It proved a difficult third day for both sides trying to keep alive outside hopes of the first division title. Warwickshire, declaring overnight after Monday’s rain at Lord’s, saw Middlesex make 310 for six by the close, only 52 behind, after Chris Rogers hit 85 and Neil Dexter 70.
For their part at Taunton, Somerset were on the receiving end yesterday against Northamptonshire, for whom Ben Duckett, the 19-year-old left- hander, recorded his maiden first-class century. The visiting team reached 400 for the first time this year and declared with Duckett unbeaten on 144. Somerset, with all wickets standing, trail by 96.
In the lower flight, second-placed Hampshire flayed Leicestershire, who learnt yesterday that Shiv Thakor and Nathan Buck would be leaving. Jimmy Adams, without a hundred this year, not only reached that landmark at the Rose Bowl but went on to 231, sharing an opening partnership of 253 with Michael Carberry, who made 110. At 497 for eight, they lead by 194.
Another 19-year-old, Kieran Bull, an off spinner, took four for 62 on his debut for Glamorgan against Kent at Canterbury but, with Sam Northeast posting 102, the home side reached 387. Batting again, Glamorgan closed on 150 for three, with Gareth Rees unbeaten on 73, to claim a lead of 92.