On the second day at the Utilita Bowl, top-of-the-table Somerset encountered tenacious resistance from Hampshire. The early leaders lost seven wickets for 113 runs, being bowled out for 288, and then saw their 50-run lead disappear in Hampshire's second innings. Hampshire reached 146 for one, leading by 96 at the close of play, with Nick Gubbins remaining unbeaten on 70. England prospect James Rew was the first to fall for 86 in the morning session, but his Test aspirations were endorsed by head coach Jason Kerr.
"He is a skilled enough player to compete at the international level, having scored a substantial number of runs over the years," Kerr stated, adding that he has resisted the urge to use Rew as an opener, a position that may need to be filled this summer. "If he opens the batting, that would be great, but I acknowledge that the middle order is well-stocked at the international level. A player of his talent should be considered for selection. We must do what is best for the team and not compromise his opportunity to play for England.
Could he succeed at the top of the order for England? Absolutely," Kerr said.
At Edgbaston, Essex and Warwickshire were vying for control of a closely contested match. The Bears were bowled out for 190 after their day-one struggles, with Sam Hain left stranded on 88 not out. Essex then reached 110 for three, with Ethan Bamber claiming two wickets. In Division Two, the ball continued to dominate at Bristol, where 23 wickets have fallen in two days of Gloucestershire's clash with Lancashire.
The Red Rose were in a commanding position at 140 for two in response to 136 all out but ultimately collapsed for 240 as Matt Taylor took career-best figures of six for 43. Lancashire replied with three breakthroughs in eight overs after the turnaround, including an 18th of the season for the veteran James Anderson. Gloucestershire will resume on 58 for three, trailing by 46.
Elsewhere, an unbroken partnership of 131 between Nathan McSweeney (87no) and James Sales (78no) kept Northamptonshire in the running against Middlesex. Middlesex was dismissed for 341, nine short of a third batting point, but had their opponents struggling at 98 for four before Australia's McSweeney combined with rising star Sales to shift the momentum back in their favor.