Top five: Specsavers County Championship 6 Sept

What a day in the Specsavers County Championship. Games moved on apace, wickets tumbled and Haseeb Hameed embarked on one of the great rearguard actions in recent memory, batting all day to hold the Lancashire innings together against title rivals Essex. Here are the best bits...

PATIENCE IS A VIRTUE

It was the dig in to end all dig ins, one to reaffirm Haseeb Hameed's nickname of Baby Boycott. The opener battled for his life at Emirates Old Trafford, as wickets tumbled round him and even went a spell of 50 balls without scoring a run! He eventually ended on 85 not out as Lancashire ended the day on 222/8 having been 65/5. It would be one of the great centuries...

KNOCK ON WOOD

Mark Wood has clearly been netting furiously during his injury lay off because he's come back a genuine all-rounder it seems. Durham were 69/6 when he came to the crease, and 217 all out when he left after a magnificent unbeaten 72 peppered with superb shots - his new first-class best. He then chipped in with three wickets as Kent were skittled for 206, skipper Sam Northeast scoring a magnificent century.

TRENT BRIDGE THRILLER

The top of the table clash at Trent Bridge has been moving at an incredible pace with Notts well into their second innings at the close on Day Two. Worcestershire recovered form 89/6 to post 243, a lead of 50 and they soon had Notts 4 down before the deficit had been erased. Day Three should be a cracker, Notts leading by 90 with 5 wickets in hand.

LAST CHANCE SALOON

One would think Somerset must beat Warwickshire if they're to have any hope of remaining in Div One. A superb performance from spinner Jack Leach (5/50) has put his side well on course to do just that. They lead Warwickshire by 200 runs in the second innings with Marcus Trescothick 30no overnight.

STUMPS GO SMASH

Wednesday was a day when the poles took a beating. See evidence below 👇