Durham have sealed their return to Division One of the Rothesay County Championship, securing promotion with a 93-run victory against Middlesex at Chester-le-Street. The north-east side started the final day needing eight wickets and set the tone early when Kasey Aldridge struck with the first ball.
Despite a battling unbeaten century from Harry Duke and a half-century from Ben Geddes for Middlesex, Durham's bowlers took control. Callum Parkinson finished with four wickets for 45 runs, and Brydon Carse also claimed four wickets, ensuring their spot in the top flight next year.
In Division One, the chase for the County Championship crown remains tight, with Somerset, Nottinghamshire, and Warwickshire all maintaining their pursuit. Nottinghamshire defeated Hampshire by 54 runs, with Olly Stone taking six wickets for 28 runs, keeping Notts in the title race. Hampshire, however, remain at the foot of the standings with two games left.
Warwickshire and Somerset also secured wins, beating Glamorgan and Leicestershire respectively. Somerset, who have never won the title, face tough closing fixtures against Yorkshire and Surrey. Elsewhere in Division Two, Gloucestershire secured a 105-run win over Lancashire, largely thanks to JT Langridge's impressive five-wicket haul, which included dismissing Rocky Flintoff for 65.