Highlights from day three
Sam Hain became the youngest batsman to score a double century for Warwickshire to push Northamptonshire closer to another heavy defeat in their LV= County Championship Division One match at Edgbaston.
Hain became the youngest player to score a first-class century for Warwickshire when he reached three figures against Northamptonshire at Wantage Road in June and again claimed another record previously held by Ian Bell before the home side declared on 573 for nine.
The teenager’s stand of 360 with Jonathan Trott was the third-highest fourth-wicket partnership in Warwickshire's history and their best for any wicket against Northants, who reached 149 for five in their second innings to trail by 151 at stumps on day three.
Warwickshire resumed on 413 for three and Hain reached 150 early in the day and pushed on confidently to his maiden double century from 326 balls with 24 fours and a maximum.
Sam Hain has just become the youngest Warwickshire cricketer to score a double First Class century #YouBears
— Warwickshire CCC (@CricketingBears) September 11, 2014
Trott was more subdued but he played a valuable supporting role to his younger partner before he miscued a straight drive off Hall to James Kettleborough at deep midwicket on 164.
Hain fell soon after lunch when he was bowled around his legs lapping veteran off-spinner James Middlebrook, who claimed his second five-wicket haul of the season - for 124 - as Warwickshire went in pursuit of quick runs ahead of their declaration.
Middlebrook's wickets were deserved reward for his early persistence and accuracy as Tim Ambrose was stumped by Adam Rossington giving him the charge. Chris Woakes and Keith Barker also went cheaply.
By that time Warwickshire had stretched their lead to 300 and Northamptonshire soon ran into trouble at the start of their second innings on a pitch that offered early encouragement for the seamers.
Woakes celebrated his award of an England central contract by pinning Northamptonshire captain Stephen Peters lbw and knocking back Kyle Coetzer's off stump in a demanding opening spell.
WICKET! Patel takes the wicket of Adam Rossington (44) with Sam Hain taking the catch. Northants 127/5 and Duckett is the new batsman.
— Northants Cricket (@NorthantsCCC) September 11, 2014
There were promising cameos from Kettleborough and Rob Keogh but both fell when apparently well set. Kettleborough edged off-spinner Jeetan Patel to Rikki Clarke at slip and Keogh was caught behind by Ambrose trying to withdraw the bat from a Barker delivery that was angled across him.
Rossington played positively for his 44 but was then snaffled by Hain at short leg off Patel. It left Northamptonshire facing their 11th defeat, and seventh by an innings, of a difficult campaign.
Woakes was pleased with his side's performance during the match and praised a season to remember, saying: "We are in a good position, the boys have played well all year in all formats.
"To be in the Royal London One Day Cup final next Saturday having already won the NatWest T20 Blast and to still be pushing for the County Championship at this stage of the season is credit to everyone in the dressing room.
Close of day 3 Northants 149-5 trail by 151
— Warwickshire CCC (@CricketingBears) September 11, 2014
"Obviously it looks like Yorkshire are going to win at Trent Bridge so it looks like we are now pushing for second place but no one wants to be playing for dead rubbers at this stage of the season."
Northamptonshire coach David Ripley said: "I'm pleased for James Middlebrook. He bowled his first 21 overs for 30 runs and got William Porterfield out but I though he bowled better than that.
"He didn't run through them but he was always asking questions. It can be a lottery when people start to tee off but the wickets went at his end, which he deserved.
"His match isn't over yet. He's a very nuggety batsman and hopefully he will make them work hard for his wicket tomorrow."