County cricket season begins: Warwickshire v Surrey, Leicestershire v Sussex and more – live

<p> Updates from opening day around the grounds<br> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2026/mar/31/county-championship-cricket-2026-team-by-team-guide-to-the-new-season">Team-by-team guide</a> | <a href="mailto:tanya.aldred.freelance@guardian.co.uk">Email Tanya</a> or comment BTL</p><p><strong>A smattering/ripple/</strong>slurp of applause as the players take the field. Tom Haines and Daniel Hughes in the middle. A windswept Ian Holland with the ball, the umpire in gloves. Here we go…</p><p><strong>Ali Martin spoke to Shoaib Bashir</strong>. I really hope he finds the pastures welcoming at Derby – must have been a topsy-turvy few years.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/sport/live/2026/apr/03/county-cricket-season-begins-somerset-v-notts-leicestershire-v-sussex-and-more-day-one-live">Continue reading...</a>