Hampshire’s second innings began in the day’s first sunshine but the ball continued to move around and while Middleton settled, partners came and went.
None of the other top six batters passed 15 as Mark Stoneman edged Hannon-Dalby to first slip, Bamber drew edges from Nick Gubbins and Tom Prest and Webster removed Brown, lbw, and Liam Dawson, caught at second slip, in three balls.
At 99-5, Hampshire were in danger of relinquishing their advantage but Middleton and Toby Albert added 52 in 15 overs to reassert their side’s control.
Albert (29 not out) made important runs for the second time in the match while Middleton reached 50, off 71 balls, for the first time in 10 attempts this season.
Though he was bowled by Simmons just before the close, on a pitch which examines the batters’ powers of technique and diligence, his work, like Fuller’s in the first innings, was of immense value.
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