Somerset's Rew Tipped for England Call-Up as Hampshire Fights Back

Somerset, the current leaders in Division One, encountered strong resistance from Hampshire on the second day of their match at the Utilita Bowl. Despite their early lead, Somerset lost seven wickets for 113 runs and were bowled out for 288. Hampshire then reduced the deficit in their second innings, reaching 146 for one and taking a 96-run lead at stumps, with Nick Gubbins scoring an unbeaten 70. England prospect James Rew was the first to fall, scoring 86 in the morning session, but his Test ambitions were praised by head coach Jason Kerr. Kerr believes Rew has the talent to play international cricket, having scored a significant number of runs over the years. While Rew could potentially open the batting, Kerr is hesitant to use him in this position, given the current strength of the middle order at the international level. However, Kerr acknowledges that a player of Rew's talent should be considered for the national team. In other matches, Essex and Warwickshire are engaged in a closely contested game at Edgbaston, with Essex reaching 110 for three after Warwickshire was bowled out for 190. In Division Two, Gloucestershire's match against Lancashire has seen 23 wickets fall in two days, with Lancashire currently trailing by 46 runs. Meanwhile, an unbroken partnership of 131 between Nathan McSweeney and James Sales has helped Northamptonshire stay in the game against Middlesex.