Essex staring down the barrel of a healthy first-innings deficit. Good to see Owais Shah make 96 on debut, but received little support. James Foster's still there so there is hope of maybe getting the difference to under 100, but it once again emphasises Essex's struggles with the bat this season. Ten Doeschate should be back soon and will certainly strengthen that middle order.
Am pleasantly staggered by Lancs' start this season, and there at it again. The signs are not good for a Hampshire side that could not keep out the medium pace offerings of Kyle Hogg, 7-28, quite remarkable. Saj with two big wickets towards the end sets Lancs up for a three day victory.
Despite Northants reputation for having a heavy scoring mid-lower order, at 70-5 they looked in real danger of falling behind in this game, yet once again they recovered admirably, and were only one run behind at the end of first innings', making 312.
Warwickshire need close to a miracle to avoid defeat against Durham, not helped by numbers three, four and five not contributing a single run.