Ben Stokes propelled Durham to a commanding 153-run victory over promotion rivals Northamptonshire in the Rothesay County Championship Division Two. On day four, Durham set a target of 204 runs, scoring 261 in their second innings. Callum Parkinson dismantled the Northamptonshire batting order, earning figures of six for 20. Stokes sealed the win by dismissing Yuzvendra Chahal, who had previously taken Stokes out with a remarkable delivery in the first innings.

In other matches, Kent capitalized on Northamptonshire's defeat, securing an 84-run victory against Worcestershire. Chasing a target of 380 runs, Worcestershire was all out for 295, despite an unbeaten 103 from captain Brett D'Oliveira. Kent now enjoys a 15-point lead over third-placed Northamptonshire in the promotion race.

Gloucestershire also celebrated a stunning 213-run victory against Derbyshire, who collapsed to 105 all out after Gloucestershire declared at 359 for five. Sai Kishore took five wickets, following a stellar performance from James Bracey, who scored 104 not out.

In Division One, Nottinghamshire faced disappointment, settling for a draw against Leicestershire. After resuming at 250 for seven, Leicestershire reached 358 runs, with Haseeb Hameed scoring a century. This result leaves Nottinghamshire four points behind Somerset in the title chase, with three rounds remaining. Their situation worsened with the news that Kyle Verreynne has been recalled by Cricket South Africa, ending his season with Nottinghamshire. Director of Cricket Mick Newell acknowledged the challenge of losing Verreynne at this crucial time. Meanwhile, Matt Critchley narrowly missed a century, as Essex fell short by 47 runs against Sussex.