
Forest's first-half frenzy at Sunderland eases relegation worries
Nottingham Forest's 5-0 win over Sunderland boosts relegation hopes
Josh Tongue took five wickets for Nottinghamshire against Warwickshire, bolstering his chances for the England squad. Meanwhile, Surrey struggled against Essex, with Dean Elgar and Paul Walter leading a strong opening partnership.
Josh Tongue took five wickets for Nottinghamshire against Warwickshire (Getty)
England fast bowler Josh Tongue took five wickets for defending champions Nottinghamshire against Warwickshire to strengthen his claims for a spot against New Zealand.
The visitors were stumbling at 179 for six, having been asked to bat first at Trent Bridge, but skipper Ed Barnardâs unbeaten 134 steered the Bears to 375 for eight.
Surrey, chasing a first win of the season, also asked their visitors to bat and Essex made them pay as Dean Elgar, who made 92, and Paul Walter shared a 183-run opening stand.
Walter was dismissed for 101 and Surrey claimed three quick wickets before Essex reached 325 for six at stumps â with England bowler Gus Atkinson striking late in the day in his first match since the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
Paul Walter made a fine hundred for Essex at the Oval (Getty)
Also back in action was Joe Root, who made his first County Championship appearance of the season but was made to wait to get bat in hand as Yorkshire opted to bowl first in the Division One match against Sussex at Headingley.
Josh Tongue took five wickets for Nottinghamshire in the match against Warwickshire.
Surrey faced difficulties against Essex, with Dean Elgar scoring 92 and Paul Walter contributing to a 183-run opening partnership.
Josh Tongue's five-wicket haul strengthens his claims for a spot in the England squad for the upcoming match against New Zealand.

Nottingham Forest's 5-0 win over Sunderland boosts relegation hopes
Live updates on the Bengals' picks in the 2026 NFL Draft!
Blake Miller expresses gratitude after being drafted by the Lions

Dani Carvajal en el centro de la controversia tras el partido Betis - Real Madrid.
See every story in Sports â including breaking news and analysis.
Tom Price made 93 and shared a 165-run stand with John Simpson, who ended the day unbeaten on 101, as Sussex closed on an impressive 373 for six. Glamorgan also made a strong start, with skipper Kiran Carlson (95) and Sean Dickson (90) steering them to an opening day score of 334-7 against Leicestershire.
In Division Two, Zak Crawleyâs hopes of retaining his place as Englandâs Test opener suffered a further blow as his disappointing start to the season continued.
Zak Crawley failed to make a start count at Worcester (Getty)
The 28-year-old hit six fours as he reached 27 for Kent against Worcestershire at New Road before he pushed forward at a full ball from Matthew Waite and edged through to the wicket-keeper.
It was Crawleyâs highest score of the season, following innings of nine, 20, 26 and five, as his chances of being retained for Englandâs first Test against New Zealand in June continue to ebb away.
Australian Marcus Harrisâ second century of the season steered early leaders Lancashire to a strong 356 for seven having been asked to bat first at Durham.
Harris was unperturbed by Lancashire losing regular wickets to reach the close unbeaten on 135 at Chester-le-Street. Miles Hammondâs unbeaten 140 guided Gloucestershire, who have lost their first three matches of the season, to 287 for six at Derbyshire.
PA