his effectiveness again with 73 from 60 balls and it took a clever piece of bowling by Tremain to remove him when he held one back and Hudson-Prentice drove to long-on.

Even the normally frugal Sanderson suffered when Carson hit him for three sixes in a lively 61 from 53 balls. Aiming to clear midwicket again he was bowled to give left-arm spinner Zaib his fourth wicket.

Robinson and Seales plundered 30 runs from ten balls before the declaration left Northants with four overs before lunch which they couldn't negotiate unscathed as Seales produced a lovely away-swinger which Justin Broad edged to third slip.

Sussex gained further encouragement with three wickets in ten overs after lunch. Emilio Gay (20) lost his off stump to give Seales his sixth wicket of the match and Karun Nair edged Robinson to third slip with Coles taking a superb catch low to his left.

George Bartlett drove off spinner Carson onto the roof of the South Stand only to perish two balls later before a stand of 73 between Procter and Rob Keogh steered Northants into calmer waters, for a while at least.

Coles added to his three first-innings wickets with three more after tea. Zaib was well caught at slip trying to guide the ball to third man; Keogh was lbw to a quicker ball for a well-made 55; and Michael Finan taken at second slip on the drive. Carson sparked the collapse when he went around the wicket to have Procter leg before as he aimed through midwicket.

Robinson finished with 2 for 19 from ten overs in three spells and bowled at a good pace throughout. He will have been pleased to get through 32 overs in what was only his second first-class match since July 2023.

Full Scores: Northamptonshire 371 (Luke Procter 92, Karun Nair 57, Jayden Seales 4-86) and 170 for 9 (Rob Keogh 55) drew with Sussex 478 for 9 declared (Tom Haines 133, James Coles 78, Fynn Hudson-Prentice 73, Jack Carson 61, Saif Zaib 4-84)

Cricket West Indies (CWI) and the Cricket Association of Nepal (CAN) have announced a T20 ‘A’ Team tour as part of their respective ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 preparations.

This historic series will be the first time a West Indies team has toured Nepal and will consist of five (5) T20 matches, all of which will be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground in Kirtipur.

Miles Bascombe, CWI Director of Cricket commented, "this A-team tour is another indication of the importance we are placing on A-team cricket and a significant phase in our preparations for the T20 World Cup. It gives us a final opportunity to see many of the contenders for a place in the squad who are not participating in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Even for those players who do not make the final World Cup squad they will be a part of the reserve pool. A hallmark of the 2016 T20 World Cup campaign was the ability of reserve players to come in and have an immediate impact so we must be ready for all eventualities. We also relish the opportunity to take the West Indies brand to Nepal for the first time, as cricket continues to grow in popularity there.”

CAN Secretary, Paras Khadka, stated, “we are humbled and excited with the prospect of the West Indies ‘A’ team touring Nepal. This marks a significant moment in our cricketing history as we embrace this wonderful opportunity bestowed upon us, which will help us prepare significantly for the T20 World Cup and beyond.  This historic tour to Nepal, a young cricketing nation slowly finding its pathway in the world of cricket, will excite our passionate fans. Our heartfelt gratitude towards CWI for their support and belief in Nepal cricket and for continuing to help grow the game all over the world. We hope this will ignite more future tours and bilateral cricketing tie-ups between us and other top cricketing nations, as we march forward with great enthusiasm and appreciation.”

The only time West Indies have played Nepal in International cricket was a One Day International at the Harare Sports Club, during the ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifiers in 2023, with the West Indies winning by 101 runs.

Co-Hosts, West Indies are in Group C in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and will face Papua New Guinea, Uganda, New Zealand, and Afghanistan, whilst Nepal is in Group D and will face the Netherlands, Sri Lanka, South Africa, and Bangladesh.

West Indies ‘A’ Tour to Nepal Schedule

All matches to be played at the Tribhuvan University International Cricket Ground (TU) in Kirtipur, Nepal.  All matches start at 1.00 pm (local time)

Saturday 27 April - 1st ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 1:00 pm

Sunday 28 April - 2nd ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 1:00 pm

Wednesday 1 May - 3rd ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 1:00 pm

Thursday 2 May - 4th ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 1:00 pm

Saturday 4 May - 5th ‘A’ Team T20, Nepal v West Indies ‘A’ at TU at 1:00 pm

Paul Downton ended a torrid 14-month tenure as managing director of England cricket when he was sacked on this day in 2015.

