Leicestershire v Hampshire: Visitors in control at Grace Road

Hampshire have taken control of their Championship match at Leicestershire going into the final day at Grace Road.

James Tomlinson (4-49) took Charlie Shreck's wicket with the second ball of the day as the hosts were 296 all out.

Despite Shreck's 3-78, Hampshire continued to extend their lead, helped by Will Smith (46), Joe Gatting (44), James Vince (56) and Adam Wheater (46).

Matt Coles (53 not out) then saw Hampshire to the close on 306-8, ahead by 342 runs.

A draw for Hampshire on the final day would be enough to lift them back above Worcestershire, three-day winners over Essex, at the top of the Division Two table.

BBC Radio Leicester's Richard Rae:

"Leicestershire's Niall O'Brien reckons the Foxes are still very much in this game, despite ending the day 342 adrift.

"That Hampshire are likely to bat on for three or four overs tomorrow suggests the visitors would like another 20-30 runs on a wicket which is still essentially very flat and the outfield very fast.

"It would be a heck of a game for Leicestershire to win from here though, especially with the impressive Kyle Abbott among the Hampshire bowlers.

"The key will be for one batsman to get in and make at least a century, something no player has so far managed, despite the number who have 'got in'. Ramnaresh Sarwan could be that player, but the visitors go into the day as favourites."