Northamptonshire face tough County Championship opener whilst Essex handed home start

New cricket fixtures announced

Northamptonshire face a tough opener in next season's County Championship as they take on reigning champions Durham.

Newly promoted Northants will play reigning champions Durham in the opening fixture of the LV=County Championship. Credit: PA

Northamptonshire face a tough opener in next season's County Championship.

Newly promoted Northants will play reigning champions Durham in the opening fixture of the LV=County Championship.

Northants won promotion after finishing second in Division Two last year.

Essex will be hoping for better luck next season in Division Two. Credit: PA

Meanwhile, Essex will face newly relegated Derbyshire at the County Ground in Division Two.

Essex will hope to build on last season where they narrowly missed out on promotion.

For a more in-depth look at both clubs fixtures, click the links below:

Last updated Tue 26 Nov 2013