It's been a quiet few weeks for the Irish in England with the UAE game and a number of them not featuring in the county championship first teams.

William Porterfield has seen himself fall out of favour in the four-day game, but still remains an integral part of the Brummie Bears T20 team.

His 32 ball unbeaten 41 helped them to a win over Durham.

The Irish skipper was also to the fore hitting an undefeated 37 from 22 deliveries (4 fours, 1 six), as Warwickshire overcame Notts by 7 wickets.

Gary Wilson's dash from Malahide to play for Surrey didn't have a happy ending as he fell to a five ball duck against Shaun Tait as Essex won by five wickets.

Surrey's T20 game against Somerset fell victim to the weather without a ball bowled, while Leicestershire's game with Northants was also a no result - Kevin O'Brien making 12 before play was halted.

In County action, Gary Wilson and Niall O'Brien were in opposition as Surrey beat Leicestershire by 178 runs.

Both players fared well, with O'Brien taking six catches and making 7 and 54, while Wilson had five catches and made 3 and 42.

Paul Stirling signed an extended contract with Middlesex but still wasn't playing in their four-day Division One loss against Yorkshire.

Tim Murtagh did play and scored 17 and 13, while taking 3 for 62 and 1 for 36 in their four wicket reverse.

Ed Joyce was also on the losing side, making 9 and 36 in their six wicket loss against Hampshire.

Sussex also revealed at the weekend that they had secured a loan deal for George Dockrell from Somerset - a move which will hopefully rejuvenate the left armers stuttering county career.