County Championship 2026

[Durhamfootman]

Durham/Gloucs is the only cricket in town atm

it's actually quite nice here, weatherwise. There's even a bit of weak sunshine

[Arthur Crabtree]

Might be a draw with the weather, but Surrey are in trouble...

[captaincolly]

Farce at the Riverside! Last wicket pair for Gloucestershire avoided the innings defeat - Durham needing 4 to win. Umpires abandoned play for bad light!

[Arthur Crabtree]

Thems the rules! The other way is anarchy...

[captaincolly]

Yes, Gloucestershire really should have just put the spinner on. I suppose there was a tiny chance it would rain all day so they were within their rights.

[captaincolly]

Suitably farcical end to the game- Potts opening the batting against the spinner!

[Durhamfootman]

I wonder what an extra night in a hotel cost Gloucs?

At least 20 rooms, I’d have thought

[Arthur Crabtree]

Yes, Gloucestershire really should have just put the spinner on.

Yes, fair enough. Dreadful season for them.

I'm dubious about the 'common sense' argument, because it's mainly used as an excuse for ignoring the rules they play by for the purpose of getting the game over with. And once the ultimate goal becomes getting the game over with, it loses value. That's a very slippery slope.

And it usually results in the losers having to abandon their right to play by the rules. I think it's often pushed by players/commentators/reporters who would rather have a day on the golf course.

Even though it's absurd, I rather those involved went to the trouble of respecting the rules. Even if it means absurd shenanigans like in this game.

Though it might be part of what feels like middle age onset OCD...

[captaincolly]

I think you're right. I suppose if the umpires start using judgement instead of following the rules it could open up a can of worms. I do wonder though if it had been day 4 they might have decided the light had improved sufficiently!

Looks as if Surrey are in trouble against Essex. Lead by 22 with 4 wickets left.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Hants going to beat Glam, weather permitting.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Heroics from Foakesy on a day of draws.

He got a three ball duck in the first innings.

[andy]

Charlie Allison signs a new contract extension with Essex, good news before our game with Sussex starts today I will be going to Chelmsford today to watch

[Arthur Crabtree]

Surrey or Leics for the second drop spot?

Surrey host Yorks, and Leics have a harder task at Notts. Where it's raining.

[andy]

Strange side named by Essex...harmer batting 7 and porter left out

[andy]

2nd over of the innings pepper up to the stumps already to snater...cook found the edge twice in his first over didn't carry to slips cordon