Sussex, led by Ed Joyce's unbeaten century, are the most likeliest to secure victory on the final day of the latest round of LV= County Championship fixtures.
By Rob Barnett and Callum Dent
Live Scores / Follow ECB_Cricket on Twitter
6.38pm - And that's the end of day three! Here's how things stand:
Division One
Sussex, in pursuit of 330, require just 57 to win after Ed Joyce and Rory Hamilton-Brown, unbeaten on 125 and 48 respectively, helped them to 273 for two against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.
Michael Richardson is unbeaten on 53 as Durham, who ended the day on 178 for five, lead Northamptonshire by 252 runs at Wantage Road.
Steven Finn and Tim Murtagh shared the wickets as Middlesex reduced Nottinghamshire to 184 for five, a lead of 71, at Lord’s.
Somerset have a lead of 80 after closing on 530 for nine against Yorkshire at Taunton.
Division Two
Tymal Mills took three wickets as Essex reduced Derbyshire to 167 for five in pursuit of 366 at Chelmsford.
Hamish Marshall is unbeaten on 84 as Gloucestershire ended the day on 308 for nine, a lead of 190, against Hampshire at Bristol.
Kent, who closed on 51 for three, require another 215 runs to beat Worcestershire at New Road.
6.18pm – Middlebrook is enjoying his afternoon. The Northants spinner has picked up his fourth wicket in 12 overs, this time removing Paul Collingwood for 31.
Derbyshire have made it through to stumps with five wickets down, requiring another 199 runs to win tomorrow.
6.07pm – Play has finished for the day at Taunton, where Somerset have built a lead of 80 over Yorkshire after reaching the close on 530 for nine.
Stumps on Day 3. We finish on 530-9. Some great contributions including - Myburgh 91, and 50s for Hildy, Jonesy, Gregory and Kieswetter.
— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) April 15, 2014
At Bristol, Marshall and David Payne have helped Gloucestershire pass 300 with an unbroken 82-run stand. Their lead is edging closer to 200.
5.59pm – Joyce continues to lead Sussex's charge for back-to-back victories with his second century of the match. His side need another 101 runs to win with eight wickets remaining.
Another batsman in form is Durham number four Michael Richardson, who has passed his second half-century in the match.
5.45pm – Plunkett has the chance to claim a five-wicket haul after combining with Hodd again to remove Alfonso Thomas. However, Somerset have passed 500 and are leading by 54.
Andrew has replicated Northeast's dismissal to account for Rob Key and Daniel Bell-Drummond has fallen lbw to Jack Shantry, leaving Kent 27 for three.
Experienced West Indian Shivnarine Chanderpaul, unbeaten on 34, is holding the innings together for Derbyshire, who have slipped to 151 for five following Wes Durston's dismissal to Greg Smith.
UPDATE - Joyce dropped in the slips after Patel finds the edge. Things are happening for the bears!! #8togo#YouBears
— Warwickshire CCC (@CricketingBears) April 15, 2014
5.33pm – Essex's victory charge continues as Mills collects his third victim, Chesney Hughes lbw, to leave Derbyshire 135 for four in pursuit of 366.
Hamish Marshall has passed 50 as Gloucestershire stretch their lead to 143 with two second-innings wickets remaining.
5.28pm – Middlebrook is enjoying himself at Wantage Road as he takes a third Durham wicket. The Northants spinner removes Phil Mustard for 12 to leave the hosts 200 ahead on 126 for four.
Gregory's 91-ball 69, which included 10 fours and two maximums, has come to an end after edging Yorkshire seamer Liam Plunkett behind to Andy Hodd.
Michael Yardy has succumbed to Jeetan Patel for 28 as Sussex, chasing 330, slip to 188 for two.
5.18pm – Finn strikes again at Lord's, trapping James Taylor in front for 33, while Durham number three Scott Borthwick falls three runs short of a half-century as he is caught behind off James Middlebrook.
5.05pm – Middlesex move towards victory as Steven Finn has Samit Patel lbw for 15. Notts are eight runs behind with six wickets left.
