Four out of six teams of Group 2 were in action on Day 3 in the seventh round of the County Championship 2021. Let us have a look at how it went for them.
Leicestershire vs Middlesex, Grace Road
Middlesex 295 (Simpson 95*; Parkinson 3-76) and 218 (Eskinazi 46; Wright 6-48) lead Leicestershire 136 (Parkinson 41; Andersson 4-27) and 75/1 (Harris 41*; Bamber 1-16) by 302 runs
Chris Wright’s second-best career figures of 6-48 helped Leicestershire to bowl Middlesex out for 218 on Day 3 at Grace Road. Ben Mike also had two to his name, while Callum Parkinson and Will Davis claimed a wicket apiece. For Middlesex, Stevie Eskinazi top-scored with 46 before being bowled to Wright.
Chasing 378, Leicestershire lost Hassan Azad (1) early. Sam Evans (26*) and Marcus Harris’ (41*) then forged an unbroken 73-run stand for the second wicket gave Leicestershire a little chance to win the contest.
Surrey v Gloucestershire, The Oval
Surrey 473 (Amla 173; Higgins 4-69) lead Gloucestershire 158 (Hammond 77; Moriarty 6-60) and 124/5 (Hammond 38*; Abbott 2-5) by 191 runs
Surrey were on course for victory over Gloucestershire on Day 3 at The Oval. Resuming at 45/1, Daniel Moriarty returned 6-60 to bowl Gloucestershire out for 158. Amar Virdi also claimed three wickets, while Will Jacks had the remaining scalp. Apart from Miles Hammond (77) and Kraigg Brathwaite (38), no Gloucestershire batter scored in excess of 15.
Surrey captain Hashim Amla then enforced the follow-on. Gloucestershire once again collapsed to 124/5. Hammond is unbeaten at 38, alongside Jonathan Tattersall (15*). They are still 191 runs behind with five wickets in hand.