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County Championship: Nottinghamshire in trouble at Hove, Worcestershire closing in

Chris Jordan of Sussex hits out during the Specsavers County Championship Division Two match between Sussex and Worcestershire
Image: Chris Jordan hit a century as Sussex made Notts toil on day two at Hove

Nottinghamshire's hopes of returning to Specsavers County Championship Division One at the first attempt are hanging in the balance as they closed on 108-5 after Sussex had racked up 565 at Hove.

Centuries from Chris Jordan (147) and Michael Burgess (146) helped the hosts to claim maximum batting bonus points after they had begun the day on 230-5.

Notts came into the game needing just six points to guarantee promotion but managed just two bowling bonus points and face a battle to muster even one with the bat, while an improbable 307 more runs are need to avoid the follow on.

With Notts struggling, third-placed Northamptonshire are well-placed to pounce and take the second promotion spot after bowling Leicestershire out for 128 at Grace Road.

Ben Sanderson of Northamptonshire unsuccessfully appeals for a wicket during the Specsavers County Championship
Image: Ben Sanderson took 5-39 as Northants kept their promotion hopes alive

After day one was washed out, Northants made up for lost time on the second morning and quickly reduced their hosts to 26-7 as Ben Sanderson (5-39) and Richard Gleeson (5-49) wreaked havoc.

A half-century from Ben Raine (57) gave Leicestershire's total some respectability but Northants soon eased passed it and despite a collapse late in the day, closed on 199-8 with Luke Procter top-scoring with 82.

Leaders Worcestershire's promotion to Division One looks set to be confirmed on Wednesday as they reduced Durham to 142-5 at stumps.

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TAUNTON, UNITED KINGDOM - AUGUST 05: Graham Onions of Durham celebrates after dismissing James Hildreth of Somerset during Day Two of the Specsavers County
Image: Graham Onions took 4-68 but Durham are up against it against Worcestershire

Having started day two on 90-3 at New Road, Worcestershire were eventually bowled out for 335, earning them three batting bonus points, thanks to 82 from Ravi Ashwin and 75 from Ed Barnard.

Graham Onions took 4-68 in his final game for Durham, who found themselves 30-3 early in their first innings - young fast bowler Josh Tongue taking two wickets - before Graham's Clark's 60 steadied the ship somewhat.

Another four wickets on day three will guarantee Worcestershire a place in the top flight next season.

Kent bowled Glamorgan out for 229 to earn a first innings lead of 73 on day two at Canterbury but were wobbling at 98-6 in their second innings by the close.

Darren Stevens rolled back the years to bag a six-for
Image: Darren Stevens was one of three Kent bowlers to take two wickets

The Kent bowlers shared the wickets around with Calum Haggett taking three and Adam Milne, Darren Stevens and Grant Stewart all claiming two as no Glamorgan batsmen passed 50.

Michael Hogan then did the damage for the visitors with the ball, taking 4-28, to leave the game delicately poised with two days to go.

Alex Hughes was the mainstay of the Derbyshire innings as they made 460 in their first innings against Gloucestershire in Bristol.

Wayne Madsen of Derbyshire batting during the Specsavers County Championship Division Two match
Image: Wayne Madsen put on 233 with Alex Hughes for Derbyshire's third wicket

Hughes hit 142 and shared a third-wicket partnership of 233 with Wayne Madsen before Gloucestershire made a solid start to their reply, closing on 47-1.

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