On the second day at the Utilita Bowl, top-ranked Somerset encountered fierce resistance from Hampshire. The early leaders lost seven wickets for 113 runs, ultimately being bowled out for 288, and then saw their 50-run lead disappear in Hampshire's second innings. Hampshire reached 146 for one by the end of the day, taking a 96-run lead with Nick Gubbins remaining unbeaten on 70.

England prospect James Rew was the first to fall in the morning session for 86 but received praise from head coach Jason Kerr, who believes Rew has the potential to play international cricket. "He is a skilled enough player to compete at the international level, having scored a substantial number of runs over the years," Kerr stated. Kerr has chosen not to use Rew as an opener, a position that may need to be filled this summer, but acknowledges that a player of Rew's talent should be considered for the team.

"If he opens the batting, that would be great, but I also recognize that the middle order is well-stocked at the international level. However, a player of his caliber should be knocking on the door," Kerr added. The coach emphasized the importance of doing what is best for the team and not compromising Rew's opportunity to play for England. "Could he succeed at the top of the order for England?

Absolutely," Kerr said. In another match, Essex and Warwickshire were vying for control at Edgbaston. The Bears were bowled out for 190, with Sam Hain left stranded on 88 not out.

Essex then reached 110 for three, with Ethan Bamber striking twice. In Division Two, the ball dominated at Bristol, where 23 wickets have fallen in two days of Gloucestershire's clash with Lancashire.

The Red Rose were looking dominant at 140 for two in reply to 136 all out but eventually folded 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 stand of 131 between Nathan McSweeney and James Sales kept Northamptonshire in the battle against Middlesex.

Middlesex were finished off for 341, nine short of a third batting point, but had their opponents wobbling at 98 for four before McSweeney and Sales combined to swing the momentum back.