Yorkshire centurion Adil Rashid snares Johann Myburgh in the same manner for 91, breaking a century partnership with Gregory.
Kent’s pursuit of 226 begins badly as Gareth Andrew traps Sam Northeast in front for nought in the first over.
Hampshire strike another blow when Matt Coles ousts James Fuller for 28, leaving Gloucestershire eight down while just 98 in front.
Siddle signing a boost https://t.co/ixK90uAKl4 via @audioboo#lvcc
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 15, 2014
4.50pm – Ben Cox’s impressive knock ends on a career-high 89 as James Tredwell bowls him and Worcestershire are all out for 270, setting Kent 266 to win. Bollinger returned 5-43.
Lewis Gregory brings up the fifth fifty of Somerset’s first innings. They have edged ahead of Yorkshire.
And that's Geoffrey batting with a stick of rhubarb!!! @FHCC2012 outdoor nets and team selection take place tonight pic.twitter.com/dWuhwAcQ0s”
— Cricket World (@Cricket_World) April 15, 2014
4.37pm – Wells’ resistance is over as he is caught at midwicket for 57 off Keith Barker. Sussex are therefore 135 for one.
Middlesex’s Tim Murtagh pins Michael Lumb lbw for 37 and Hampshire have their second scalp of the evening session when Liam Dawson likewise snares Tom Smith.
4.26pm – Sussex’s charge towards 330 to beat Warwickshire continues as Luke Wells raises a fifty. He and first-innings centurion Ed Joyce have added 127 without loss.
Derbyshire and Gloucestershire suffer blows to their slim victory hopes, Essex’s Tymal Mills trapping Billy Godleman in front for 38 and Hampshire’s Kyle Abbott likewise ousting Cameron Herring for 22.
Did you know? 3 highest scores of #LVCC 2013 came in @Yorkshireccc games Lees 275*, Gale 272 & Hughes 270 v Yorkshire pic.twitter.com/aVbiPYeQr8
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 15, 2014
4.17pm – The action is resuming and Doug Bollinger has the first wicket of the evening session, trapping Jack Shantry in front to leave Worcestershire nine down and earning a five-for on his Kent debut.
Will Smith will keep wicket for the evening session. Adam Wheater has injured his hand. Gloucestershire 175-5, a lead of 57 runs.
— Hampshire Cricket (@hantscricket) April 15, 2014
4.04pm – Sussex, requiring a victory target of 330, will be hoping the tea interval does not derail their progress after Joyce and Luke Wells guided them to 120 without loss, while Nottinghamshire are 35 behind Middlesex at Lord's with eight second-innings wickets in hand.
Gloucestershire reach tea on 167 for five, a lead of 47, after the Gidman brothers fell in quick succession earlier in the session.
All the games are now at tea. For live scores please click here.
3.52pm – Ben Cox's half-century has lifted Worcestershire's lead past 220 against Kent while Derbyshire, with Billy Godleman and Shivnarine Chanderpaul at the crease, require another 289 runs for victory with eight wickets remaining at Essex.
Cox playing some nice shots to get to his 50!
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) April 15, 2014
3.40pm – New Zealand international Kane Williamson's spin has undone Somerset again as Kieswetter departs for 64, ending a 112-run sixth-wicket stand with Myburgh just before the tea interval.
Sussex require another 270 runs to win after passing 100 without the loss of a wicket.
In Division Two, Essex paceman Mills has snared Wayne Madsen down the leg side to leave Derbyshire 70 for two in pursuit of 366.
Kieswetter gone! He's flashed hard at Williamson and edges to Lyth at first slip for 64. 364-6.
— Yorkshire CCC (@Yorkshireccc) April 15, 2014
3.27pm – Northants have dismissed Mark Stoneman cheaply for the second time in the match, the Durham opener departing to Maurice Chambers in the third over.
Ed Joyce, who has just reached a half-century, and Luke Wells are closing in on a century opening stand as Sussex chase 330 to win against Warwickshire.
Middlesex paceman Finn is in the wickets again at Lord's, trapping Phil Jaques in front to leave Nottinghamshire 69 runs behind on 44 for two.
