Ben Duckett made his first half-century of the County Championship season, scoring 62 against Warwickshire at Trent Bridge to strengthen his claims for England's Test side. The left-hander endured a difficult Ashes series, averaging just 20.20 and failing to reach fifty, with off-field indiscipline also drawing scrutiny. His place for the first Test against New Zealand in June had appeared uncertain.

Duckett and Joe Clarke shared a crucial 116-run stand to rescue Nottinghamshire from trouble after Warwickshire had posted a commanding 459 in their first innings. Duckett fell just before tea, driving loosely at a looping delivery from Rob Yates and picking out Chris Woakes at mid on. Haseeb Hameed's struggles continued with a 14-ball duck, while Ben Slater made 26.

Ollie Pope also pressed his Test claims with 69 for Surrey against Essex, following scores of 103 and 83 not out against Leicestershire. Pope was dropped after the third Test in Adelaide during the Ashes, with Jacob Bethell taking his place after scoring a brilliant century in Sydney. Both players are now battling to reclaim their spots in the England lineup for the summer.