Moeen Ali celebrated his impending England Test return in style, with three wickets as Birmingham Bears beat Northamptonshire Steelbacks, while a thrilling night of T20 Blast action saw victories for respective group leaders Notts and Somerset and a record-breaking win for Surrey over Sussex.
Moeen, back in the England fold for the Ashes, took centre stage as the Bears shrugged off a sub-standard score of 137 all out to restrict their opponents to just 107-9 and ease to a 30-run success and move up to second in the North Group.
Notts Outlaws remain top after a nervy three-wicket win over local rivals Derbyshire, while Yorkshire beat Worcestershire to go third and there was a rare victory for Leicestershire.
In the South Group, Somerset’s formidable form continued, Will Smeed crashing the ball to all parts in a crushing 80-run triumph over Gloucestershire.
Surrey, who are second with six wins from eight…
