Middlesex struggle despite Smith
A round-up from the latest Championship matches
Division One
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Ed Smith struck a defiant 147 but Middlesex still face a huge defeat against Nottinghamshire at Lord's. Smith's innings spanned 245 balls but he was trapped lbw by Ryan Sidebottom late in the day, leaving Middlesex still 138 runs behind but with just four wickets standing. The match appeared to be heading for a three-day finish when Ben Hutton was forced to retire hurt and Nick Compton was trapped lbw. But the middle order showed some fight, although none could build a commanding total like Smith. David Nash provided solid support, facing 124 balls before falling to the last ball of the day to Sidebottom. During the morning session, Nottinghamshire batted on for eight overs, extending their lead to 412, with Paul Franks slamming 64.
Hampshire are building a huge lead over Durham at Chester-le-Streetafter opting not to enforce the follow on. A team effort skittled Durham for 195, in reply to Hampshire's 425, with none of the home side reaching fifty. The wickets were shared around with Chris Tremlett again impressing, removing Jimmy Maher for a duck amongst his three wickets. Even though the deficit was 230, Shane Warne sent his openers out for a second innings; James Adams and Michael Carberry responded with an unbroken stand of 134 in 47 overs - and there is more to come tomorrow before Warne calls time on the innings and sets about dismissing Durham again.
Division Two
Lance Klusener struck a powerful 131 to put Northamptonshire in charge against Glamorgan Cardiff. His innings allowed Northants to extend their lead to 165 after the innings had threatened to subside at 227 for 6. However, Ben Phillips provided solid support with 29 in a stand of 94 for the eighth wicket. Huw Waters wrapped up the innings to finish with 4 for 33. Northants squeezed out two wickets before the close with Monty Panesar again providing a major threat and he'll be key on the third day.