HAMPSHIRE are on the cusp of an extraordinary Great Escape.

A fiery burst of fast bowling from Fidel Edwards boosted their hopes of the win they need for a chance of staying in the LV= County Championship’s first division.

The West Indian took 4-57, giving him match figures of 10-145, as Nottinghamshire were bowled out for 185 – a lead of 199.

Needing 200 and a Yorkshire win over Sussex to stay up, Hampshire will begin the final day at Trent Bridge requiring just 111 with all ten wickets intact.

Jimmy Adams (46no) and Michael Carberry (37no) raced to 89-0 from 24 overs after Edwards’ heroics.

Having resumed their first innings on 298-8 at the beginning of the third day, Hampshire were all out for 326 after Ryan McLaren (52)and Gareth Berg (72) extended their match-changing ninth-wicket stand to 123.

McLaren eventually played on against Harry Gurney (4-70) before Berg was caught down the leg side against Stuart Broad (2-73).

With a first-innings advantage of only 14 runs, Notts were indebted to Brendan Taylor’s 90.

He helped Notts recover to 127-2 after Edwards bowled Jake Libby (2) and Ryan Stevenson trapped Steven Mullaney (19) lbw.

Then Berg continued his dream day by bowling Samit Patel (25)and Riki Wessels (9).

Taylor lifted Liam Dawson for six before reaching an 85-ball 50.

But, with a century in his sights, he failed to clear James Vince at mid-off.

Notts were 168-5 when Edwards returned to the attack with devastating effect, dismissing Chris Read, Broad and Billy Root in the space of seven deliveries.

Then McLaren deservedly gained his first two wickets of the match in spectacular fashion, knocking over the stumps of Jake Ball and Gurney before Carberry and Adams made the target look modest.

After sharing 143 and 74 in their previous partnerships, Hampshire’s openers produced another big stand while making Broad (3-0-26-0) look ordinary.

Hampshire have set up a fascinating finale, of far more significance than T20 Finals Day.

Victory could be achieved before lunch, when all eyes will turn to Headingley, where a Yorkshire win would keep Hampshire up by two points.

A draw would suffice for Sussex so there is sure to be a twist or two.

Whatever happens, Hampshire’s turnaround has been a shot in the arm for the much-maligned Championship.

Hampshire bowling: Edwards 17-4-57-4, McLaren 12-6-22-2, Berg 10-3-28-2, Stevenson 6-2-15-1, Dawson 17-4-57-1.

DAY THREE HIGHLIGHTS