Alex Winter
BBC Radio Northampton sport

Alex Wakely's first Championship century of the season has given Northants complete control of this game. Like the first hour on day two, the first session on day three could hardly have gone better - they added 146 runs in 28 overs to tea.

Leicestershire have slipped out of the game. The ball hasn't swung for them today - despite getting the ball changed - and they haven't contained Northants at all.

The only consideration now is how much time Northants want with the ball tonight. The lead is healthy enough already at 337 and in another 15 overs may be insurmountable. An hour under the floodlights with a new ball would be very useful for the home side.

Image source, BBC Sport

The last three centuries Nick Browne has made in the County Championship have all be converted into doubles.

He made two against Derbyshire, home and away, last season.

Mightily impressive stuff from the Essex opener. Would he be a good shout to open alongside Alastair Cook for England next week? Let me know using #bbccricket on Twitter.

Image source, Rex Features

Northants are in a strong position against Leicestershire thanks to Alex Wakeley, who has just fallen for 112. The hosts are 217-4 and lead by 321 runs.

Derbyshire are 91-4 against Glamorgan at Cardiff, with Luis Reece 34 not out at the crease alongside Alex Hughes. They lead by 142 runs.

Kent are 166-5 against Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge. Joe Weatherley, in as a substitute for Sam Billings, who has gone to join the Lions, has 16 not out, while Darren Stevens has 30. The Kent all-rounder has also just passed 11,000 first-class runs for the county.

Rain has come at Hove, where Gloucestershire are 120-1 versus Sussex. Cameron Bancroft is 59 not out. Will Tavare is 25 not out.

There has been no play at Chester-le-Street, where Durham and Worcestershire have been frustrated.

Double century for Brownepublished at 19:54 British Summer Time 28 June 2017

19:54 BST 28 June 2017

Essex 436-1 v Middlesex 246

Essex have runs throughout this side.

Nick Browne reaches his 200 off 368 balls with his 21st four.

It's been a sublime knock from the left-hander and one that's put the Division One leaders in a match-winning position.

Maximum for Choprapublished at 19:49 British Summer Time 28 June 2017

19:49 BST 28 June 2017

Essex 425-1 v Middlesex 246

Image source, Rex Features

Essex are going for it.

Varun Chopra launches Ollie Rayner into the stands and the lead is up to 179.

Nick Browne is six away from his double century.

Rain stops playpublished at 19:47 British Summer Time 28 June 2017

19:47 BST 28 June 2017

Hampshire 211-9 dec v Somerset 135-8

The rain is back at the Ageas Bowl and there will be a delayed resumption after dinner.

It's only light drizzle at the moment, but heavy enough to keep the players off the field.

Intent from Essexpublished at 19:43 British Summer Time 28 June 2017

19:43 BST 28 June 2017

Essex 412-1 v Middlesex 246

It seems Essex do fancy having a bowl at Middlesex this evening.

Nick Browne clobbers Dawid Malan for the first six of the innings and moves into the 190s.

We could be on for a boundary-fest ladies and gents.

That's five batting bonus points for Essex. It means they'll pick up the full shebang of 24 if they beat Middlesex.

There are 30 overs left tonight - would they fancy a lead of around 250 and then 10 overs at the county champions?

Image source, Rex Features

Warwickshire are struggling for a breakthrough at Edgbaston following some fine rearguard action from Alex Davies (79 not out) and Lancashire captain Steven Croft (23 not out).

The Red Rose lead by 80, and you feel the Bears will need a few more wickets tonight if they're going to pick up a first win of the season.

Gerry Dolan: an hour ago at the Ageas only one team could win. An hour later still only one team can win...but it's the other one

Nick Webb
BBC Wales Sport

Derbyshire lead by 123 after an action-packed 70-minute session in Cardiff which followed hours of waiting.

Marchant de Lange quickly removed both night-watchmen Tom Taylor and Tony Palladino while Billy Godleman hit a frenetic 27 before de Lange forced him to lob one to point.

Spinner Andrew Salter then saw Wayne Madsen on 13 push one to short-leg.

It looks as if Derbyshire are thinking about a declaration tomorrow afternoon, but they risk being bowled out and having the choice taken from them if they continue to bat with gay abandon.

Adrian Harms
Sports reporter, BBC Sussex

Very much Gloucestershire's session with Cameron Bancroft and Will Tavare adding an unbroken 52 for the second wicket.

However, their excellent progress could be halted again by the weather with light drizzle again falling at Hove

Image source, BBC Sport

What I am certain of is that they're into the final session at Chelmsford.

Varun Chopra, who is likely to replace Alastair Cook at the top of the order when he goes on England duty, is alongside Nick Browne with 174 to his name.

The lead is already pushing towards 150.

Thanks Felix.

Well, that was really something quite special from Alastair Cook and Nick Browne.

But Goochy and Paul Prichard's record stand for any Essex wicket is safe for now.

I have no idea what time anyone is taking dinner today because it's been raining and there are squillions of overs to be bowled.

So I'll just report things as I see them!

Right then. Somerset fans will welcome this change of personnel, as me, Mr Bad Luck Charm, hands back over to Gary Smee to continue until the close.

Let's hope he brings come calm, eh?

Ben: Nick Browne's average is 46 w/ 13 centuries in 92 inns. Got to be worth at least a Lions call up?

Sam Goldman: Alastair Cook is rubbish. Can't believe he didn't kick on......

Christian Hedicker: I'd take Abell's form at the moment mine as skipper is 3 innings 1 run at an average of 0.33

That's quite something Christian. I take it you're a bowler? Or perhaps a specialist non-batting, non-bowling captain?