Paul Coughlin’s economical spell handed Nottinghamshire’s Second XI a slight advantage after day two of their four-day friendly against Warwickshire.

The all-rounder took 2-20 from his 13 overs, ably supported by Kashif Ali (4-26) and Jack Blatherwick (3-67) as Warwickshire were dismissed for 159 in their first innings, a defecit of 45 runs.

Notts would extend their lead to 121 by the close of play, with Coughlin and Ben Slater at the crease.

Coughlin’s two wickets came from the first two balls of the day, first luring Dan Mousely into an ill-advised shot which was pouched by Chris Gibson, before knocking back Seb Mead’s off stump.

Alex Mellor would survive the hat-trick ball, but wickets would continue to tumble, Blatherwick soon accounting for Alex Oxley (13), Ethan Brookes (9) and Harry Johnson (4).

From 54-5, Warwickshire staged a minor recovery, reaching 106 without losing any further wickets before Kashif Ali dismissed Alex Mellor (26), George Panayi (0) and Craig Miles (28) to reduce the visitors to 112-8.

Jake Lintott (40) and George Furrer (4*) mounted some resistance, before Lintott was the last man to go, adjudged lbw to Ali.

In the 28.4 overs that were possible before stumps, Notts made a strong start, with Chris Gibson and Ben Slater building a half-century stand.

Gibson would depart for 11, with Ben Compton making 6, but Paul Coughlin (6*) kept Slater company as he moved to his second fifty of the match.

Notts closed day two on 76-2, a lead of 121 runs.

View the full scorecard here.

*******

There is just one further opportunity to catch the Outlaws in T20 group stage action at Trent Bridge this summer, with Durham the visitors under the Friday night lights on 30 August.

Secure your seats….