The defending champions made a statement on opening night, with Will Smeed's explosive 59 leading Somerset to a seven-wicket victory over Hampshire at Taunton.

Paul Stirling will miss Ireland's home Test against New Zealand next week after suffering a grade two calf strain during preparation matches.

Defending champions Surrey marked their title defence with an impressive six-wicket victory over Lancashire Thunder, with captain Bryony Smith leading from the front.

Jacob Bethell's finger injury requires assessment less than a fortnight before England's Test series against New Zealand begins at Lord's.

England's Sam Curran has mastered the art of the 'moon ball' - an ultra-slow delivery that drops from 83mph to just 43mph, leaving even experienced batsmen struggling with timing.

Yorkshire claimed a comprehensive innings and 127-run victory over Surrey at Headingley, ending the visitors' five-match unbeaten streak in Division One.

The 37-year-old all-rounder has committed his future to the Steelbacks after making over 100 first-class appearances since arriving from Lancashire.

Gloucestershire's star left-arm seamer David Payne faces 12 weeks on the sidelines after ankle surgery, ruling him out of the entire T20 Blast campaign.

The T20 Blast returns this weekend with glorious weather forecast, offering the perfect backdrop for festival cricket after a miserable April.