The former Test wicketkeeper was judged to have the right mix of on-field experience and business savvy from his time in the city, but was overwhelmed by events during his turbulent reign.

Taking over from Hugh Morris, he picked up the aftermath of the brutal 2013/14 Ashes whitewash and immediately took ownership of the decision to ex-communicate star batter Kevin Pietersen, whose own relationship with the squad had fallen into disrepair.

The ECB was later forced to apologise for breaching a settlement agreement with Pietersen following comments made by Downton to BBC’s Test Match Special.

Downton’s judgement was questioned when he reappointed Peter Moores for a second stint in charge of the team despite his previous failure in the role, hailing him as the “best coach of his generation” and “the future of English cricket”.

Although Moores narrowly outlasted him, a dire performance at the 2015 World Cup reflected badly on both men.

New ECB chief executive Tom Harrison made the call to oust Downton while the Test team were on tour in the West Indies, declaring: “Paul is a man of great integrity. Today has been a very tough day for the ECB and we’ve made a tough decision on a highly respected member of staff.

“Today is about the future of cricket. Today is about where this organisation is set to go over the next four to five years.”

The brief for Downton’s job was tightened and rebranded, attracting a more current figure in the shape of recent Test captain Andrew Strauss. With a renewed emphasis on elite performance, he replaced Moores with Trevor Bayliss and set the groundwork for England’s World Cup triumph in 2019.

Downton’s career in administration would get a second chapter, though, returning as director of cricket at his former county, Kent.

His time at Canterbury proved more productive, overseeing promotion to Division One of the County Championship in his first year and subsequent titles in the T20 and 50-over formats. He retired at the end of the 2023 campaign amid plentiful praise for his work.

Kashif Ali hit a second century of the match as Worcestershire dominated day three of their Vitality County Championship Division One clash with Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Kashif surpassed his stylish first-innings knock of 110 with a superb 133 from just 128 balls to help his side amass 237 for two to lead by 264 going into the final day.

Warwickshire lost their last five wickets for 27 to fold to 333 all out and give the visitors a lead of 27, which they enhanced in highly entertaining fashion as Kashif was supported by Jake Libby’s unbeaten 75.

Nottinghamshire look likely to be chasing a 300-plus target on the final day after Essex hauled themselves out of a tricky situation at Trent Bridge.

At 129 for five shortly before lunch – just 89 runs in front – the visitors appeared in danger of slipping to defeat.

But after Paul Walter (79) and Matt Critchley (68) fought back in a 132-run partnership for the sixth wicket, Tom Westley’s team were 289 in front at 329 for eight when rain forced an early close.

Kent and Somerset look to be heading for a draw at Canterbury.

Tom Lammonby hit 90 and Matt Renshaw 66 as the visitors reached 374 for seven at stumps to overhaul Kent’s first innings score of 284.

Kent debutants Matt Parkinson and George Garrett took three for 31 and two for 61 respectively, but a stand of 101 between Kasey Aldridge and James Rew left Somerset with a lead of 90.

Durham and Hampshire continue to wait for the start of their campaigns as play was abandoned in Chester-le-Street for a third consecutive day due to wet weather.

The match between Lancashire and Surrey also looks certain to end in a draw after only 21 balls were bowled on the third day at Emirates Old Trafford because of rain.

Reigning champions Surrey had progressed to 15 without loss in their first innings in reply to Lancashire’s 202 all out.

In Division Two, Ryan Higgins’ century steered Middlesex towards the safety of a draw in their high-scoring encounter with Glamorgan at Lord’s.

The all-rounder plundered an unbeaten 127 to enable the hosts, faced with the scoreboard pressure of Glamorgan’s first innings score of 620 for three, to move to the verge of avoiding the follow-on with their impressive reply of 460 for five.

Higgins was ably assisted by wicketkeeper-batter Jack Davies, who contributed 60 during a fifth-wicket stand of 153, after opener Mark Stoneman fell three shy of a century.

Sussex opener Tom Haines made 133 but his side’s game against Northamptonshire at Hove looks likely to end in a draw.

The left-hander eased to the 10th first-class hundred of his career as the home team reached 351 for six at stumps, trailing by 20.

Sussex had been in a spot of bother at 94 for three but James Coles produced a stylish 78 in a fourth-wicket stand of 137 to add to his three wickets.

