Five other games in the Specsavers County Championship were taking place yesterday, with two England hopefuls making double-centuries.
Division One
Yorkshire v Hampshire – Although they took three early wickets on Day One, Hampshire would have been rueing their decision to bowl first. Yorkshire finished on 593/9 declared after Jonny Bairstow took his total to 246 and Liam Plunkett made a rapid 126, his maiden first-class ton. The Yorkshire bowlers then enjoyed themselves, as they reduced Hampshire to 159/5. James Vince provided resistance for the visitors. He remains unbeaten on 86, but Hampshire trailed overnight by 430 runs.
Lancashire v Nottinghamshire – Lancashire wrestled control of this match after bowling Notts out for 242. Middle order contributions from homegrown players Alex Daves (55) and Liam Livingstone (70) guided the Red Rose past 300 with a decent first innings lead.
Middlesex v Warwickshire – Former England opener Sam Robson sent a message to the selectors by notching an impressive 231, before Middlesex took the prize wicket of Ian Bell to leave Warwickshire 162/5 in reply to 452 all out. The hosts will be looking to force Warwickshire to follow-on on Day Three.
Division Two
Gloucestershire v Derbyshire – After Derbyshire finished on 444 all out in their first innings, Gloucestershire made a strong start to their reply on a decent Bristol pitch. Openers Cameron Bancroft and Chris Dent put on 102 for the first wicket, as the home side aim to do exactly what Derbyshire did – and get maxiumum batting points.
Sussex v Essex – Tom Westley's good form for Essex continued with a sublime knock of 86 on Day Two, as the visitors chased Sussex's first innings score of 360 at Hove. Westley was ably supported by Jesse Ryder (51) and Ryan ten Doeschate (44) and Essex currently trail by 81 runs with three wickets remaining.