3.18pm – In Division Two, Robbie Joseph has struck twice in as many overs to help Kent check the progress of Worcestershire, whose lead is now 183 with just two second-innings wickets in hand.
Derbyshire, in pursuit of 366, have lost Stephen Moore to Panesar with 45 on the board.
Sightscreen repairs #YouBearspic.twitter.com/djRm2a3r6P
— Warwickshire CCC (@CricketingBears) April 15, 2014
UPDATE - brief stoppage in play due to sightscreen issues at the pavilion end! Rikki Clarke and Dougie Brown to the rescue!! #YouBears
— Warwickshire CCC (@CricketingBears) April 15, 2014
3pm – Gloucestershire moved into the lead against Hampshire but have just lost Alex Gidman for 72, caught behind off Sean Ervine. The right-hander's fourth-wicket partnership with Hamish Marshall was worth 76.
Durham paceman Arshad has accounted for Muhammad Azhar Ullah to claim his fourth wicket and help dismiss Northamptonshire for 378, which is a first-innings deficit of 74.
Somerset continue to frustrate Yorkshire at Taunton, where Craig Kieswetter hit first-innings centurion Adil Rashid for six and four in successive balls to reach his half-century. Johann Myburgh, formerly of Durham, follows his partner to the milestone shortly afterwards.
Splendid #battingdaypic.twitter.com/g6Dj84O1yD
— Surrey Cricket (@surreycricket) April 15, 2014
2.48pm – Sussex have made a fine start in their pursuit of 330 at Edgbaston, passing 50 without the loss of a wicket.
Kent paceman Doug Bollinger has ended Ross Whiteley and Ben Cox's 55-run sixth-wicket stand by bowling the former for 34, leaving Worcestershire 166 runs ahead with just four second-innings wickets in hand.
Nottinghamshire, trailing by 113, have suffered an early setback with the dismissal of Steven Mullaney, trapped lbw by Tim Murtagh.
2.34pm – Another century has been claimed, this time at Lord's. Wicketkeeper-batsman John Simpson hits his 17th four of the innings to reach the milestone off 198 balls. Steven Finn is trapped lbw by Andy Carter and, with Gareth Berg unable to bat due to injury, Middlesex declare on 439 for nine, a first-innings lead of 113.
Durham are closing in on a first-innings advantage after claiming two Northamptonshire wickets in quick succession. Matthew Spriegel was caught behind off Usman Arshad three runs short of a deserved hundred before David Murphy fell to Jamie Harrison.
Somerset avoid the follow-on against Yorkshire at Taunton.
The scene at a gloriously sunny @EmiratesOT as @LancsCCC players practise ahead of Sunday's home @LV_Cricket game pic.twitter.com/8EHkfsLncA
— Lancashire CCC (@LancsCCC) April 15, 2014
2.16pm – Derbyshire require 366 to beat Essex at Chelmsford after the hosts were dismissed for 425 in the 128th over. Durston wrapped up the innings by bowling Tymal Mills for two, leaving skipper James Foster, whose half-century came off 104 deliveries, stranded on 55. Essex lost their last four wickets for just 32 runs after lunch.
Confirmation from the Club that Rikki Clarke sustained a broken finger when batting yesterday evening
— Warwickshire CCC (@CricketingBears) April 15, 2014
2.09pm – Essex have lost another two wickets in quick succession to slip to 412 for nine, a lead of 352. Graham Napier was caught and bowled by Wes Durston and Monty Panesar run out for a duck.
At Taunton, Yorkshire are keeping things extremely tight by bowling five consecutive maidens after the lunch interval.
Warwickshire have suffered a blow with the news that all-rounder Rikki Clarke broke a finger whilst batting yesterday.
UPDATE: It was a superb knock by the England Captain who hit 181 off 335 balls including 19 fours. @EssexCricket 401-7; lead by 341 #ESSvDER
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) April 15, 2014
1.50pm – Alastair Cook's 335-ball innings comes to an end shortly after lunch, the England Test captain providing a return catch for spinner David Wainwright to depart for 181.
