Lancashire resumed at 346-7 with Bailey launching a single-handed bid to push their total toward 400. The all-rounder contributed 39 runs including two cover boundaries and a six over deep square leg before holing out. Balderson departed without adding to his overnight 21, while Singh Dale fell to a top edge as Lancashire's morning tally relied heavily on Bailey's efforts.

Northants' reply began disastrously with Luke Procter dismissed for a second-ball duck. Jimmy Anderson then ripped through the top order, taking four wickets in 22 deliveries despite a controversial decision against Calvin Harrison. Bartlett (31) and McSweeney (32) counter-attacked with a 62 partnership before Bailey broke the stand.

Anderson claimed his fifth wicket by dismissing Kimber, leaving Northants fighting. McManus reached fifty with a pull shot over mid-wicket, but deteriorating light forced umpires to bring play to an early close. Sanderson's 22 provided some resistance before becoming Dale's maiden wicket in Lancashire colors, leaving Northants trailing in the first innings.