Rogers, Voges star in County action

Former Australia Test batsman Chris Rogers has helped put Somerset in a strong position against county champions Yorkshire, scoring 91 on day one of their match in Taunton.

Rogers shared a 148-run second-wicket stand with former England batsman Marcus Trescothick (97) as the hosts reached 4-342 at stumps.

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Yorkshire opted to bowl first and while Steven Patterson struck an early blow, the decision backfired as only four wickets fell on the first day, with James Hildreth (68no) and Jim Allenby (51no) to resume on day two.

"(Bowling first) was a no brainer for us. We felt it was the best call, and still believe it was the best decision for us to strive to win the game," Yorkshire coach Jason Gillespie told yorkshireccc.com at stumps.

"I think Somerset batted well, (but) we bowled well for a fair chunk of the day. "We know we could’ve been a bit better at times with the ball, but you’re looking at a pretty happy coach.

"If we can take some wickets early tomorrow, and put Somerset under some pressure…it’s going to be a big first session."

At The Oval, Adam Voges fell just short of a half-century as Middlesex reached 7-298 on day one of their Division One clash with Surrey.

Openers Sam Robson (53) and Nick Gubbins (91) shared a 126-run opening stand, before Dawid Malan (58) continued the visitors’ strong start.

But after Voges - playing in his first match since suffering concussion earlier this month - was dismissed for 47, Surrey claimed a further 3-32 to ensure honours were split at stumps on day one of the London derby.

"It was a difficult surface but the boys pulled together for the last session and for the first time probably this season we worked as a unit," Surrey all-rounder James Burke told BBC Radio London.

"It's a difficult wicket, the ball's quite up and down but I think if you apply yourselves there's definitely runs to be had and we're definitely happy with how we left the day."

Meanwhile at Trent Bridge, Tasmania quick Jackson Bird claimed three wickets for Nottinghamshire on day one of their showdown with Warwickshire.

Early strikes from Bird and Luke Fletcher had Warwickshire in serious trouble early at 4-17, but centuries from Chris Woakes and Keith Barker ensured the visitors recovered to reach 9-372 at stumps.

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Stand-in skipper Woakes' 121 came three days after being overlooked for England's first Test against Sri Lanka, as he shared a 167-seventh wicket stand with Barker (113).

Woakes is filling in for usual captain Ian Bell, who failed to recover in time from a hamstring injury.

In Northampton, former England spinner Monty Panesar snared two wickets in his return to first-class cricket.

The 34-year-old, who is playing for Northamptonshire on a self-funded basis as he seeks to reignite his international career – targeting England’s tours of Bangladesh and India later this year - caught and bowled Sam Northeast before claiming the wicket of Calum Haggett caught behind.

However, an unbeaten century from Joe Denly helped Kent to 7-300.

"I've really enjoyed my first day back. It was nice to get a good workload in. I was nervy first thing but I got some rhythm going," Panesar said.

In other England cricket action, Victoria opener Travis Dean starred with an unbeaten 176 for Fleetwood Cricket Club in their one-day Northern Premier League showdown with Kendal.

Batting first, Fleetwood were in trouble at 9-136, but Dean found a willing partner in No.11 Kieron McGann, as the pair shared a 120-run final-wicket stand to reach 9-256.

Dean’s knock was a club record, while Fleetwood went on to win by 90 runs.

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