triot Andy Bichel, batting at N.8 for Essex, slammed 102 against Middlesex at Lord’s.
Table-toppers Durham were indebted to an innings of 124 by Michael di Venuto, the Australian opener from Tasmania, in a total of 283 at Southampton where Aussie legend Shane Warne took 6-83 for Hampshire.
Andy Caddick, 38-year-old New Zealand-born former England paceman, took a remarkable 7-30 as Somerset shot out Gloucestershire for 121 at Bristol.
* Ian Botham, 51, one of England’s all-time greats, has been awarded a knighthood for his services to cricket and to raising money for charity.