Vaughan and McGrath star for Yorkshire

Yorkshire declared on 301 for 8 against Hampshire at Headingley, to set the visitors an unlikely 404 for victory. Anthony McGrath helped stabilise Yorkshire with a fine 127 and combined well with Michael Vaughan who made up for his first-innings failure to hit 56 in his second innings back from injury. Hampshire moved to 46 without loss at stumps.

An intriguing final day is on the cards at Tunbridge Wells between Kent and Warwickshire after the home side could only add a further 56 runs to their first innings total. However, Warwickshire slipped in reply to 158 for 7 with Andrew Hall grabbing 2 for 16 and James Tredwell impressing with 3 for 48. Warwickshire, though they have Dougie Brown at the crease, lead by only 161 runs with three wickets remaining.

Middlesex are staring down the barrel after being reduced to 131 for 5 on the third day against Sussex at Horsham. Sussex romped to 370 in their second innings, with Richard Montgomerie playing the anchor role in his 98 to leave Matt Prior licence to thrill: his 77 came from just 57 balls to leave Middlesex chasing the unlikely target of 418. And after losing their top three in quick succession, only Ed Joyce (63*) can save them from defeat tomorrow.

Northamptonshire built a strong lead over Leicestershire with a series of useful innings from the top order. Stephen Peters, Bilal Shafayat and Usman Afzaal struck half-centuries with Peters' 63 taking just 80 balls. Lance Klusener continued his fine all-round match - he already has 122 and 6 for 69 - as the lead grew over 300 despite the best efforts of Mohammad Asif and Claude Henderson. Leicestershire had earlier edged closer to first-innings parity as the last two wickets added 40 more runs although they still conceded a 37-run advantage.

Surrey have a great chance of wrapping up victory against Essex despite the best efforts Andy Flower who struck a fine century. Trailing by 68, it took Essex three wickets to wipe out the deficit and at 148 for 7 and three day finish was a possibility. However, the last three wickets add 96 and Flower was ninth out before Andre Adams cracked a rapid 38. Nayan Doshi and Ian Salisbury shared five wickets between them and earlier Ryan ten Doeschate had claimed his first career five-for as Surrey's last four fell for 42.

Vikram Solanki, with the first double century of his career, and Steven Davies flayed an unbroken fourth-wicket stand of 286 as Worcestershire made Gloucestershire chase leather at Bristol. The pair came together with the innings at a crucial moment; 173 for 4 with Graeme Hick just removed. Solanki and Davies proceeded to blitz the attack to all corners. Solanki reached his double ton just before the close while Davies notched his second first-class century off 178 balls. Mark Hardinges took the first three wickets to fall but there was plenty of punishment on offer for the others. Phil Jaques had started the innings in a merry style but was cut off in his prime after a 67-ball 58.