Rob Keogh and Justin Broad both spent valuable time in the middle and struck half centuries but Northamptonshire 2XI were bowled out for 187 on the opening day against Warwickshire 2XI.

Taking place at Edgbaston Community Sports Ground, a strong Northamptonshire side won the toss and elected to bat on a sunny morning in the midlands.

Rob Keogh and Gus Miller came out to the middle and started fluently before Miller was dismissed for LBW for 21 thanks to an in-swinging Che Simmonds yorker.

Keogh was joined by Justin Broad, who is only batting in this game as he continues his return from a back problem. The pair played beautifully before lunch and both passed their half century to guide the 2XI to 140/1 at the end of the session.

The second wicket was worth 132 but when Broad fell for a fluent 62, it sparked a collapse. Stuart van der Merwe was removed for 2 by the impressive Simmonds and Aadi Sharma went for nought, leaving the visitors 156/4.

Simmonds eventually broke Keogh’s 120 ball resistance, trapping the opener in front for 55, before Arush Buchake was caught at slip off the bowling of Taylor.

Dom Leech counter attacked well, striking 17 with three boundaries, however he was not supported and the tail fell around him. Simmonds took five wickets and Taylor three as Liam Guthrie, Alex Corbett and Tiaan Louw were all removed as Northamptonshire were bowled out for 187 in 51 overs.

Guthrie took the new ball and struck early, with Shaikh caught driving straight to Louw in the covers, leaving Warwickshire 9/1.

The bowlers were forced to work hard late in the day as Nahal and Malik put together a 87-run partnership for the second wicket. The partnership was broken by Gus Miller as he forced a faint edge off Nahal which went straight into the gloves of Corbett.

Warwickshire continued to score as Malik passed his half century and Jani scored at nearly a run a ball, but the latter was trapped in front by Guthrie for 41 in the 32nd over.

Guthrie’s tail was up and he struck again two balls later, removing Gekis for a duck as he chipped to Buchake. The double wicket maiden was the last of the Northamptonshire danger in the day, with Malik finishing unbeaten on 66 and Dandy on 7. Warwickshire finished the day 165/4, trailing by 22 runs.

Play starts at 11am tomorrow and a scorecard and clips can be found here.