Somerset, currently leading Division One, encountered strong resistance from Hampshire on the second day at the Utilita Bowl. The team lost seven wickets for 113 runs and was bowled out for 288.
Hampshire then erased Somerset's 50-run lead in their second innings, reaching 146 for one and taking a 96-run lead 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 endorsed by head coach Jason Kerr. Kerr stated, "He is a good enough player to play international cricket.
He has scored a lot of runs over a lot of years." Kerr has chosen not to use Rew as an opener, a position that may need to be filled this summer, saying, "If he opens the batting then great, I appreciate the middle order is quite stocked at international level, but a player of that talent should be knocking on the door." Kerr emphasized the importance of doing what is best for the team and not compromising Rew's opportunity to play for England. In another match, Essex and Warwickshire were competing for control at Edgbaston, with the Bears being bowled out for 190 and Essex reaching 110 for three.
In Division Two, the ball dominated at Bristol, where 23 wickets fell in two days of Gloucestershire's match against Lancashire. Lancashire initially seemed dominant but eventually folded for 240, while 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.