Sourav Ganguly's county stint appears to be drawing to a disappointing close with the former Indian captain scoring just nine for Northamptonshire in a four-day County championship division two cricket match against Essex in London on Wednesday.

Ganguly struck two fours off 11 balls before he was caught by Ben Phillip off James Middlebrook on the opening day of the match at Northants' home ground.

Opener Stephen Peters was unbeaten on 106 with captain D Sales on 31, as the hosts reached 209 for three in 59 overs in their first innings after electing to bat.

Zaheer Khan also met with similar luck as his former captain, going wicketless in his 11-over spell while conceding 33 runs for Worcestershire in a match against Derbyshire.

Derbyshire were 214 for 6 in 61 overs in their first innings after electing to bat on the opening day at Queen's Park in Chesterfield.