It looks like the County Championship is going down to the wire again, although some things have been resolved.
Hampshire have had a good day in Nottingham, and at the close had a lead of 368 with 5 wickets in hand. They now have an interesting choice to make. If they try to ensure a draw then they finish in a safe mid-table position, though possibly dropping to 5th, and Nottinghamshire probably finish 2nd. On the other hand, if Hampshire make a bold declaration, trying to give themselves plenty of time to bowl Notts out, then they could finish 3rd, or Notts could win.
Durham are also going strong. They declared on 500/8 (denying Kent a third bowling point). Kent are currently 159/5 in their second innings, so they are still 116 runs behind and Durham have the option to bat again. A Durham win looks very likely, and with it a maximum 22 points. Durham are now hot favorites for the title.
Somerset had a dismal day. They were bowled out in their second innings for a mere 227. In reply Lancashire are 122/0, needing only 60 more runs to wrap up the win. That would mean that Somerset drop to 3rd or 4th, and Lancashire are safe from relegation (possibly finishing 4th).
Finally Yorkshire bowled Sussex out for 207, a first innings lead of 193, and enforced the follow-on. In their second innings Sussex are 118/2. Yorkshire look good for a win, but even a draw would see them handily ahead of Kent. Is Sussex and Kent both lose, then Sussex will stay up by just 1 point.
Here is the table (courtesy of Cricinfo).
- Nottinghamshire: 182
- Durham: 176
- Somerset: 174
- Hampshire: 164
- Lancashire: 156
- Sussex: 155
- Yorkshire: 155
- Kent: 154
- Surrey: 124 (relegated)
All of the first innings are now completed, so no more bonus points can be gained. The only additional scoring is 14 for a win, or 4 for a draw. And there is always the possibility of the scores being tied at the end of the game, in which case both teams get 7 points.