Jonathan Trott made a timely return to form with an unbeaten century which frustrated Lancashire’s push for victory in their County Championship match against Warwickshire at Edgbaston.

Trott’s 102 was his first since he made a century in his Test debut in last August’s Ashes decider at the Oval and came a day before the selectors meet to name their squad for next week’s first Test against Bangladesh at Lord’s.

There has been speculation that Trott’s Test place might be under threat after his indifferent form during the winter and an inconsistent start to the domestic season which had seen him make three half centuries but five single figure Championship scores before yesterday.

But Trott came good with a determined and unflustered innings, his 21st first-class century, on a pitch of variable bounce and against a strong Lancashire attack which included his England team-mate James Anderson.

Thanks to Trott and Rikki Clarke (42), Warwickshire took the game into a fourth day but Lancashire are still well-placed to complete a swift double over them.

Warwickshire were set 441, which would be the highest fourth innings total in their history, for victory and they closed on 263-6 still 178 short of victory, having slipped to 119-4 at one stage.