Stewart falls one short of century

Alec Stewart was denied an imperious century at The Oval on the opening day of the 103rd Frizzell championship season.

After a two-minute silence to honour team-mate Ben Hollioake and Sussex's Umer Raschid, who both died last month, the 38-year-old deposed England wicketkeeper showed his class by reaching 99.

But Stewart then tried an off drive outside the off stump and was caught by wicketkeeper Matthew Prior off the bowling of left-armer Paul Hutchison.
THE OVAL: Surrey 256-4 (63ov) v Sussex.

Kent v Hampshire

Kent, who won the toss and elected to bat, were quickly off the mark against Hampshire, racing to 159 without loss thanks to Dave Fulton (58no) and Robert Key (90no).
CANTERBURY: Kent 159-0 (36.5 overs) v Hants.

Middlesex v Durham

Openers Andrew Strauss (70) and Sven Koenig (85no) steered the visitors to 211 for three.
RIVERSIDE: Middx 211-3 (62 overs) v Durham.

Other games

Lancashire paceman Peter Martin took claimed the first wicket of the new championship, bowling Leicestershire's Rob Cunliffe for nine at Old Trafford. The visitors rallied after a poor start to reach 205-4 after 58 overs with Vince Wells making 74.