Four teams from Group 2 were in action on Day 2 of the County Championship fixture 2021-22.
Leicestershire vs Middlesex, Grace Road
Middlesex 295 (Simpson 95*; Parkinson 3-76) and 57/1 (Eskinazi 31*; Wright 1-15) lead Leicestershire 136 (Parkinson 41; Andersson 4-27) by 216 runs.
John Simpson walked back unbeaten on 95 after running out of partners as Middlesex were bowled out for 295 in their first innings. Simpson’s resolve in the middle, helped by Luke Hollman (32), helped Middlesex avoid a collapse after they were reduced to 132/6. Callum Parkinson (3-76) was the pick of the bowlers, while Ed Barnes, Will Davis and Ben Mike picked up two wickets each.
In response, Leicestershire lost opener Hasan Azad for a duck. Marcus Harris, too, followed him a few moments later, caught by Simpson off Tom Helm. Skipper Colin Ackerman’s dismissal reduced them to 17/3. They soon became 42/6, and were eventually bowled out for 136 by Martin Andersson (4-27) and Ethan Bamber (3-36).
Middlesex then lost just one wicket and stretched their lead to 216 runs.
Surrey v Gloucestershire, The Oval
Surrey 473 (Amla 173; Higgins 4-69) lead Gloucestershire 45/1 (Brathwaite 27*; Virdi 1-20) by 428 runs
Stand-in captain Hashim Amla rose to the occasion at The Oval, taking centre-stage on Day 2 as well. During his 173, Amla was helped by Jamie Overton (50) and Sean Abbott (40). Rikki Clarke’s 65 then helped Surrey pile on 473.
Gloucestershire lost skipper Chris Dent to Amar Virdi after a watchful start. Finishing the day on 45/1, they have a mountain to climb with a deficit of 428 runs in their account.