On the second day at the Utilita Bowl, Somerset, the current leaders in Division One, encountered strong resistance from Hampshire. Somerset lost seven wickets for 113 runs and were ultimately bowled out for 288. However, their 50-run lead evaporated as Hampshire began their second innings.
Hampshire ended the day at 146 for one, leading by 96 runs, with Nick Gubbins remaining unbeaten on 70. England prospect James Rew was the first to fall in the morning session for 86, but Somerset's head coach Jason Kerr praised Rew, stating that he has the potential to play international cricket.
Kerr expressed his belief in Rew's abilities, saying, "He has scored a lot of runs over the years and is a good enough player to compete at the international level." Kerr also mentioned that while Rew could open the batting, his primary concern is the team's overall performance. In other matches, Essex and Warwickshire were locked 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 saw 23 wickets fall in two days, with Lancashire struggling at 240 after being dominant at 140 for two. Meanwhile, Northamptonshire's Nathan McSweeney and James Sales formed an unbroken partnership of 131 to keep their team in the running against Middlesex.