Fraser takes five to put Middlesex in control

Middlesex were on course for victory against Nottinghamshire at Lord's, putting on 462 in their first innings with Edmund Joyce making 119 and Owais Shah 63.

Angus Fraser then ripped through Nottinghamshire's batting, taking 5 for 61 with only Darren Bicknell (48) distinguishing himself as the visitors stumbled to 159 all out. Bicknell brought some respite in the second innings for Nottinghamshire, reaching 37 at the close alongside Guy Welton on 41 after Jason Gallian's dismissal left them at 9 for 1.

Northamptonshire responded with 254 without loss at Northampton in reply to Worcestershire's intimidating total of 524 for 8 declared, with Michael Hussey and Mal Loye hitting 120 runs apiece.

Sussex, thrashed by Surrey in their opening First Division match of the season, were finding life in the top flight tough against Somerset at Hove. Murray Goodwin's 162 helped Sussex to a first-innings total of 337, but Kevin Shine's team responded to put on 380 for 8 at stumps.

Hampshire were struggling to match Leicestershire's impressive first-innings total of 428 at Southampton, making 245 for 8 by the close, with John Crawley scoring 80 to follow his double hundred on his debut. Darren Maddy led Leicestershire's attack, with four wickets.

A dramatic Warwickshire batting collapse handed Lancashire the initiative at Edgbaston after they had been bowled out for only 251, a first-innings deficit of 46. Kyle Hogg and Peter Martin took three wickets apiece as the home side closed the second day struggling on 124 for 7.