The batsmen dominated on Day Three of the second round of fixtures in the Specsavers County Championship.
DIVISION ONE
Yorkshire v Hampshire -- James Vince hit 119 and Sean Ervine smashed 123 to help Hampshire's hopes of securing a draw at Headingley. Although Yorkshire posted 593 in their first innings, the visitors ended the day 450/8, only 143 runs behind. A draw looks like the favourite as Ryan McLaren and Chris Wood resume the innings this morning.
Lancashire v Nottinghamshire -- The home team are on the verge of victory after New Zealand bowler Neil Wagner snaffled his second five-wicket haul of the match. Notts were skittled for 175 in their second innings, leaving Lancashire 86 to claim a victory that many onlookers thought unlikely at the start of the match.
Middlesex v Warwickshire -- The batsmen have been on top at Lords so far, with double centuries on both sides. Jonathan Trott (219*) followed Sam Robson in acheiving the milestone, as the visitors took a slender first innings lead and they now have the best chance of victory, after Middlesex slipped to 76/2, 60 runs ahead.
DIVISION TWO
Sussex v Essex -- This match remains very much in the balance after a late spurt from Essex's Graham Napier on Day Three left Sussex 282/9. Chris Nash scored 92 to narrowly miss out on his second hundred of the game, but Napier (5/86) and Jamie Porter (4/82) ran through the Sussex lineup in the evening session. The hosts are 322 runs ahead with 1 wicket remaining.
Gloucestershire v Derbyshire -- After Derbyshire posted 444 all out, Gloucestershire replied with a mammoth 563 all out, with nightwatchman Liam Norwell hitting a maiden hundred and opener Chris Dent smashing 180. Gloucestershire lead Derbyshire by 119 runs. The home team will be hoping to sneak a few early wickets to press home their advantage.