Simon Harmer shines in opening round of English County Championship

Simon Harmer, Wiaan Mulder (Essex) and Codi Yusuf (Hampshire)

Batting at number 9, Harmer struck an unbeaten 71 in a first innings total of 461-7 declared against Hampshire with fellow South African teammate, and new Essex recruit, Wiaan Mulder contributing 17.

South African seamer Codi Yusuf, who was making his debut for Hampshire, took 1-98 in 28 overs.

Harmer then took a 1-22 while Mulder recorded figures of 1-35 as Hampshire were bowled out for just 156.

The home side were forced to follow-on and off-spinner Harmer took 3-49 as Essex wrapped up a comfortable victory by an innings and 137 runs to start the campaign.

Kyle Verreynne (Nottinghamshire)

The Proteas wicketkeeper took four catches as Nottinghamshire dismissed Somerset for 347 in the first innings at Taunton.

Batting at number 6, Verreynne struck three fours but could only manage 25 from 46 balls as the visitors replied with a total of 338.

The hosts then piled on the runs in the second innings, declaring on 407-5 to set Notts an unrealistic target of 417 well into the final day.

Nottinghamshire then batted through to be 140-3 before the game was called a draw with Verreynne not needed at crease.

David Bedingham (Durham), Glenton Stuurman (Kent)

Bedingham, batting at number 4, could only contribute 12 in Durham's first innings total of 335, with seamer Stuurman impressing on debut for Kent with 3-64 in 18 overs.

Kent were then dismissed for 197 in reply but the entire third day of play was lost because of a storm in the North East of England.

Bedingham then struck 48 off 70 balls as Durham looked for quick runs to force a result on the final day with Stuurman taking 2-43 in 10 overs.

The visitors then reached 234-5 in pursuit of a target of 357 with Zimbabwe-born Tawanda Muyeye hitting an unbeaten 109 before the teams shook hands for a draw.

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