Yardy flays Gloucestershire to hand Sussex advantage

Michael Yardy was unbeaten on 72 at the end of the third day© Getty Images

Sussex will take a lead of 249 into the final day, with four wickets remaining after a solid day's batting against Gloucestershire teed up the possibility of a win at Hove. Gloucestershire added 25 for their last two wickets, to hand Sussex a first-innings lead of 49, which was increased by Michael Yardy, Murray Goodwin and Chris Adams. Yardy was undefeated on 72 by stumps, with Goodwin (43) and Adams (61) back in the pavilion after solid contributions. Sussex had been in some difficulty at 7 for 2, with the dismissals of Richard Montgomerie and Matt Prior, but Yardy made sure it was the home side's day.

There was no play possible between Nottinghamshire and Surrey at Trent Bridge.

Division Two

Rain put paid to play in most other county matches today - and has already wiped out some of this match - yet Durham are still in a commanding position ahead of the final day, where they will start with a lead of 233, with nine wickets remaining. Gareth Breese was instrumental in dismissing Somerset for 303, taking five wickets after Mike Hussey had earlier declared on 476 for 9 on the third morning. Durham made a solid start to their second innings and were 60 for 1 by the close, with Hussey falling for 27.

Rain washed out any chances of play between Leicestershire and Essex, who were well on top at Grace Road. At Headingley, it was the same story with no play possible between Yorkshire and Derbyshire on the third day.