Nottinghamshire all-rounder Samit Patel takes his first wicket of the innings in his 21st over, bowling James Harris for a duck.
1.06pm – Here’s the lunch scores:
Division One
Middlesex, for whom Sam Robson hit 163, are 384 for six in reply to Nottinghamshire’s 326 at Lord’s.
Northamptonshire are 319 for seven responding to Durham’s 452 at Wantage Road.
After Yorkshire posted 450 at Taunton, Somerset are 277 for five.
Ian Bell was unbeaten on 189 as Warwickshire were dismissed for 471 at Edgbaston. Sussex, chasing 330 to win, are 20 without loss.
Division Two
Alastair Cook has 179 not out of Essex’s second-innings 393 for six, giving them a lead of 333 over Derbyshire at Chelmsford.
Gloucestershire are 79 for three in their second innings, needing another 39 to make Hampshire bat again at Bristol.
Batting for a second time, Worcestershire are 113 for five at New Road, representing a 108–run advantage over Kent.
1pm – As lunch arrives around the grounds, Notts’ Steven Mullaney bowls Ollie Rayner for 20, ending a fifty partnership with Simpson, and Kent’s Mitchell Claydon cleans up Alexei Kervezee for 21. We’ll soon round up the scores for you.
Chance missed in first over by Warks as Wells is dropped at 2nd slip off Barker by Evans, standing where injured Clarke would have been.
— CulleyCricket (@CulleyCricket) April 15, 2014
Someone else in the runs - @Ian_Bell 189* http://t.co/gA93fBQGxX#LVCC
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 15, 2014
163 for Sam Robson. In your England XI this summer? Here's a few shots before he reached 100 for @Middlesex_CCChttp://t.co/qE0KOcDr5Y#LVCC
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 15, 2014
12.44pm –Warwickshire are dismissed for 471, setting Sussex 330 for their second straight win. Oliver Hannon-Dalby was run out for one, leaving stand-in skipper Bell unbeaten on 189. That’s a brilliant effort from the England man!
Meanwhile, Somerset’s Hildreth goes leg-before to Jack Brooks for 67 and Worcestershire’s Matt Pardoe is caught and bowled by Bollinger for 43.
@HomeOfCricket Absolutely gorgeous day to be sat in the Pavillion. #LoveLordspic.twitter.com/Uo2UxnB7sr
— Rachel Corrie (@Tobys__Mummy) April 15, 2014
12.27pm – Durham continue to have the better of the morning session at Wantage Road when Keaton Jennings pins Steven Crook in front for a brisk 22.
Bell, who has 187 to his name, is keeping Warwickshire going. They lead Sussex by 326 with one wicket left.
Gloucestershire’s Will Tavare cannot repeat his debut ton from the first innings as Matt Coles traps him lbw for 18.
Plenty of batsmen in the #LVCC in the runs yesterday including Alastair Cook. WATCH -http://t.co/47usW2yVy7
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 15, 2014
After Jones copped a blow on head yesterday, this time it's Kieswetter's turn to feel the force of a Plunkett bouncer. 226-4.
— Yorkshire CCC (@Yorkshireccc) April 15, 2014
12.10pm – Middlesex’s Simpson and Somerset’s Hildreth bring up half-centuries, but Northants’ David Willey departs cheaply as Arshad strikes in consecutive overs.
A big shout out to Head Groundsman @timpack71 who celebrates 25 years of working at @WorcsCCC today. pic.twitter.com/EoKAGsfO1a
— Worcestershire CCC (@WorcsCCC) April 15, 2014
12.01pm – After a fairly quiet first hour there’s suddenly a burst of activity!
In Division One Sussex’s Steve Magoffin has Patel caught behind for 74, halting an alliance of 118 with Bell, and James Anyon bowls Chris Wright for nought. Northants’ Matthew Spriegel completes a fifty but then sees Andrew Hall go lbw to Usman Arshad. Somerset’s Alviro Petersen nicks Kane Williamson behind for 24, stopping his partnership with James Hildreth at 72.
