Ground reality hits Viru six hours after landing

Glamorgan swept to 249 for five, the vigorous postscript being an unbroken partnership of 59 in 32 balls between David Hemp and Mark Wallace off the bowling of David Masters and Jeremy Snape.

Hemp made 83 not out with nine fours and a six from 96 balls, while Wallace super-imposed his brief batting display with four catches at the wicket as Leicestershire were dismissed for 205, despite a valiant half-century from Darren Maddy (80).

Sehwag’s signing has already paid dividends, however, with the club reporting a surge in interest and support from the Asian community.

Scotland made a dramatic debut in the National League yesterday when they pulled off a four-wicket win over Durham at the Riverside. Off-spinner Majid Haq was the man of the moment as he took 4 for 36 to leave the hosts on 167 for 7 at the end of their innings before the Scots, who have signed up Indian Test star Rahul Dravid for later in the season, reached their target with four balls to spare.

At the Oval, Graham Thorpe, who wants to return to international cricket, gave the selectors a timely nudge with 58 as Surrey beat Warwickshire by 25 runs.

Opener Nick Knight, who had recently announced his retirement from the international game, hit a six and 13 fours in his 105 as Warwickshire made 256 off 43.1 overs in reply to the home side’s 281 for eight.

Another England discard, batsman Mark Ramprakash also looked in fine form for Surrey making 63.

England hopeful Chris Read made 119 as Nottinghamshire reached 294 for 8 but it was still not enough to deny Northamptonshire victory – they won by five wickets with David Sales making 133 not out.

Besides Dravid and Sehwag, the other Indian internationals to take part in the county circuit this season are Javagal Srinath and Mohammad Kaif.