James Anderson stole the show in his first T20 game since 2014, leading Lancashire to a four-wicket win over Durham at the Banks Homes Riverside. With three for 17 in four sharp overs, the veteran star helped hold Durham to 150 for six. He struck early, taking out both openers and later snatched a key catch at long leg.

Chasing 151, Lancashire got key runs from Michael Jones, who hit 55 against his old side. But the win wasn’t smooth. Durham’s bowlers kept the fight alive, taking the match to the last ball. Chris Green hit a six, and Josh Bohannon chipped in with 31. It was Jack Blatherwick’s quick run on the last ball that sealed it.

With this win, Lancashire stays unbeaten with three wins in a row. Durham, on the other hand, took their first loss of the 2025 Vitality Blast. 

Find out more cricket news here

You saw James Anderson return for Lancashire at Old Trafford, and he did not waste time making an impact. In just 18 balls, he took his first wicket, clipping Caleb Jewell’s off stump. He grabbed another soon after, forcing David Lloyd to glove behind. Anderson ended with figures of two for 24 from five overs. Derbyshire closed the day four wickets down.

Lancashire’s total passed 450, with several batters grinding out runs. But the biggest cheer wasn’t for the top scorers. It was for Anderson, back after nearly a year when he walked out at number 11. Fans watched closely as he warmed up, phones out, eager to see him bowl again. George Bell, who scored 57, summed it up: 'That was class. I always enjoy it when he’s bowling, especially when I’m stood in the slips, something I didn’t think I’d ever have the chance to do'.

Young stars and record-breakers shine elsewhere

At Chester-le-Street, 17-year-old nightwatchman James Minto became the youngest Durham player to pass 50. His 67 helped the team close in on Nottinghamshire’s lead. Alex Lees and Emilio Gay added fifties as Durham moved within 87 runs of levelling the score.

At Hove, Sussex were forced to follow on after a tough first innings. Somerset’s Craig Overton starred with three wickets and three slip catches. Sussex made a strong start in their second innings with a 100-run stand between Daniel Hughes and Tom Haines. But then, they lost four wickets for just 21 runs.

Peter Handscomb scored 79 at Lord’s to give Leicestershire a narrow edge over Middlesex. Zafar Gohar helped with four wickets to keep Middlesex under pressure.

Strong performances build leads across counties

In Cardiff, Glamorgan built a big total with four batters reaching half-centuries like Ben Kellaway, Sam Northeast, Kiran Carlson, and Timm van der Gugten. They then reduced Northants to 49 for three in their second innings. Northants still trail by 190 runs.

Cameron Green stood firm for Gloucestershire, finishing unbeaten on 102 against Kent. His knock gave Gloucestershire a fighting chance after earlier trouble.

At the Oval, Ben Foakes and Australia’s Kurtis Patterson scored in the 80s to place Surrey in a strong spot against Yorkshire. Meanwhile, Over in Birmingham, Warwickshire were bowled out cheaply by Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott. Fletcha Middleton then built on the lead, taking Hampshire’s advantage to 265 runs.

Essex struggled at New Road and bowled out for 157. Tom Taylor led the attack for Worcestershire. But Worcestershire also stumbled, collapsing to 58 for five. Still, they ended the day with a 259-run lead.

From Anderson’s quick wickets to strong middle-order efforts across the country, Day Two of county cricket brought back legends, broke records, and left games finely poised.

Explore more cricket expert pieces here

Tom Bailey of Lancashire shocked fans when his phone fell from his pocket during a match against Gloucestershire at Old Trafford on Friday, May 2. He was running between the wickets when the phone slipped out. Bowler Josh Shaw picked it up, but it’s unclear who got it next.

Bailey, 34, came in late to bat as No. 10, hoping to help his side bounce back from three straight losses. The odd moment, caught on video, spread fast online. The commentators were stunned and asked if it would be reported.

Fans online had fun with the scene. One said, 'so village'. Another joked about poor gear. Some guessed Bailey was tracking steps.

Still, he kept his cool and made 22 runs not out. Lancashire closed the first innings with 450 runs. Marcus Harris led with a strong 167. Bailey may now have to explain why he had a phone in his pocket while on the field.

Read more cricket news here