Somerset, the current leaders in Division One, encountered strong resistance from Hampshire on the second day of their match at the Utilita Bowl. Despite a promising start, Somerset lost seven wickets for 113 runs and were eventually bowled out for 288.
Hampshire then took control, reaching 146 for one and gaining a lead of 96 by the end of the day, with Nick Gubbins remaining unbeaten on 70. England prospect James Rew was the first to fall, scoring 86 in the morning session, but his Test aspirations were praised by head coach Jason Kerr.
Kerr expressed that Rew has the potential to play international cricket, having scored consistently over the years, but emphasized the need to prioritize the team's interests. In another match, Essex and Warwickshire were evenly matched at Edgbaston, while in Division Two, Gloucestershire's clash with Lancashire saw 23 wickets fall in two days, with Lancashire ultimately folding for 240.
Elsewhere, an unbroken partnership between Nathan McSweeney and James Sales kept Northamptonshire in contention against Middlesex.