Habib gives selectors a nudge

Glenn McGrath dismisses Richard Montgomerie at Hove

First Division Leicestershire v Hampshire
First innings: Hants 229 Leicestershire 212-6

Aftab Habib gave the England selectors a timely reminder of his talents when defying both Shane Warne and the inclement conditions at Grace Road.

His defiant unbeaten 63 in nearly five hours at the crease helped to rescue Leicestershire after Hampshire had threatened to take control.

They reduced the home side to just 111-5.

Habib steered the home side to 212-6 at the close, just 17 runs behind. His 223-ball knock included three fours.

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First Division Derbyshire v Yorkshire
First innings: Derby 303 Yorkshire 216-7

Darren Lehmann hit his third consecutive half-century for Yorkshire and was unbeaten on 59 at the close of another rain-hit day against Derbyshire at the Racecourse Ground.

Medium-pacer Matthew Cassar (4-52) added Gavin Hamilton's wicket to the three he took yesterday.

Australian left-hander Lehmann still has plenty of work to do on the final day on Saturday to carry Yorkshire from their 216 for seven past the hosts' 303 in another match that looks destined to end in a draw, barring any last-day collusion.

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Sussex v Worcestershire Second Division
First innings: 258 Worc 89-2

One man who made his mark despite the inclement weather was Worcestershire's Aussie Test paceman Glenn McGrath on day two against Sussex at Hove.

He finished with five for 54 as the hosts closed on 258 all out having resumed on 51 for one, and there were also three wickets for Stuart Lampitt on a day for the seamers.

Worcestershire lost openers Elliott Wilson and Ryan Driver, both lbw, on their way to 89 for two after a late finish on the south coast.

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Nottinghamshire v Gloucestershire
First innings: Notts 215 Gloucestershire 212-6

Mark Alleyne edged Gloucestershire to within touching distance of Nottinghamshire's first-innings total as he completed a superb century.

Resuming on 68, the all-rounder continued exactly where he left off, punishing the loose ball in an otherwise patient innings.

He was supported well once again by Jack Russell, whose stickability frustrated Notts.

As on the second day, rain prevented play until 4pm.

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Warwickshire v Essex Second Division
First innings: Warks 400-8 dec Essex 8-0

Warwickshire batsmen Dominic Ostler ended his five-year wait for a County Championship century on another rain-hit day against Essex.

Ostler reached 93 not out on the first day but then had to wait almost two days before he could reach three figures after rain intervened.

He needed just seven more balls to move to his 11th first-class century.

It was his first since he made 116 against Essex at Ilford in June 1995 and only his second on his home ground.