One of the shots of the day from Saud Shakeel through the covers for four, taking him to double figures.

Runs have been a little hard to come by, but at this stage of the day's play it's all about preserving your wicket and making sure you're back out there batting at 11:00 tomorrow morning, not doing the crossword in the morning paper.

It's been coming, it's fair to say.

The players troop off with the hosts 22 runs ahead with seven wickets remaining. It's been their day from the first minute to the last, even if they did lose three wickets for the addition of just 24 runs this evening.

I'll be honest, I'd be staggered if they get back out there again tonight.

Notts bring up their 100 with a Haseeb Hameed boundary down to fine leg.

Simon Harmer square cuts for four to end Gus Atkinson's latest over.

How does the South African approach it now, with six more to come?

He is 34 not out.

for Haseeb Hameedpublished at 17:49 British Summer Time 4 May 2023

17:49 BST 4 May 2023

Notts 91-5 v Lancashire 214

Notts opener Haseeb Hameed gets to his third half-century of the season and it's a really key one for his team against his former county.

It's imperative he stays there until the close.

Leus du Plooy cracked his first ball away for four through the covers of Mike Finan but managed to lose the ball.

It disappeared underneath the covers and it took a squadron of players, coaches, groundstaff and spectators a good four or five minutes before it was retrieved and play could resume.

No career-best for Sam Cook, who is caught behind for 31 as a good ball from Gus Atkinson takes the shoulder of the bat.

It's the first five-for in any form of first-team cricket for 25-year-old Atkinson, who has three As in his full name, which is probably why he has managed to keep running in all day.

Cook and Simon Harmer put on 62 to earn a second batting point for their side. Number 11 Jamie Porter is the new batter.

Simon Harmer pushes Sean Abbott for a single and he and Sam Cook have a 50 partnership.

It's certainly been one of those see-saw days today, and Essex may be content enough if these two are still together at the close, with a second batting point in the bag.

Ged Scott
BBC Sport at New Road

Image source, Ged Scott - BBC Sport

That is now sadly it for the day at New Road.

It got gloomy very quickly and, within half an hour of coming off for bad light, play was called off for the day.

There is rain in the air and, although it has not actually started falling yet, it is clearly just about to.

Disappointment for the five hundred or so extra Steve Smith watchers who had come along to see Australia's star turn bat today, not to mention all the headline hunters in the press box.

But the extra media presence will now all have to come back in the morning, weather permitting.

Still a scheduled 19 overs to be bowled at Trent Bridge if the light holds, and it's not too bad at the moment - there are still shadows on the outfield.

Haseeb Hameed and Lyndon James are holding firm, with Hameed five runs away from a half-century, although James got lucky - edging George Balderson through the gap between wicketkeeper and first slip.

The visitors pass 50 and it must be said look increasingly comfortable.

James Fuller and Ian Holland have come into the attack but Rob Yates looks solid for his nine while Alex Davies has showed a lot more intent for his 34 from 50 balls. Will we see Liam Dawson before too long?

A penny for James Vince's thoughts. Warwickshire had the best of the bowling conditions but Hampshire gifted them several wickets late-on too.

Simon Harmer punches Sean Abbott straight down the ground for four.

Sam Cook is denied another by a great piece of boundary fielding but two runs takes him to 25 not out.

Ten overs to go this evening and Essex need 11 runs for their second batting point.

Derbyshire nose in front as the lights flicker into action at the County Ground. It is gloomy, to say the least.

Just 15 runs from the last 58 balls. Harry Came remains there on 45.

Four overs gone in Yorkshire's reply and they've got to 16-0, Adam Lyth and Finlay Bean seeing off Michael Neser and Timm van der Gugten thus far.

Image source, Rex Features

Tail-ender Sam Cook is looking like a proper batter at the moment. A cover drive off Kemar Roach brings him four more runs and he repeats it through the on-side from the next delivery.

Cook has 22 from 21 balls and Simon Harmer leg glances the first of a new Sean Abbott over for four to reach double figures.

A really key period happening at Trent Bridge. If Lancashire can winkle out a couple more in the next few overs, especially Haseeb Hameed, they really would be in charge.

An edge by Hameed falls short of second slip as the visitors sense this could be their moment.

Credit to George Balderson and Will Williams, who have bowled exceptionally well either side of the tea break.