Championship face tough battle at Edgbaston

Leicestershire still have a lot of work to do if they are to overhaul Warwickshire's first innings 462 at Edgbaston. Jamie Troughton continued his recent purple patch for the hosts, moving from his overnight 65 to 130 before he was bowled by Grant Flower. Trevor Ward ensured a brisk reply, with an 89 as Leicestershire closed on 205 for four, still 257 behind.

A big century from Ally Brown has put Surrey firmly in control of their game against Kent. Brown made 188 to steer Surrey to 361 all out at The Oval, and Kent then lost Robert Key, bowled by James Ormond for four. At stumps Kent were 62 for one, still 146 behind.

Somerset are struggling at Bath, after Matt Bulbeck gave them hopes of a revival in the first session, taking three wickets as Hampshire dwindled from 149 for three to 252 all out. Alan Mullally then took three wickets as Somerset ended the day on 79 for five.

Yorkshire are struggling again against Sussex at Headingley. Steve Kirby finally dismissed Timothy Ambrose for 149 at Headingley this morning, as the visitors finished on 435 all out. In reply Yorkshire have limped to 195 for six, with James Kirtley and Kevin Innes taking two wickets each.

In Division Two, Michael Di Venuto gave Derbyshire an excellent start in pursuit of Nottinghamshire's 393 at Trent Bridge. He made 79 off just 84 balls before being caught behind off Nadeem Malik. Derbyshire had reached 298 for five, with Andrew Gait making 52, when rain forced an early close.

A double century from Ronnie Irani enabled Essex to thrive at Ilford. The captain made an unbeaten 207 before declaring on 498 for nine against Northants. Mark Ilott has taken two wickets as the visitors struggled to 138 for five in reply.

Durham are well placed after dismissing Worcestershire for 250 at Chester-le-Street. Although Allan Donald took two wickets to reduce the hosts to 94 for four, wicket-keeper Andrew Pratt (63*) has engineered a revival. At stumps Durham had reached 190 for four, a deficit of just 60.

Middlesex put Glamorgan in to bat at Lord's this afternoon, where the game finally got under way almost a day and a half late. They may be wondering if the decision was a wise one after Glamorgan closed on 228 for three. Mike Powell (89*) and Matthew Maynard (86*) have so far added 167 for the fourth wicket.