Worcester are beaten to leave them on edge

Sussex advanced from 325 for seven overnight to declare on 420-8, Steve Magoffin dismissed for 41 before James Anyon (56 not out) and Amjad Khan (27no) added an unbroken 60.

A first-innings lead of 258 was more than enough as Monty Panesar’s stunning figures of 23-13-23-4 helped blow the visitors away for 141 in their second innings. Daryl Mitchell’s 48, before being bowled by the left-arm spinner, was a lone hand as the innings was ended nine wickets down, with James Cameron unable to return after being struck on the helmet by Magoffin.

Somerset must make 279 to beat Lancashire and prevent their title hopes suffering a setback.

The Red Rose, who are battling to prevent last season’s title triumph being followed by a relegation, made 242 in a second innings underpinned by Ashwell Prince’s 129.

The South African was the last man out after a 213-ball innings containing 12 boundaries, which left the West Country side needing to make the highest score of the match in the fourth innings. They closed on 22 for one after Glen Chapple dismissed Arul Suppiah.

Warwickshire have moved ahead of Nottinghamshire at the top of the table with the bonus points accrued against Middlesex, but the hosts actually hold the upper hand at Uxbridge.

Tim Murtagh took 4-77 as they bowled out the Bears for 324 to take a first-innings lead of 78. Jim Troughton failed to add to his overnight 60 while Ian Westwood advanced from 89 to 111.

Neil Dexter was unbeaten on 45 as Middlesex closed on 104-3 – 182 ahead.

In Division Two, Kent strengthened their promotion bid by taking a stranglehold on their match away to leaders Derbyshire.

The visitors’ first innings was wrapped up on 265, Mark Davies last out for 29 as Matt Coles made 57, but they skittled Derbyshire for 132 as Charlie Shreck took five for 41. David Wainwright’s unbeaten 29 was the top score.

Kent ended day two at 93 for three second time around, with captain Rob Key 63 not out.