The fourth round of the 2024 County Championship began today (April 26). Eight out of the ten Division One teams are in action, along with six in Division Two. Here’s a round-up of all the talking points.

Ben Duckett on the brink of a double at Edgbaston

England’s Test opening pair have struggled in the opening rounds of the season. In the two of Nottinghamshire’s first three matches Duckett played in, he returned scores of 21, 5, 9 and 63. However, after his second innings half-century last time out, Duckett was able to convert on Day One at Edgbaston. His century came off 126 balls and included 12 fours. While he was able to put on a 156-run partnership with Ben Slater, Notts lost a flurry of wickets as he neared three figures. After Slater was caught behind, Will Young and Joe Clarke were dismissed in the same over by Will Rhodes, he reached his first century of the summer. Capitalising on what’s been a happy hunting ground for batters so far at Edgbaston, he reached 197 unbeaten before play was stopped for bad light in the evening session.

Hampshire collapse at The Oval

Having been tipped as one of the most likely sides to stop Surrey processing to a third consecutive title before the season, Hampshire’s slow start to the season continued when they were bowled out after Lunch on Day One at The Oval. Dan Worrall, Jordan Clark and Gus Atkinson took three wickets apiece as the visitors were all out for 151. However, in reply Surrey slipped to 44-4, with Ollie Pope out attempting to leave a ball from James Fuller which ricocheted off his bat and onto his stumps. Surrey are without incumbent England Test keeper Ben Foakes who is being rested at the ECB’s request.

Root and Brook back in the runs

Excitement at the prospect of Joe Root and Harry Brook being available for Yorkshire at the start of the season dissipated following the first round. Brook’s rapid century in the first round was followed by 26 and 68 in the second, and two single figure scores last week. Root has also had a forgettable start, with two half-centuries punctuated by single digits. However, batting together against Derbyshire, they put on a more substantial stand. By the close of play on Day One, which was brought forward due to rain, Root was unbeaten on 65 while Brook not out on 44 off 37 balls.

Ollie Robinson’s fast start continues

The race for England’s Test keeper spot is rapidly widening. Robinson, who was one of Durham’s key players in their promotion-winning campaign last season, has firmly established his credentials in the past few weeks. In each of his five Championship innings so far in 2024, he’s reached a half-century, the latest coming today against Essex – whose bowling attack has been among the most threatening in the competition so far. His 324 runs so far have come at a strike rate of 91.52, only bettered by teammate David Beddingham of batters with more than 300 runs in Division One. Despite nearing three figures, Robinson was unable to convert. He was out for 90 off 86 balls, caught at midwicket attempting to play off his pads to Simon Harmer.

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Five knocks, five 50-plus scores.

Ollie Robinson is enjoying life back in Division One.#CountyCricket2024 pic.twitter.com/ptkPGBlnkQ

— Wisden (@WisdenCricket) April 26, 2024

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