The second round of matches in the Specsavers County Championship get underway on Friday with all 18 sides in action for the first time this season. That means that we get to see those who are yet to begin their campaigns as well as those we had the chance to observe last week.
It is fair to say it was very much a week for the bowlers in the opening round of games but with the weather picking up over the weekend this set of fixtures could be much different which should add some balance to proceedings.
Division One
The big match of the round comes from Chelmsford where the top two from last season do battle as Essex host Lancashire. Another big fixture comes from The Oval where Surrey begin their campaign by entertaining Hampshire. Somerset kick off their season with a home match against Worcestershire and if a miracle happens we might even get some cricket at Headingley where Yorkshire will attempt to play Nottinghamshire.
Division Two
All eyes will be on Wantage Road in this division as Northamptonshire host Warwickshire while at Derby the pre-season favourites Middlesex will look to build on last week’s win against a Derbyshire who kick their season off. Durham open their campaign by welcoming Kent to the Riverside while there is a derby of sorts in Bristol as Gloucestershire host Glamorgan. Leicestershire start their season on Friday when they host much fancied Sussex.
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Betting
I’ll go with one in each division this week in the hope that we actually get some play at Leeds. If we do then Nottinghamshire look a great price at even money to see off a Yorkshire side who are missing a whole host of players. Liam Plunkett and David Willey are at the IPL while Scott Patterson and Matthew Fisher are injured. Ryan Sidebottom is retired and Jonny Bairstow and Joe Root are being rested. Stuart Broad aside, Nottinghamshire have a near full strength squad to choose from and buoyed by a victory last week I think they are the value here. If they manage to get some play this time.
Moving into the second division and Durham look good value to see off Kent. Durham might have lost Keaton Jennings and Graham Onions but they still have a decent bowling attack, boosted by Nathan Rimmington’s availability and Aiden Markram coming in covers for the absence of Jennings. With some good youngsters and a canny leader in Paul Collingwood, Durham should go well. Kent must still be reeling from being shelled out for 64 and 153 by Gloucestershire last week. With that in mind I’ll take the less battle scarred Durham.
Tips
Back Nottinghamshire to beat Yorkshire for a 4/10 stake at 2.00 with Ladbrokes
Back them here:
Back Durham to beat Kent for a 4/10 stake at 2.10 with Coral
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