Jonathan Trott struck an unbeaten double century on day three of Warwickshire’s match with Middlesex as the game is left evenly poised going into the final day.
James Vince and Sean Ervine rescued Hampshire to leave them 143 runs behind Yorkshire and a draw is looming with only one day left to play.
However, a result looks very likely in the one other game in division one, Neil Wagner’s match figures of 11 for 111 has helped toset Lancashire a small target to win against Nottinghamshire at Emirates Old Trafford.
Trott double ton steers Bears out of trouble
Warwickshire came into day three on 146 for four, and Middlesex looked in control, however, former England batsman Trott made an unbeaten 219 to offer his side slight hope of an unlikely win on the final day.
The number three moved on from his overnight score of 62 to go on to record the second-highest score of his career.
Keith Barker made a very useful 81 to put Warks ahead by 18, and then the seamer went on to take two wickets in the evening session to leave Middlesex on 76-2.
Sam Robson (35) and Nick Compton (34) remain unbeaten going into the final day, and the pair will be looking to seal a draw with the probability of a win for either team being unikely.
Batsmen continue to dominate at Headingley
Hampshire’s fight-back against Yorkshire continued as they moved to within 143 runs of the mammoth total set by the reigning champions.
Ervine and Vince shared a 143-run stand for the seventh wicket, and both batsman made centuries as the visitors close the day out on 450 for 8.
Vince brought his 100 up form 173 balls, while Ervine’s came from 143 balls as only three wickets fell throughout the entire day at Headingley.
Ryan McLaren remains unbeaten on 55, while Chris Wood goes into the final day unbeaten on 28, but a draw looks likely on a pitch which has offered very little to the bowlers.
Lancs on the verge of victory against Notts
Debutant Wagner claimed 10 wickets in the game as Lancashire tightened their grip on Nottinghamshire, as they only require 86 to win on the final day.
Lancs lasted 31 balls before they were bowled out for 332, putting them 90 runs ahead, but the visitors collapsed after lunch.
New Zealand international Wagner took five wickets and James Anderson three to see Notts bowled out for 175 in their second innings.
Greg Smith top-scored with 41, but you feel that Lancashire will go on to claim victory in their first County Championship match of the season.