Division One leaders Somerset were held in check by Hampshire on day two at the Utilita Bowl. Somerset, who had built an early advantage, were bowled out for 288 after a dramatic collapse that saw them lose seven wickets for 113, erasing what had been a 50-run first-innings cushion. Hampshire closed the day on 146 for 1, leading by 96, with Nick Gubbins unbeaten on 70.
England prospect James Rew, who had made 86 before becoming the morning’s first wicket, won warm praise from Hampshire head coach Jason Kerr. Kerr said Rew has compiled runs for many seasons and is more than capable of international cricket, adding that while Hampshire will pick what suits the team, Rew should be knocking on England’s door and could certainly fill an opening role if required.
At Edgbaston the contest between Essex and Warwickshire remained finely balanced. Warwickshire were dismissed for 190 after early trouble, Sam Hain unbeaten on 88, and Essex replied to reach 110 for 3, with Ethan Bamber taking two wickets for Warwickshire.
In Division Two at Bristol the bowlers held sway as 23 wickets fell across the first two days in Gloucestershire’s match with Lancashire. Gloucestershire were bundled out for 136 and Lancashire, having been 140 for 2, collapsed to 240 as Matt Taylor produced career-best figures of 6 for 43. Lancashire then struck early in Gloucestershire’s second innings, taking three wickets in eight overs, including the 18th of the season for veteran James Anderson. Gloucestershire will resume on 58 for 3, still 46 runs behind.
Elsewhere Northamptonshire were kept in the contest by an unbeaten 131-run partnership between Nathan McSweeney (87 not out) and James Sales (78 not out) against Middlesex. Middlesex had been dismissed for 341, just nine runs short of a third batting point, and had earlier put Northamptonshire in trouble at 98 for 4 before the McSweeney-Sales stand swung the momentum back in their favour.