On the second day at the Utilita Bowl, Somerset, the current Division One leaders, encountered stiff resistance from Hampshire. The visitors lost seven wickets for 113 runs and were bowled out for 288.
Hampshire then erased Somerset's 50-run lead 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 in the morning session, scoring 86, but his Test aspirations were praised by head coach Jason Kerr.
Kerr stated, 'He is a skilled enough player to compete at the international level, having scored numerous runs over the years.' Rew's potential as an opener was acknowledged, but Kerr emphasized the need to prioritize the team's interests and not compromise Rew's England opportunities. The coach believes Rew has the talent to play for England, whether as an opener or in the middle order. Meanwhile, in other County Championship matches, Essex and Warwickshire were locked in a closely contested game at Edgbaston, while Gloucestershire's clash with Lancashire in Division Two saw the ball dominate, with 23 wickets falling in two days. An unbroken partnership of 131 between Nathan McSweeney and James Sales helped Northamptonshire stay in the game against Middlesex.