In Division Two Essex’s Cook goes to 150 and Kent’s James Tredwell ousts Kohler-Cadmore.
Tomorrow we'll be talking to @StuartBroad8 and @MarkRamprakash - tweet us your questions using #InvestecAsks and we'll ask the best!
— Investec Cricket (@InvestecCricket) April 15, 2014
11.45am – Robson falls for 163 to Andy Carter as the opener’s stand with John Simpson realises 94. Middlesex now lead Notts on first innings.
WICKET!! Foakes is clean bowled by Footitt for 22! Big breakthrough. @EssexCricket 316-6 (94); Cook 145*. Lead by 256 #ESSvDER
— Derbyshire CCC (@DerbyshireCCC) April 15, 2014
Newton is caught off Borthwick for 43, Northants are 231 for 4. Hall is now at the crease
— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) April 15, 2014
11.29am – Doug Bollinger strikes twice in two balls, having Daryl Mitchell caught behind for 27 and trapping Moeen Ali in front. Tom Kohler-Cadmore survives the hat-trick delivery, but Kent will scent victory now.
James Tomlinson also gets two scalps in an over, taking him to six wickets in the match. Openers Michael Klinger and Chris Dent are the men to go, making Hampshire firm favourites for a win.
Lovely day at the county ground! Hopefully @NorthantsCCC can post a good score! #lvcc#northantspic.twitter.com/Kxa6EKrENd
— Dave Emerton (@DaveEmerton) April 15, 2014
150 off 283, 20 x 4s for Robson, who brought up the 3rd batting point with a cover drive off the previous ball. 303-4. #middlesex150#class
— Middlesex Cricket (@Middlesex_CCC) April 15, 2014
11.08am – All seven games start on time. Warwickshire’s England batsman Ian Bell and Middlesex’s England hopeful Sam Robson soon reach 150 while Bell’s county team-mate Jeetan Patel raises a fifty
Meanwhile, Gloucestershire’s Matt Taylor ousts Adam Wheater for 82, earning a maiden senior five-for and dismissing Hampshire for 422– a first-innings lead of 118.
"@ExBamptonPO: I'm ready @SomersetCCCpic.twitter.com/gBIKDAlpc1" Slip slap slop!
— Somerset Cricket (@SomersetCCC) April 15, 2014
Did you miss Alastair Cook's celebration yesterday? http://t.co/EvIuNYgML1#EssvDer#Centurion
— Essex Cricket (@EssexCricket) April 15, 2014
10.50am – While waiting for the action to start, why not listen to new England selector Angus Fraser talking about Steven Finn’s impressive form in the below audioboo?
Fraser pleased to see Finn flying https://t.co/5zcyfFvARB via @audioboo
— England Cricket (@ECB_cricket) April 15, 2014
10.40am– Good morning on a third straight glorious day of LV= County Championship action. Here's how the matches stand:
Division One
Middlesex are 296 for four - with Sam Robson unbeaten on 144 - against Nottinghamshire, who posted 326 in their first innings at Lord’s.
Northamptonshire are 200 for three in reply to champions Durham’s 452 at Wantage Road in their first game in Division One since 2004.
Somerset are 166 for three in their response to Yorkshire’s 450 at Taunton.
Ian Bell’s majestic 144 not out helped Warwickshire reach 387 for seven– exactly 300 more than the team posted in their first go – to give them a lead of 245 runs against Sussex at Edgbaston.
Division Two
Alastair Cook reached the close unbeaten on 139 as Essex compiled 297 for five against Derbyshire at Chelmsford. That gives the hosts, in their second innings, a lead of 237.
Hampshire are 417 for nine, giving them a lead of 113 against Gloucestershire at Bristol, with James Vince returning 144.
Worcestershire are 41 without loss in their second innings at New Road, a lead of 36 runs against Kent, who were skittled out for 229.
Glorious day in B'ham can Sussex end the 32 year wait for a Championship win here @BBCSussexSport@SussexCCC from 11 pic.twitter.com/EXBjiz5W51
— Adrian Harms (@AdrianHarms) April 15, 2014