A decent crowd gathered on the banks of the Avon watched Mal Loye lead Lancashire’s run-chase with an unbeaten 125, which included 20 fours. The 31-year-old right-hander, hit his second century of the season to anchor Lancashire’s reply. He came to the crease after opener Mark Chilton struck three fours in successive balls off Neil Carter’s second over, only to slice the last delivery to Mark Wagh at second slip.
Loye and Alec Swann put on 74 either side of a rain-interrupted lunchtime before Swann pushed forward to Ian Bell and was trapped leg-before.
Stuart Law provided a lively foil for Loye until, six runs short of his half-century, the Australian glanced a ball from Naqaash Tahir down the leg side and wicketkeeper Tony Frost took a fine diving catch.
Dinesh Mongia, an emergency signing from league cricket before this game, then promptly hit an unbeaten 70 which included the day’s only six, pulled over mid-wicket off Wagh.
Warwickshire’s first innings lasted five balls yesterday morning, Tahir edging a four before being bowled by Peter Martin. Warwickshire finished a run short of 500 but have again served notice of their ambition to win their first championship since 1995.
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