Sreesanth, Laxman shine in county cricket

Run continued to flow from V V S Laxman's blade, while S Sreesanth too dazzled in his debut for Warwickshire as both the Indians made their mark in their ongoing County Championship matches.

At Old Trafford, Laxman hit a classy 193-ball 87, with the help of eight fours, to top score for Lancashire, who managed 265 before being all out in reply to Durham's first innings total of 270.

Durham were 256 for five in their second innings, having stretched their lead to 261 with one more day to go.

At Trent Bridge, Sreesanth made an impressive debut in Warwickshire colours, shining both with the ball and the bat against Nottinghamshire.

In his championship debut match, the India discard came as the first change bowler and removed Adam Voges, Ali Brown and Mark Ealham for a decent figure of 14.1-1-65-3.

In reply to Nottinghamshire's first innings total of 388, Warwickshire folded for 219 with Sreesanth turning out to be their second highest scorer.

The Kerala speedster remained unbeaten after an entertaining 63-ball 30, which included three fours and two sixes.

Photograph: Reuters