Michael Lumb knock launches Notts fightback against Northants

Lumb finished up one run short of a 20th first class century

Michael Lumb fell one run short of a century but helped Nottinghamshire to a 124-run lead over Northants on day two.

Having resumed on 38-4, Lumb formed a fifth-wicket partnership of 133 with Riki Wessels before the latter departed on 71, bowled by Azharullah.

Chris Read (59) then added a further 106 with Lumb, who was eventually caught behind off Kyle Coetzer.

Luke Fletcher continued the resistance with 49, while Ajmal Shahzad ended the day on 65 as Notts closed on 384-8.

Northants' bowlers battled but took just four wickets throughout the day and have used seven different bowlers during the innings.

Having seen their openers tumble spectacularly on day one, Nottinghamshire might have feared the worst but the calmness of Lumb - eventually ousted on 99 from 192 balls - helped Mick Newell's side fight back.

Fletcher's exit in the closing stages saw him just miss out on a half-century and came after a 114-run partnership for the eighth wicket with Shahzad, while Andre Adams faced only seven balls before stumps.

BBC Radio Nottingham's Dave Bracegirdle:

"The fading memory won't allow me to recall the last time there were three separate century stands on the same day by Nottinghamshire batsmen but I can recall how low some supporters were feeling at the end of the first day.

"Michael Lumb's despair at getting out for 99 was obvious but the contributions from the other four batsmen who walked to the middle were just as vital.

"In a crucial game Notts have put their hands up and declared themselves ready for a serious tilt at the First Division title."