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Flintoff takes wicket but Lancashire struggle against Surrey

16/04/2008

Andrew Flintoff claimed a wicket on his return to competitive action with Lancashire but the red rose county struggled on day one against Surrey.

The all-rounder was used sparingly during the first county championship match of the season but looked to be in good form.

Flintoff delivered economical figures of 1-24 in 10.3 overs, which he completed over three short spells throughout the day.

The 30-year-old got his wicket during the morning session when Scott Newman skied a short ball to long-leg to put Surrey on 56-2.

However, despite Flintoff's efforts Lancashire are on the back foot thanks to an unbeaten century by Mark Ramprakash.

The Surrey batsman is on 102 not out having shared a partnership of 186 with Mark Butcher (80) to put his side on 242-2.

Flintoff showed his stamina was still good when he bowled a fast-paced bouncer towards the end of play which forced the Umpires to halt proceedings because of bad light.

Elsewhere, champions Sussex got the defence of their title off to an excellent start against Hampshire at the Rose Bowl.

Sussex posted 332 all-out with former Zimbabwe international Murray Goodwin top scoring on 121 while England wicketkeeper Matt Prior added 61 to the total.

Robin Martin-Jenkins then claimed the wicket of Michael Carberry just before the close to leave Hampshire on 4-1 at stumps.

In the final game in division one Nottinghamshire bowled Kent out for 162 with Darren Pattinson taking 5-22. In reply the Outlaws are on 121-3.