County cricket round-up

Essex today won their second promotion in three seasons when they gained the one point they needed against Nottinghamshire at Chelmsford.

The home side needed three wickets to gain the point and when Graham Napier trapped Darren Bicknell leg before wicket for 53, to leave Notts on 160-3, it was time to celebrate.

Bicknell and England discard Usman Afzaal had earlier frustrated Essex by putting on 110 for the third wicket, with Usman striking a belligerent, unbeaten 124.

Essex then struck twice more with John Stephenson having Bilal Shafayat lbw and Jon Dakin accounting for Paul Johnson for 16.

Stephenson had earlier dismissed Jason Gallian for 23, and Dakin had Guy Welton caught by Will Jefferson for one.

Head coach Graham Gooch is looking for a young overseas fast bowler for next season to strengthen the bowling attack. Andy Flower will miss the first half of the season playing against England next summer, and a stand-in will be required.

Notts 248-5 (65 overs) v Essex

Surrey

Openers Ian Ward and Scott Newman both hit centuries as Surrey piled on the runs against Leicestershire today. Ward made 118 and Newman was 117 not out. Phil DeFreitas picked up the wicket.