Yorkshire’s hopes of defeating Middlesex foundered on the broad bat of Australian opener Chris Rogers this morning but there is still a fascinating afternoon in prospect at Lord’s.

Needing 472 to win to achieve a most memorable victory, the home side began the day on 230-1. By lunch they had progressed to 360-3 with Rogers unbeaten on 194 and Neil Dexter on 10 not out.

However, Joe Root’s attack did claim two vital wickets in the session and they will be encouraged by those as they gear up for a crucial few hours.

First, Dawid Malan was lbw on the front foot to Ryan Sidebottom, having added just seven runs to his overnight 28 not out. Rogers and Eoin Morgan then put on 70 for the third wicket before the England batsman was caught at slip by Adam Lyth for 27 when a ball from off-spinner Kane Williamson looped into the air, very probably off the batsman’s glove.

Yorkshire skipper Joe Root kept faith in his slow bowlers for eight more overs and opted not to take the new ball until just before lunch when Ryan Sidebottom bowled a fine set of six deliveries. The hour or so after lunch will surely go a long way towards determining the result of this wonderful cricket match.