Ben Duckett's impressive double-century, coupled with high-class seam bowling, positioned Nottinghamshire in a strong position against Warwickshire on the second day of their Vitality Championship match at Edgbaston, despite the inclement weather.
Ben Duckett's uninterrupted 218 from 264 balls enabled Nottinghamshire to reach 400 all out against an attack skilfully led by Olly Hannon-Dalby, who took 5 for 78.
Despite the interruptions caused by rain and poor light, the visiting seamers were able to reduce Warwickshire to 26 for three. Ed Barnard (18 not out) and Dan Mousley (26 not out) demonstrated resilience by initiating a recovery and enabling their side to reach 71 for three before the last session was lost to the weather.
Nottinghamshire are currently in a strong position in the Midlands derby, but with more rain forecast tomorrow, they may be unable to turn their advantage into a win. The follow-on figure of 251 is crucial. If Warwickshire reaches that, the match appears destined for a draw.
Nottinghamshire resumed play on the second morning with a score of 367 for 8, with Duckett two runs short of achieving his fifth double-century in his career. He proceeded to reach 199 runs before turning down several opportunities to achieve his 200th run, instead choosing to conserve his energy. He eventually reached the milestone of 240 balls.
The England batter received valuable assistance from Dillon Pennington in a ninth-wicket partnership of 44 runs. The partnership between Mousley and Duckett steered their side to 400 runs before Mousley bowled Duckett for a duck. Pennington then executed a pull shot to the long leg region of the field in the subsequent over.
The Nottinghamshire seam attack caused significant early damage to Warwickshire's reply. Despite being among the highest-scorers in the country this season, Alex Davies, Will Rhodes and Rob Yates only scored 25 between them this time. Pennington successfully took Davies by Will Young at first slip and trapped Rhodes leg before wicket. A perfect off-cutter from Dane Paterson took Yates' edge through to wicketkeeper Joe Clarke.
The team achieved a remarkable 26 runs in three consecutive innings. The follow-on figure was far from reachable, given the challenging batting conditions. The light was moderate, the air was moist, and the bowlers were highly skilled. Barnard and Mousley managed to avoid further damage, although Mousley was reprieved on 15 when he edged the ball to third slip. Calvin Harrison could not hold a stinging chance.