London: England duo Gary Ballance and Tim Bresnan both just missed out on hundreds against Nottinghamshire on Wednesday, but their runs strengthened Yorkshire’s grip on the County Championship title
Yorkshire will win their first title since 2001 if they beat second-placed Nottinghamshire at Trent Bridge and the visitors moved into a strong position on the second day of four.
Ballance reached 99 before departing lbw to veteran left-arm spinner Gary Keedy (five for 163) and Bresnan was caught by Riki Wessels on 95 as Yorkshire declared on 532 for nine.
Nottinghamshire then collapsed to 58 for four at stumps.
A draw may even be enough for Yorkshire if Warwickshire fail to achieve a maximum-points victory against Northamptonshire, who are already relegated.
However, the Midlands county were well-placed after England batsman Jonathan Trott, continuing his comeback from the stress-related illness that cut short his Ashes tour of Australia, made an unbeaten 128 and Sam Hain 148 not out as Warwickshire reached 413 for three on the back of the duo’s unbroken stand of 271.
Warwickshire lead by 140 runs with seven wickets standing.
