Somerset, currently leading in Division One, encountered strong opposition from Hampshire on the second day at the Utilita Bowl. Despite a strong start, Somerset lost seven wickets for 113 runs and were eventually bowled out for 288.
Hampshire then reduced Somerset's 50-run lead to zero in their second innings, ending the day at 146 for one and leading by 96 runs, with Nick Gubbins remaining unbeaten on 70. England prospect James Rew was the first to fall in the morning session, scoring 86 runs, but his Test aspirations were praised by head coach Jason Kerr.
Kerr stated that Rew has the potential to play international cricket, having consistently scored runs over the years. Although Rew is likely to fill a position as an opener, Kerr has chosen not to use him in this role, opting instead to utilize him in the middle order. Kerr believes that Rew should be considered for the national team, regardless of the position he plays. Meanwhile, in other matches, Essex and Warwickshire were evenly matched at Edgbaston, while in Division Two, Gloucestershire's match against Lancashire saw 23 wickets fall in two days, with Lancashire eventually folding for 240 runs.
An unbroken partnership of 131 runs between Nathan McSweeney and James Sales helped Northamptonshire stay in contention against Middlesex.