Bell states his case

Ian Bell keeps his name in the headlines courtesy of a crucial unbeaten half-century for Warwickshire at Edgbaston

Ian Bell offered the England selectors another timely reminder of his form with an unbeaten 60 as Warwickshire wrapped up a six-wicket victory over Middlesex in the Friends Provident Trophy.

Middlesex chose to bat first but eight players failed to make it out of single figures, with Eoin Morgan (62) and Dawid Malan (43) the only players to spend much time in the middle.

They were bowled out inside 48 overs at Edgbaston and Warwickshire eased past the 165-run target with more than 14 overs to spare thanks to Neil Carter’s rapid 56.

Michael Lumb hit 57 as Hampshire cruised to a six-wicket defeat of Nottinghamshire, who made 202 having opted to bat first in overcast conditions.

Dimitri Mascarenhas removed the top three for a combined total of 10 runs but Will Jefferson steadied the ship with 93 before being bowled by Dominic Cork.

Jefferson and Paul Franks, who made 50, put on 94 for the seventh wicket but the total was ultimately insufficient as Hampshire reached it with more than six overs remaining.

Michael Carberry was unbeaten on 40 as the visitors made light work of the Notts attack, while Sean Ervine chipped in with 34 and Chris Benham 30.

James Taylor’s century guided Leicestershire to an 18-run win over Worcestershire at New Road.

Teenager James Taylor is run out shortly after reaching three figures in Leicestershire's 18-run win at New Road

The 19-year-old enjoyed a partnership of 121 with Boeta Dippenaar, who made 63 not out, after HD Ackerman’s 63 set the visitors on their way to 282 for three.

Steven Davies and Ben Smith made 62 and 54 respectively in Worcestershire’s reply, but losing their last three wickets for 27 runs ended their chase prematurely as they were bowled out for 264.

Danish Kaneria took 4-16 to help Essex bowl Glamorgan out for just 124 en route to seven-wicket triumph at the SWALEC Stadium.

He was ably assisted by David Masters, who claimed 3-21, before Varun Chopra (37) and Graham Napier (41) hurried Essex to a meagre target with 24.1 overs to spare.

Ashwell Prince’s 78 carried Lancashire to a six-wicket win over Northamptonshire at Old Trafford.

The South Africa batsman received valuable support from Paul Horton, who made 46, before Francois Du Plessis’ unbeaten 40 saw the hosts home with 15 balls remaining.

Having chosen to bat first, captain Nicky Boje was the only Northants player to reach 50 as Glen Chapple and Gary Keedy took two wickets apiece.