Northamptonshire speed to 300

Northamptonshire tried to make up for lost time against Essex in Northampton as they racked up 303 at more than four an over. Both sides have an outside chance of reaching the second promotion slot, but the first-day wash out meant they were playing catch up. Plenty of batsmen made starts, but David Sales' 59 was the highest score as wickets were traded for a brisk run-rate. Ravi Bopara's figures reflected the nature of the day as he claimed 3 for 72 off 10 overs, which would have looked expensive even in a 50-over match. The wickets were shared around as Graham Napier and James Middlebrook also bagged three apiece, Napier removing Riki Wessels and Lance Klusener, thanks to a sharp catch at slip by Jason Gallian, off consecutive balls to leave himself on a hat-trick.

Kadeer Ali's strong late-season form continued with his second Championship century of the summer as Gloucestershire built a solid base against Leicestershire at Grace Road. Ali added 186 for the first wicket with Will Porterfield, who played a neat second fiddle. The home side finally broke through via the unlikely route of Josh Cobb's part-time spin and three wickets fell for seven as Leicestershire fought back. Cobb had Ali caught behind, then bowled Porterfield as he tried to sweep, before Alex Gidman and Chris Taylor steadied the innings towards the close

Despite bright sunshine there was no play in Cardiff between Glamorgan and Worcestershire with the ground flooded following heavy rain.

Click here for John Ward's report of Somerset against Durham at Taunton

Click here for Andrew McGlashan's report of Surrey against Hampshire at The Oval