England batter Harry Brook’s first competitive innings of the year was delayed by the weather as Yorkshire’s clash with Leicestershire was abandoned without a ball bowled.

The hosts remain on 72 for two at Headingley in response to Leicestershire’s 354, with Adam Lyth unbeaten on 43 and George Hill on 13.

There was a similar story at Derby where there was no play for the third day running in the match between Derbyshire and Gloucestershire.

In a run-fest at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai Indians secured their first win of the IPL 2024 season with a commanding 29-run victory over Delhi Capitals. The highlight of the match was Player of the Match Romario Shepherd's explosive batting display in the final over, where he smashed 32 runs off Anrich Nortje to lift Mumbai to a formidable total of 234 for 5.

Mumbai's innings began with a blazing start from Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan, who put on an impressive 80-run partnership in just seven overs. Rohit, in particular, was in devastating form, dispatching the Capitals' bowlers to all parts of the ground. He accelerated rapidly, hitting boundaries at will and setting the tone for Mumbai's innings.

As the Capitals looked to regain control with spinners, Rohit continued his onslaught, unfazed by the change in bowling attack. His aggressive strokeplay kept Mumbai's scoreboard ticking at a rapid pace, pushing them to 75 for no loss after six overs.

While Rohit fell just short of a half-century, contributions from Kishan and later Tim David (45* off 21) and Romario Shepherd (39* off 10) propelled Mumbai to a daunting total. Shepherd's heroics in the final over, particularly against Nortje, turned the tide firmly in Mumbai's favor and provided crucial momentum heading into the second innings.

In response, Delhi Capitals fought bravely, led by Prithvi Shaw's attacking 66 off 40 balls and a sensational unbeaten 71 from Tristan Stubbs. Shaw's aggressive approach and Stubbs' late onslaught kept the Capitals in contention, but Mumbai's total proved too challenging to chase down.

Despite the Capitals' spirited efforts, the 20th over of Mumbai's innings, where Romario Shepherd unleashed a flurry of boundaries against Nortje, emerged as the decisive moment of the match. Shepherd's exceptional hitting display not only boosted Mumbai's total significantly but also injected momentum and confidence into the team.

Sophie Devine struck an unbeaten century to guide New Zealand to a seven-wicket victory over England in the final game of the ODI series in Hamilton.

Captain Devine anchored her side to a comprehensive victory, finishing with 100 off 93 balls in a chase of 195.

She finished the game in style, hitting a six to bring up her ton and secure her side’s consolation victory in the 2-1 series defeat.

England took to the crease first but were dealt an early blow as Tammy Beaumont was lbw to Hannah Rowe.

Maia Bouchier was dismissed just one over later before captain Heather Knight and Nat Sciver-Brunt looked to anchor the innings.

With the score 82 for two from 17 overs, Sciver-Brunt was caught off Amelia Kerr for 27.

The captain watched wickets fall around her, with Sophia Dunkley and Danni Wyatt out for one and four respectively.

Knight was the next to go before wicketkeeper Amy Jones and Charlie Dean put together a much-needed partnership of 73, with Jones top-scoring for England with 50.

England finished all out for 194 fter 46 overs, with Jess Kerr and Rowe picking up three wickets each.

England looked in the game after removing both New Zealand openers with only 14 on the board before Amelia Kerr and Devine built a strong partnership.

Sophie Ecclestone had Amelia Kerr lbw for 31, but that was the final wicket, with Maddy Green scoring 38 not out alongside Devine to reach England’s total after 39 overs.

Barbados-born England fast bowler Jofra Archer is expected to play for local club, Wildey when the Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) Twenty20 Cup tournament opens on Sunday.

Archer and former West Indies white-ball captain Carlos Brathwaite are expected to be part of the Wildey line-up when they face Police in the opening round of matches on home soil at the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology ground.

The 28-year-old made a surprise appearance for his relegation-threatened alma mater, Foundation School in the BCA Division 1 championship last December at the same time England were on a white-ball tour of the Caribbean, much to the chagrin of England & Wales Cricket Board officials.

England managing director Rob Key said on Friday that Archer will not play Tests this summer when Ben Stokes’ side face West Indies and Sri Lanka, but he will hopefully be ready for the ICC Men’s Twenty20 World Cup in June in the Caribbean and the United States.

