County Championship: Northants batsmen on top at Lancashire

Ben Duckett hit the third first-class century of his career

Ben Duckett's century at Old Trafford was the cornerstone of a dominant day for Northants against Lancashire.

Duckett (134) shared a 170-run second-wicket stand with captain Alex Wakely (56) to help Northants ease to 227-2.

Simon Kerrigan (2-70) took two wickets in three deliveries, but Richard Levi (57) and Adam Rossington (79 not out) then put on 142 for the fifth wicket.

James Faulkner (3-48) took the wickets of Levi and Josh Cobb in successive balls but the visitors closed on 388-6.

The day had started well for the Division Two leaders when Kyle Jarvis trapped Kyle Coetzer in front in the second over, but Duckett then took the lead, hitting two sixes and 19 fours in his 151-ball innings.

Duckett became Kerrigan's 250th first-class wicket, before Rossington ensured the visitors ended the day on top.

Simon Kerrigan told BBC Sport:

"It was a tough day and we've not had many of those this season. The first session got away from us and it felt like we were clinging on to make it respectable. Luckily we've managed to take six wickets.

"As a group that's probably the worst we've bowled all year and it's a good pitch so we have to be disciplined and build pressure from both ends. Only Jimmy (James Faulkner) bowled anyway like he can do.

"We have bowlers who are doing well at the moment but they've had an off day and they'll be disappointed but we're still right in this game because it's a good pitch."

Northants batsman Ben Duckett told BBC Sport:

"It's always good to get a hundred. I've been hitting the white ball all right, but not the red ball, but I got the chance to bat at the top of the order on a pretty nice wicket.

"It was a case of getting through the new ball and then trying to play as straight as possible and it paid off. Everyone has batted well and I hope we can continue batting for a long time tomorrow.

"I think it's going to turn and we've got three spinners. If you let spinners settle and find a rhythm they'll find it easy but if you use your feet and try and get the fielders back it becomes a lot easier."