CRICKET SCOREBOARD

AN ENTHRALLING final day is in store at Trent Bridge as NOTTINGHAMSHIRE and MIDDLESEX battle for points that could have ramifications at both ends of Division One. After a fightback from bottom side Notts, leaders Middlesex were left to score 235 but limped to 48 for three at stumps. Jake Ball (below), Middlesex’s first-innings tormentor, claimed all three scalps. Earlier, Notts were bowled out for 240 — the third such score on a pitch that was used for last week’s ODI and has now sat for three more days under the burning sun. Ollie Rayner’s four for 83 and three wickets for Steven Finn kept the hosts in check and helped set up a thrilling finale. In Division Two, KENT capitulated to a NORTHANTS side still buoyed by winning last month’s T20 Blast title. It leaves ESSEX requiring just six points from two matches to seal the only promotion slot.