Nottinghamshire were subjected to a frustrating day in the field after David Hussey’s unbeaten 251 set up a winning opportunity that slowly evaporated as Jacques Rudolf and Anthony McGrath orchestrated a spirited Yorkshire fight-back.

Rudolf fell three overs before close of play for 141 having been dropped by Ali Brown at slip when on 100.

Nottinghamshire’s immediate priority will be to remove McGrath (78) and Patterson (3) who steered the hosts to 272-2 at close of play.

Paul Franks had signalled Nottinghamshire’s attacking intent in an early flurry but was caught on the boundary bringing Andre Adams for a 10-ball 13.

Hussey was the major beneficiary of the 48 runs added in 20 minutes before the visiting bowlers took centre stage.

Hussey will eclipse Hashim Amla’s early season contribution of 377 runs in four matches if he scores 11 or more in the second innings although Notts will still retain a slim hope of securing an innings victory taking a 95-run lead into Friday.

A slow flat pitch and wet forecast for the final day makes a draw the most likely result and that would be enough to propel Notts to the top of LV= County Championship given their superior bonus point haul.