VVS Laxman struck a fine hundred to help Lancashire gain a 205-run lead against Warwickshire on the second day of the Division one county match at Old Trafford.

Riding on Laxman's 103 and P Horton's 71, Lancashire were all out for 311 in their first innings in reply to Warwickshire's first innings total of 106.

After conceding the massive lead, Warwickshire were trying to claw their way back into the match, making 125 for the loss of two wickets in the second innings. I Westwood (50) was the top scorer for the side making a 50.

Earlier, Pakistani paceman Sajid Mahmood (4/21) and G Chapple (4-42) had wrecked the Warwickshire innings with their devastating spells.

In another second division match, Murali Kartik took six wickets as Middlesex restricted Leicestershire to 190.

Middlesex were bundled out for a 176 in their first innings at Southgate.

Kartik ensured that the batting debacle did not affect Middlesex much. Middlesex were 206 for four in their second innings with E Smith scoring an unbeaten 101.