Warwickshire cricket title hopes remain in balance

[dutchman]

Warwickshire's hopes of winning the County Championship remain in the balance despite making 493 all out.



Shivnarine Chanderpaul was finally dismissed for 171 but the Bears secured only three batting bonus points.

Hampshire, who look certain to be relegated to Division Two, closed 436 runs behind on 57-0.

Warwickshire know victory will guarantee the title, so long as they take six Hampshire wickets within 110 overs of their first innings.

The visitors now have two days to bowl Hampshire out twice and it could be crucial, with Lancashire on top against Somerset.

If Warwickshire fail to beat the home side, Lancashire would pip them to the title with victory over Somerset.

Warwickshire began the day on 296-3 and quickly secured their third batting point but lost their first wicket of the day soon after.

Jim Troughton fell to Dimitri Mascarenhas (3-52) for 12, while Tim Ambrose and Rikki Clarke also went cheaply - two of three wickets for young seamer Chris Wood (3-87).

The 110-over mark arrived with Warwickshire short of 350, meaning a loss of two batting bonus points.

Despite Hampshire's spirited fight-back, Chanderpaul remained a rock at the other end before his 295-ball innings, containing three sixes and 23 fours, was ended by Liam Dawson.

Chris Woakes (62) then helped the visitors post a commanding 493 all out.

Hampshire, knowing they must score at least 344 to avoid the follow-on and even more if they are to secure the win they need, closed on 57 without loss.

LV County Championship Division One, The Rose Bowl
Close, day two: Warwickshire 493, Hampshire 57-0
Warwicks 3pts, Hants 1pt