London: Darren Gough returned to competitive cricket with a bang, grabbing a wicket with his third delivery in Yorkshire's County Championship opener against Northamptonshire on Friday.The England bowler's knee troubles have kept him sidelined for nearly nine months but he showed no signs of rustiness as he claimed the wicket of Mark Powell just minutes into Yorkshire's first match in division two.After Powell had edged a low catch to wicket-keeper Richard Blakey, Gough went on to trap David Sales and Gerard Brophy leg before in quick succession to finish with figures of 3-40 from 12 overs as the visitors were bowled out for 184 on the first day of the four-day match. Yorkshire had reached 210-2 in reply by the close.Elsewhere, defending champions Surrey's bid for a fourth title in five years suffered a setback as Lancashire dominated the opening day of the top match in the first division.In near perfect conditions at The Oval, Stuart Law and Mal Loye both helped themselves to unbeaten centuries as Lancashire ran up a first-day total of 391-2 against Surrey.Wasim Akram opened his account for Hampshire with 2-62 off 20 overs as Worcestershire reached 318-7 by the close. Jonty Rhodes, making his first championship appearance, hit a lively 42 for Gloucestershire against Somerset before being dismissed, frustratingly, with the last ball before lunch. Gloucestershire was all out for 203.
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