Durham retain title

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The reigning champions have had the champagne on ice all day after they secured the bonus points required to ensure the title was a formality on Friday.

Steve Harmison, who lost his ECB contract on Friday, completed the job when he skittled veteran Mark Ealham's stumps at 3.45pm.

Durham virtually ensured they would secure the title on home turf when they posted 648 for five declared batting first, with opener Michael Di Venuto's 219 leading the way.

In reply Nottinghamshire mustered 384 from their first innings, with Liam Plunkett (6-85) and Mark Davies (4-87) sharing the wickets.

Having then been asked to follow-on, the visitors could only make their way to 212 all out, with Harmison (3-38) the pick of the bowlers.

Lancashire pair Mal Loye and VVS Laxman batted through the opening two sessions to firm up the draw as the most likely result as they reached 271 for two against Somerset.

Sussex are deep in relegation trouble after collapsing this morning to lose by an innings and two runs against Warwickshire.

Former Derbyshire pair Ant Botha and Boyd Rankin shared seven wickets in 12 overs as the hosts crumbled from 133 for three to 172 all out.

Botha took five for 51 - his first five-for for Warwickshire - in a victory which not only killed off the Bears' relegation fears but even triggered hopes of a surprise late tilt at finishing as runners-up.