Hussey delays leaders

Mike Hussey produced another defiant innings yesterday to keep alive Northamptonshire's hopes of an upset against the First Division leaders, Yorkshire, at Wantage Road.

The Australian followed his 159 in the previous game at Cardiff with a gritty 122 as the hosts, in deep trouble at 91 for 5 just after lunch, rallied to 298 all out at the close. Yorkshire go into the final day requiring 243 to win their sixth game of the season on a pitch taking spin.

The opener was at the crease for nearly six-and-a-half hours and hit 19 fours in his 273-ball innings which has left an absorbing match intriguingly poised.