County Championship 2014: Round 4 Team of the Week

Another round of England’s County Championship is at an end, with teams continuing to jostle for early momentum in the season’s early stages.

While some were victorious, others lost and some could only draw, a number of players impressed on an individual level as they look to advance their own aspirations at the same time.

Whether it was with bat, ball or both, some players enjoyed a very successful round, and will be hoping it will bring further positive performances.

Read on for a best XI from the latest round of County Championship matches.

William Tavare (Gloucestershire): As Gloucestershire looked to bat out their game against Essex for a draw, they were indebted in part to William Tavare, who made an unbeaten 100.

Alex Gidman (Gloucestershire): Tavare did not do it alone, however, as Alex Gidman made 119 alongside him as Essex took just two wickets all day.

Ed Joyce (Sussex): Another solid performance came from Ed Joyce, who made 93 in Sussex’s second innings as they looked to stave off defeat.

Graham Wagg (Glamorgan): With eight wickets and 57 in the first innings, Graham Wagg had a very enjoyable game for Glamorgan against Leicestershire.

Having gone without a century in the entire 2013 First Class season, Somerset captain Marcus Trescothick came roaring back into form with 116 against Sussex.

It was his first ton since 2012, and a welcome return to three figures for the 38-year-old former England man.

Very few people gave Middlesex much of a chance of chasing a target of 472 for victory, but thanks in large part to opener Chris Rogers they got there for the loss of just three wickets.

His unbeaten 241 was a tremendous effort against a bowling attack brimming with international and county talent.

It was once again a very good performance from England batsman Ian Bell, who continues to stack up the runs for Warwickshire ahead of the international games later this summer.

Bell seemed to relish the responsibility of captaincy, and his 122 in the first innings was more than double the next highest score from any of his teammates in the game against Nottinghamshire.

In a game wrecked by rain, Hampshire batsman James Vince showed that he might be a name to watch with a confident 159 from 185 balls.

The calls for his inclusion in the England team are growing, and with performances like these he may well be hopeful of an international debut.

With the new international season growing closer, England hopeful Gary Ballance made his case for inclusion perfectly with 130 for Yorkshire against Middlesex.

Made from just 143 balls, Ballance looked in assured touch and may well be forcing himself into the reckoning at just the right time.

As Leicestershire looked to build a big lead in the first innings, Niall O’Brien came in at 137-4 and set about helping his side rack up the runs.

He went on to make 133 from 141 balls, a superb effort in leading his team to a total of 500.

Essex were in some difficulties in their first innings when Ben Foakes came to the crease with the score at 67-4 after just 24 overs.

However, he went on to score an unbeaten 132 to blunt Gloucestershire’s bowling and lead his side to a declaration.

With nine wickets for Somerset against Sussex, seamer Lewis Gregory had a game to remember.

Just 21 years old, he has enjoyed an extended run in the team so far and seems to be profiting.

With 10 wickets in the match, James Anderson is right in form already this summer.

Lancashire will be grateful to have him for now, although it is almost certain that England will come calling in the near future.

Gloucestershire were bowled out for 134 in their first innings, thanks in large part to the efforts of David Masters.

The experienced seamer took 6-48 in 20 overs to help get Essex on top despite the poor weather that dogged the game.

It has been quite a start to the summer for Steven Finn, who took another eight wickets for Middlesex against Yorkshire.

He appears to have shaken off the issues that plagued him during the tour of Australia, and may be confident of selection by England on these performances.