Good Morning from Headingley, where the rain is drumming on the press box roof and it looks like the start will be delayed this bank holiday Monday.
I’m a little weary after an late night EU election telly stint on the sofa, but a double expresso at Manchester Victoria took the edge off and there are some smashing games to look forward to.
But first some obscure trivia: I was tipped off by a chap on the No. 1 bus to take a look at this, 21 year old Kershaski John Lewis from Dominica who made 237 not out for Carlton v Jer Lane -beating the highest score in the Bradford Premier League.
“He had never been to England before, but you wouldn’t know it,” said Carlton cricket chairman Philip Hulme. “He has made a huge impact and we are all going to celebrate his record with him.”
Anyway, back to the Championship, where there is a rich menu for all tastes.
Division One
Yorkshire v Hampshire: overnight rain adds a touch of pepper to this clash between second and third. Hampshire, whose only Championship defeat came against Yorkshire at the Ageas Bowl in April, come fresh from defeat in the Royal London Final and are without James Vince and Liam Dawson. But with Ajinkya Rahane, who played beautifully at Newclose. Yorkshire are without Tim Bresnan, out for a month, he’s expected to be replaced by the luckless David Willey.
Warwickshire v Surrey: two teams struggling in their different ways meet at a damp Edgbaston. Fifth-placed Surrey have been slow out of the blocks this year; Warwickshire sit at the bottom of Division One with three losses out of three and just 10 points. A bright star amongst the gloom the bowling of Liam Norwell. Also news, Sussex wicketkeeper Michael Burgess joins Warwicks on a two-year deal on June 1.
Essex v Kent: The friendly southern rivals head to Chelmsford. Essex beat Nottinghamshire in the last round of games and Kent are perky from a hardy last day rearguard action against Surrey.
Division Two
Worcestershire v Middlesex: Second placed Worcestershire are without Wayne Parnell, still suffering from the hamstring injury he suffered in the defeat to Lancashire at Old Trafford. Josh Tongue is expected to return. David Malan slots in as Middlesex captain after recovering from a groin injury and Toby Roland-Jones and Tim Murtagh strengthen the squad.
Sussex v Glamorgan: Glamorgan dance down to Hove alive with feeling after the wonderful victory over Derbyshire. Andrew Salter, Timm van der Gugten, Marchant de Lange and Kiran Carlson all return to the squad.
Leicestershire v Derbyshire: seventh v eighth, Leicestershire from a draw with Middlesex, Derbyshire from a close-run defeat against Glamorgan.
Gloucestershire v Lancashire: The first day of three Championship matches at Cheltenham this season. It isn’t the usual Cheltenham wicket, but the school pitch which is considered quicker. Lancashire arrive with victories in their first three Championship games for the first time since 1995, Alex Davies is expected to play after recovering from his broken thumb. Gloucestershire are unbeaten in the Championship this season.