LONDON, July 28: Lancashire's hopes of winning the English County Championship suffered a setback on Thursday when they conceded a first-innings lead of 197 to Nottinghamshire.

They were dismissed for only 200 on the second day at Trent Bridge with Ryan Sidebottom and Andrew Harris taking three wickets each.

But Lancashire, who were lying second in the table at the start of the current round of matches, at least had the satisfaction of fighting back by the close when Nottinghamshire were reduced to 94 for five in their second innings.

Leaders Sussex, hoping to extend their lead at the top, were frustrated by Nick Knight at Edgbaston.

Knight hit 123 as Warwickshire made 329 for seven on the first day, with Tim Ambrose unbeaten on 63 at the close.

Warwickshire had slipped to 54 for three early on but Knight, first in a partnership of 126 with Mike Powell (42), turned it around.

Former Lancashire captain John Crawley hit 173 as Hampshire built up a huge advantage over Yorkshire at the Rose Bowl.

In Division Two, Glamorgan's Mike Powell fell one short of a maiden triple century against Gloucestershire at Cheltenham.

Powell's 299 came from 479 balls with 38 fours and two sixes. James Franklin added 94 before the Welshmen declared on 647 for seven.—AFP