Here is all the latest news on the County Championship race.
Nottinghamshire were looking good today at 172/3, but a sudden collapse led them to being all out for 211. So 4 batting points are now unobtainable, and their first innings lead is only 8. Worse still, Hampshire were 102/1 at the close. A good day’s batting tomorrow will leave them well set for victory.
The game between Somerset and Lancashire is very evenly poised still. Lancs got a first innings lead of 46, but they only got 1 batting point. Somerset are now 66/2, which is not good, but Lancs have to bat last, and wickets generally get worse as they are played on because the players’ boots scuff up the surface.
Durham look well in control at Canterbury. They have a lead of 44, with 4 first innings wickets left standing. If they can pile on another 100 quick runs tomorrow then they stand an excellent chance of victory and maximum points.
Yorkshire have performed miracles. A magnificent tail-end stand between Adil Rashid (111) and David Wainwright (104 not out) allowed them to declare on 400/9 with the maximum 5 batting points. They are not safe yet, but things are suddenly looking very (white) rosy for them.
Here’s by best effort at the current standings with possible additional points to be won:
- Nottinghamshire: 182 (14)
- Somerset: 174 (14)
- Durham: 173 (17)
- Hampshire: 164 (14)
- Lancashire: 156 (14)
- Sussex: 154 (19)
- Kent: 154 (15)
- Yorkshire: 153 (16)
- Surrey: 124 (relegated)
Note that most of the additional points available are now just the 14 you get if you win the game. A draw is worth 4 points to each side. Hampshire now cannot win the title, even if they beat Nottinghamshire.
And finally, congratulations to Warwickshire who wrapped up the 2nd Division title today.