Kent staged a remarkable fightback to claim a first-innings lead over Nottinghamshire in their LV County Championship Division One at Trent Bridge thanks to half-centuries from Ryan McLaren (57) and Yasir Arafat (64 not out).

The visitors were reduced to five for four yesterday evening in response to Nottinghamshire's 202 after a devastating spell from Ryan Sidebottom (five for 48).

Handy contributions from Justin Kemp (24) and Geraint Jones (34) improved the situation this morning and Kent progressed 235 for nine.

Lancashire made a mockery of yesterday's wicket-fest at Old Trafford to reach 224 for four on the second day of their match with Durham.

Both sides were dismissed yesterday - England hopefuls Andrew Flintoff and Jimmy Anderson each claiming four wickets for the Red Rose - but Paul Horton's unbeaten 107 helped Lancashire claim a lead of 253 runs.

Somerset have it all to do to salvage their match against Hampshire at Taunton after the visitors seized a 233-run first-innings advantage.

John Crawley (104) emulated Kevin Pietersen's first-day century and Michael Lumb plundered 76 as Hampshire were eventually all out for 359.

Charl Willoughby (three for 69) and Ben Phillips (three for 62) each claimed a trio of victims.

In Division Two, Jason Gallian's 56 helped Essex reach 150 for four in pursuit of Middlesex's 302 at Chelmsford, while 19-year-old Tom Westley remained unbeaten on 47 at tea.

Middlesex lost their last three wickets for 39 runs this morning, James Middlebrook ending up with figures of five for 69.

Warwickshire moved within range of Derbyshire's first-innings total of 270 after progressing to 234 for three at Derby.

Resuming on 14 for no loss, Darren Maddy struck 57 before falling to Jonathan Clare, Ian Bell made 48 and Jonathan Trott remained unbeaten on 77.

SportingLife / Eurosport