Division One leaders Somerset encountered stubborn resistance from Hampshire on the second day at the Utilita Bowl. The early pacesetters lost seven wickets for 113 runs, ultimately being bowled out for 288, before seeing their 50-run lead evaporate in Hampshire's second innings.
Hampshire reached 146 for one, taking a 96-run lead at stumps, 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.
Kerr stated, 'He is a skilled enough player to compete at the international level, having scored a substantial number of runs over the years.' Although Kerr has resisted the urge to use Rew as an opener, the position most likely to be available this summer, he believes Rew's talent warrants consideration. 'If he opens the batting, that's great; however, I'm aware that the middle order is well-stocked at the international level, but 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 perform at the top of the order for England?
Absolutely,' Kerr said. In another match, Essex and Warwickshire were vying for control at Edgbaston, with the Bears being bowled out for 190 after their day one struggles, leaving Sam Hain stranded on 88 not out. Essex then reached 110 for three, with Ethan Bamber claiming two wickets.
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 initially dominant at 140 for two in response to 136 all out but eventually collapsed for 240 as Matt Taylor achieved career-best figures of six for 43.
Lancashire responded 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 and James Sales kept Northamptonshire in the battle against Middlesex. Middlesex were dismissed for 341, nine runs 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 in their favor.