Ganguly helps Lancashire recover after Harmison strikes

London, May 12: Sourav Ganguly put Lancashire's innings back on track after Durham's England pace prospect Steve Harmison struck two early blows on the first day of their County Championship First division match on Thursday.

Somerset opener Marcus Trescothick posted a century to rescue his side at Leicester where bowlers also held the upper hand.

Trescothick, who hit 105 before becoming the ninth man out, found an ally in Ian Blackwell (58), the pair sharing a century stand for the eighth wicket. Indian spinner Anil Kumble ended their resistance, dismissing both to restrict Somerset to 262.

Rain prevented play in the First division's other match between Surrey and Kent at the Oval.

Northamptonshire's England a batsman David Sales produced the batting performance of the day against visiting Nottinghamshire in the Second division.

The 22-year-old, who scores big hundreds once he passes three figures, posted an unbeaten 199 out of 402 for five.

It was a bowlers' day in the divisions other three fixtures, however. Alan Richardson was the pick of the Warwickshire attack at Hove, claiming four for 69, including top-scorer Chris Adams (70) as Sussex were dismissed for 224.

At the close Warwickshire had reached 70 for two in reply.

Gloucestershire's Jonathan Lewis produced the best bowling performance of the day, taking five for 61 to help reduce Glamorgan to 169 for nine at Cardiff.

The hosts were indebted to Australian Matthew Elliott (49) and Adrian Shaw (64 not out) for more than half that total.

Wickets tumbled at Worcester where Middlesex were the visitors. Stuart Lampitt and Alamgir Sheriyar claimed four victims each as Middlesex were dismissed for 161.

Worcestershire, apart from opener Elliott Wilson (75 not out), also found scoring tough in reply, closing on 147 for eight.

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