Lancashire need to score an unlikely 435 runs to beat Surrey, who declared at 246 for six in their second innings at Old Trafford. A century for acting skipper Ian Ward provided the backbone for Surrey today, after the hosts were dismissed for 194 in their first innings. Glen Chapple completed his half century this morning, while Saqlain Mushtaq finished for four for 43. Rain forced an early finish to the day after Surrey's declaration.

Leicestershire are on course to beat Yorkshire at Grace Road after the holders were dismissed for 239 in their second innings. The veterans Phil DeFreitas (five for 38) and Devon Malcolm (four for 76) did the bulk of the damage, with only Darren Lehmann (119*) and Michael Lumb (46) providing any substantial resistance. At the close Leicestershire were 33 for one, needing another 170 for victory.

Barring a substantial collapse, Kent should beat Sussex in the first hour or so at Tunbridge Wells tomorrow morning. After an opening partnership of 146, Andrew Symonds got amongst the Sussex batsmen, with six for 105 as the middle order failed to maintain the momentum. Despite 67 from Matthew Prior the visitors were dismissed for 354, leaving Kent needing 192 to win. By stumps they'd got to within 57 of that at 134 for three. Ed Smith is on 74 not out.

Another telling contribution from Jamie Troughton has strengthened Warwickshire's position at The Rose Bowl. Troughton made an unbeaten 107 as Warwickshire closed on 267 for five in their second innings, 240 ahead. Earlier Shaun Pollock ended with four for 37 as Hampshire were dismissed for 277.

In Division Two Worcestershire completed an emphatic victory over Gloucestershire at Bristol. Anurag Singh continued to build on his overnight century, eventually reaching 187 (190 balls, two sixes and 23 fours) before being dismissed. Graeme Hick made 72 before declaring on 324 for three, leaving Gloucestershire needing 482 for victory. They were never in the hunt, with Kabir Ali taking five for 34 as the home team were bundled out for 177. Worcestershire won by 304 runs.

A century from Owais Shah assisted Middlesex as they continued their quest to reach a total somewhere near Durham's mammoth 645. Shah made 115 and Ed Joyce 47 at Lord's as Middlesex closed on 449 for nine. Mark Davies was the pick of the Durham attack, with three for 57.

Andy Flower (103*) and Aftab Habib (93) took Essex to within 135 runs of Northants' first innings 632 before Ronnie Irani declared on 497 for seven. At the close Northants were 58 for two, an overall lead of 193.

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