Big opportunity beckons for Northants' batsmen at Edgbaston

The County are in trouble in the Bob Willis Trophy opener, with Warwickshire having racked up 369 for eight in their first innings.

That gave them a 227-run lead before Northants started their second innings.

Ripley's side finished day two on 19 without loss after seven overs.

And the head coach said: "There was a bit of a sliding-doors moment early on when Ben Sanderson was bowling really well and we had a chance to get Tim Bresnan (who hit 105) but it didn't go our way.

"The lads bowled well and kept the scoring rate right down, which is what you have to do when you're not taking wickets, in sessions one or two, and they didn't have much luck. Now we have got to bat well.

"We weren't at our best in the first innings but this is a good opportunity.

"We have said we are giving young players a chance this season - wouldn't it be great to be standing here tomorrow talking about how one of them has scored a century?

"We took an important first step in that little session at the end, coming through unscathed which is great credit to the two lads."

Northants were all out for just 142 in their first innings, with Luke Procter top scoring with 29 not out.

Former County pace ace Ollie Stone took four for 39 for Warwickshire.

Northants then had Warwickshire at 141 for five but the hosts recovered well, despite three for 64 from Nathan Buck.

All-rounder Bresnan played a key role with his 105 before he was bowled by Rob Keogh.

And Bresnan said: "It felt really good to get a century and it was great that Rob Yates (who hit 88) and Alex Thomson (who hit 46) came in and played the way they did.

"Yatesy is a solid player and just what we need at the top of the order and Thommo was absolutely fantastic - he came in and took the bowlers on when it wasn't easy to score because there is still a little bit in the wicket.

"It wasn't easy. It's the sort of wicket that keeps you honest and they held their lengths well most of the day which is credit to the way Northamptonshire bowled.

"But a 220-odd lead on that wicket is a good position and if we bowl anything like tomorrow and make some inroads hopefully we can wrap this game up."