“The whole plan with Jofra is he’s going to play white-ball cricket for this summer and going into the winter,” Key told Sky Sports.

“Then hopefully next summer, when we play India and then onto the Ashes, we get him back for Test cricket. It’s a slow process to get him back for all forms.”

Key said Archer is being eased back into action after he struggled with stress fractures in his elbow, but the fast bowler was a part of a pre-season trip with English County side Sussex last month to India and bowled with fire.

“Jofra has been out with Sussex in India for pre-season and bowled quickly out there, he bowled really well,” Key added.

“He has now gone back to the Caribbean where he’s going to play a bit of club cricket, all about getting himself ready for that T20 World Cup.”

Key said: “He’ll hopefully play the Pakistan series, but it’s always fingers-crossed at the moment with Jofra.

“What we’re going to do is take it slower (rather) than trying to go too quickly, so that we get him back for not just a short period, but we get him for a long period.”

Archer last played a Test for England more than three years ago in February 2021, but he has since represented them in white-ball cricket, with his last outing coming in a Twenty20 International against Bangladesh last year.

Sam Northeast made history for Glamorgan in Vitality County Championship Division Two after hitting the highest first-class score recorded at Lord’s against Middlesex.

The captain hit 335 not out to overtake Graham Gooch’s 333 for England against India in 1990 and put on an unbeaten fourth-wicket partnership of 299 with Colin Ingram (132 not out) before Glamorgan declared on 620 for three.

Sam Robson was the first to fall for Middlesex seven runs short of a century but the hosts finished day two trailing by 482 runs with nine wickets remaining.

Essex bowler Sam Cook put in an impressive display in Division One, taking a hat-trick as his side lead Nottinghamshire by 24 runs at Trent Bridge.

The visitors were all out for 253 after Jamie Porter was dismissed in the morning and Joe Clarke put Nottinghamshire in a strong position with 104 off 185 balls before having his wicket taken by Simon Harmer.

The hosts were also helped by Jack Haynes’ 77 but following his dismissal by Matt Critchley Cook claimed the wickets of Lyndon James, Brett Hutton and Dillon Pennington as the hosts slumped to 293 all out. Essex finished on 65 for one second time around.

Cameron Steel took five wickets as Lancashire were bowled all out for 202 by Surrey, with Australian spinner Nathan Lyon making his debut for the hosts at Old Trafford.

Day one was washed out, but play was able to begin at lunchtime on day two following a pitch inspection and Josh Bohannon top-scored with 84 from 155 balls before falling to Dan Lawrence, who picked up four wickets on debut for Surrey.

Steel bowled George Balderson for 21 before Lawrence took over, but he went on to mop up the tail finishing with five wickets for 25 runs, which included the wicket of Lyon for a duck. Surrey closed on 11 without loss.

Kent were all out for 284 against Somerset before bad light ended play early on day two at Canterbury.

Lewis Gregory finished the day with four wickets as Joe Evison (85) and Harry Finch (54) led the effort for the hosts.

Ed Barnard’s 89 means Warwickshire trail Worcestershire by 68 runs with five wickets remaining at Edgbaston.

Worcestershire resumed day two on 316 for seven and were bowled all out for 360, with Chris Rushworth claiming three of the wickets.

Barnard starred with the bat, scoring 89 from 124 balls before being trapped lbw by Adam Finch. Warwickshire will resume day three with Dan Mousely unbeaten on 56 alongside Michael Burgess on one.

In Division Two, Captain Luke Proctor’s 92 helped Northamptonshire as they closed day two on 292 for seven against Sussex at Hove. Karun Nair hit 57 for the visitors.

Ben Mike scored 90 for Leicestershire on his return to Yorkshire as they were bowled all out for 354 by the hosts at Headingley.

Mike, who left Yorkshire in November one year into a three-year deal, returned for a second spell at Grace Road in search of greater opportunity in this competition.

Leicestershire resumed on 164 for five and needed the efforts of Mike and Tom Scriven (56) to halt their slide, with seamer Matt Milnes taking four wickets for Yorkshire.

All-rounder Mike then impressed with the ball in the evening session, taking two wickets as the hosts finished day two on 72 for two.

Wet weather meant no play was possible for a second day in Durham’s Division One meeting with Hampshire and for Derbyshire’s clash with Gloucestershire in Division Two.