Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson claims 5-146 as Warwickshire slows down on day two

Hampshire spinner Liam Dawson showcased his skills on day two of the Vitality County Championship Division One match against Warwickshire at the Utilita Bowl in Southampton. Dawson claimed an impressive 5-146 in 40.1 overs, marking his 10th first-class five-wicket haul.

Despite Dawson’s stellar performance, the game progressed at a slow pace as Warwickshire posted a total of 455 runs before Hampshire’s reply. Fletcha Middleton and Nick Gubbins then steadied the ship for Hampshire, putting on an unbroken 124-run partnership for the second wicket. Gubbins remained unbeaten on 67, while Middleton scored 61 not out as Hampshire ended the day at 140-1, trailing Warwickshire by 315 runs.

The match saw a shift in momentum as the pitch slowed down, making it difficult for batsmen to score quickly. Warwickshire struggled to break through Hampshire’s defense, with night-watchman Danny Briggs frustrating his former team with a resilient performance.

Dawson’s exceptional bowling display and Hampshire’s solid batting effort set the stage for an intriguing third day of play. With Warwickshire looking to make further inroads and Hampshire aiming to narrow the deficit, the match is finely poised for an exciting conclusion.

As the action unfolds at the Utilita Bowl, cricket fans can expect more twists and turns in this gripping County Championship encounter. Stay tuned for more updates as Hampshire and Warwickshire battle it out for supremacy on the field.