Sussex learn the hard way value of retiring Robin Martin-Jenkins

Robin Martin-Jenkins followed the surprise announcement that he will retire in July to move into teaching with a reminder of how much Sussex will miss his underrated all-round skills. The 34-year-old, who will teach geography and religious studies at Hurstpierpoint College, steered his only county out of follow-on danger against Worcestershire with an unbeaten 66, sharing a ninth-wicket stand of 110 with Yasir Arafat. Richard Jones, Worcestershire's tall 23-year-old seamer, continued his impressive season with career-best figures of seven for 115. Surrey were also grateful to lower-order resistance at Northampton, where Andre Nel and Jade Dernbach put on 118 for the last wicket. Nel, who fell four short of a maiden first-class century when he was dismissed by his international team-mate Nicky Boje, then took two wickets as Northamptonshire reached 154 for four in their second innings, a lead of 167. Murali Kartik set up Somerset 's second consecutive First Division win, taking six for 61 as Warwickshire were all out for 207 in their second innings at Taunton. Ravi Bopara made an underwhelming return for Essex , taking 53 balls to score five singles at Old Trafford against disciplined Lancashire bowling that he described as some of the best he has faced in county cricket. Essex scored only 46 in 29 overs before lunch and their victory hopes were further hit when rain prevented any play after 3pm.